Why concert tour is 'meaningful opportunity' for rising K-pop group izna

izna. Photos courtesy of O.N Worldwide

In 2024, izna debuted with their self-titled single, a track that introduced the K-pop girl group through lyrics brimming with self-confidence. “Who that girl is? Na-na-na-na,” the chorus goes. But the repeated “na” is more than just a catchy syllable: in Korean, it means “me,” reinforcing the song’s declaration of identity.

At the time, the girls were fresh faces in K-pop, having earned their spots in the group through the reality competition series “I-Land 2: N/a.” Like any newly debuted act, they were setting out to make a name for themselves in an intensely competitive industry.

Nearly two years and several releases later, izna — composed of Mai, Bang Jee-min, Koko, Ryu Sa-rang, Choi Jung-eun and Jeong Sae-bi — are no longer the newcomers they once were. So who do the six members believe they are now?

“I think it would be ‘a version of myself that keeps rising endlessly,’” Jee-min told ABS-CBN in an email interview.

“As we work together, we’re always discovering new sides of one another and surprising each other, and I think it’s really amazing that there’s still so much room for us to grow,” she explained, adding: “We’ll continue growing together with the members and rise even higher as izna.”

In line with that continued growth, izna is set to embark on its first-ever concert tour across Asia. Titled “WHO DAT GIRL?” — an apparent nod to the group’s debut song — the tour is set to kick off with a two-day run in Seoul, South Korea, before making its way to other destinations across the region, including the Philippines.

“Through this tour, I feel like we’ll have the chance to strengthen our bond and grow even closer, not only as izna members but also with our fans, naya, so it feels like a very meaningful opportunity for us,” Jee-min said.

Presented by Three Angles Production and O.N Worldwide, the Philippine leg of the tour is scheduled for October 17 at the EMV Convention Center in Quezon City. Tickets, priced from P5,500 to P11,500, went on sale September 5.

(From left) Jeong Sae-bi, Bang Jee-min and Mai

Not only will the concert mark izna’s first performance in the country since their debut, but it will also be the first time all six members visit the Philippine capital.

“This will be my first time visiting Manila and I’m really happy because it’s one of the places I’ve always wanted to visit!” Koko said.

“More than anything, I’m looking forward to meeting naya in Manila, having a great time together, and bringing happiness to naya through our performances!” she said.

Sae-bi echoed the sentiment. “I’ve really been looking forward to the day we could meet naya in Manila, and I’m so, so excited that we can finally meet in person and enjoy the concert together!” she said, adding that she “can’t wait to see” her Filipino fans.

Sae-bi teased that fans can look forward to “some special gestures prepared just for naya in Manila.”

“What they are is still a secret, but please make sure to look out for them during the concert!” she said.

(From left) Choi Jung-eun, Ryu Sa-rang and Koko

With the trip marking their first visit to the country, the members are also eager to experience what Manila has to offer beyond the concert stage, if time permits.

“I’d love to check out some supermarkets and try lots of delicious food. I’d also love to go for walks around the streets of Manila and explore the city,” Koko said.

More from our interview with izna below.

When you found out you’d be going on tour, what were your initial reactions?

JUNG-EUN: This is our first concert since our fan concert [in Seoul and Japan]. Looking back on the past year, when we were asked what our happiest memory was, every member answered that it was the fan concert, so it remains a truly happy memory for all of us. That’s why I was really happy and excited to meet even more fans at different stops throughout this tour!

What kind of preparations have you been doing for the tour? 

KOKO: Since this is our first tour, we practiced a lot and worked hard, paying close attention to every detail. We especially wanted to show something even more special, so I personally took part in the choreography and the arrangement of some of the performances.

The tour comes shortly after your comeback with the extended play (EP) “SET THE TEMPO.” What did you learn during promotions for the album that you’re bringing with you onto the concert stage? 

JUNG-EUN: Through these promotions, I realized that if the people on stage aren’t focused and fully immersed first, it’s not easy to reach the hearts of the people watching. Before thinking about how much we want the audience to enjoy themselves, I think it starts with us genuinely enjoying ourselves and feeling happy on stage first. For this concert, we’re preparing in a way that really shows how much we love being on stage.

What message would you like to share with your Filipino fans who have been waiting to see you perform live? 

MAI: We’ll show you an amazing performance that will really light up the stage, so naya in Manila, please have a great time with us! Let’s create the best night together!

If the members could recommend one izna song to a first-time listener, which song would you choose and why?

JEE-MIN: I’d like to recommend “Mamma Mia.” It’s such a powerful and exciting song that you’ll find yourself moving to the rhythm just by listening to it. I recommend it because it really lets you feel all of izna’s energy. And I’m sure you’ll love it even more when you see the performance.

How has your bond as a group grown since debut? What is the team’s dynamic like these days? 

KOKO: When we debuted, we hadn’t spent a very long time together as trainees, so we were still getting to know each other. But now we understand each other so well and feel so at ease, and even when we’re just sitting together without saying anything, it doesn’t feel awkward at all. It really feels like we’re family now.

Before every performance, do any of you have personal pre-show rituals or habits, or is there something you always do together before going onstage? 

MAI: Before going on stage, all of the members always gather in a circle and shout, “iznaya!” together. It gives us energy and makes us feel like we’re ready to perform.

When people look back on izna years from now, what do you hope they’ll remember most about the group? 

SA-RANG: I hope we’ll be remembered as a group that always valued every stage and gave our best in every moment. I hope izna will be remembered as a group that was always truly passionate about the stage.