New girl groups like MEOVV, izna, and SAY MY NAME are debuting, raising excitement in K-POP's evolving landscape.
September/22/2024 16:07
As 4th generation girl groups like NewJeans, IVE, and aespa are actively performing not only in Korea but around the world, 5th generation girl groups are emerging one after another. MEOVV, the first girl group introduced by THE BLACK LABEL founded by TEDDY, has attracted great attention even before their debut. Selected through Mnet's 'I-LAND2', the debut group izna, and a new girl group to be launched by SM Entertainment for the first time in 4 years since aespa, as well as the girl group SAY MY NAME produced by Jaejoong, are raising expectations among K-POP fans. MEOVV officially debuted on the 6th of this month with the single 'MEOW', garnering interest as 'TEDDY's girl group'. Composed of five members: SOOIN, GAWON, ANNA, NARIN, and ELLA, MEOVV plans to showcase their unique charms through a differentiated production method from existing K-POP artists. The team name, which symbolizes a cat's meow, highlights their individuality in performances. The music video quickly surpassed 10 million views after its release and is nearing 20 million. Their debut stage on music programs also ranked as a trending video, reflecting high interest. izna, formed through Mnet's 'I-LAND2', is also preparing for their debut. The name izna embodies 'the confident and assured girls who can do anything, anytime, anywhere' based on infinite musical possibilities. The seven members are Choi Jeong-eun, Bang Ji-min, Yoon Ji-yoon, Coco, Yoo Sa-rang, Mai, and Jeong Se-bi, selected from a live broadcast viewed by audiences from 217 countries. The anticipation is heightened as TEDDY is involved in producing izna's debut song, differentiating them from MEOVV. SM Entertainment, known for producing iconic girl groups, is also set to unveil a new girl group, with details yet to be disclosed, but they are expected to debut in the fourth quarter of this year. With a legacy of unique girl groups from S.E.S. to aespa, expectations for the new group are high. SAY MY NAME, referred to as 'Jaejoong's girl group', is also preparing for their debut in October. All seven members, including Dohee, Kani, Mei, Junhee, Soha, Seungju, and former AKB member Honda Hitomi, were revealed last month. SAY MY NAME is the first girl group produced by Jaejoong as CSO of iNKODE, and they are ramping up preparations for their debut, promising fresh music and diverse charms to captivate K-POP fans worldwide. They will perform at 'iNKODE to PLAY' in Makuhari Messe in October, marking their world premiere performance in Japan. Additionally, the seven-member group MADEIN, featuring former Kep1er members Sakamoto Mashiro, Kang Yeso, and others, debuted this month. The new FIFTY FIFTY, welcoming new members Moon Chanel, Yewon, Hana, and Athena, is also starting anew.
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izna departed for Japan on the 25th through Incheon International Airport to appear at the SBI MUSIC CIRCUS HOKKAIDO music festival. The K-pop and J-pop hybrid festival will be held on the 26th at Daiwa House Premist Dome in Hokkaido, promising a new music experience.
izna held its Japan debut showcase in Yokohama, performing songs from its first Japanese mini album and interacting with fans through special segments. The group also announced a Japan concert tour for 2026-2027, drawing strong excitement from naya.
On September 2, izna released their first Japanese mini album, HANDLE WITH CARE, and made a surprise appearance at a Shinjuku countdown event for the first public screening of their debut MV, “DUMB HOT!” They greeted fans, performed live, held a photo session and dance challenge, and announced a live stream to celebrate their Japan debut.
izna, which made its Japan debut with the release of its JAPAN 1st MINI ALBUM “HANDLE WITH CARE” on September 2, will appear live on Kstyle’s original program “Kstyle PICK.” The September 7 live stream will include stories about the new songs, talk about the September 6 showcase, and a fan Q&A, with more content planned after the broadcast.
The 15th Anniversary TV Asahi Dream Festival will take place on November 21-23, 2026, at K Arena Yokohama, moving from Makuhari Messe. Thirteen artists, including nine first-time acts, will perform across three days, with ticket sales and lineup details announced.
Kstyle and IDOLCHAMP have launched the September vote for Kstyle POWER PUSH. Fans can choose the monthly power-push artist from August 25 to September 3, 2026, using Ruby CHAMSIM in the IDOLCHAMP app. Featured comeback artists include &TEAM, FLARE U, NCT TEN, and more.
izna has teased their comeback with enchanting visuals for their 3rd mini-album 'SET THE TEMPO', set to release on June 8. The concept photos reveal the members' perfect looks, embodying a dreamy atmosphere. Their agency, WAKEONE, stated that the album will tell a story of finding one's own rhythm, rather than adhering to others' standards.
The Kstyle POWER PUSH voting for June 2026 has begun! Fans can vote for their favorite K-POP artists, including BOYNEXTDOOR and AHOF, via the IDOLCHAMP app. Voting runs from May 26 to June 4, and requires 'Ruby CHAMSIM' to participate. Support your favorites and help them shine!
izna will make a comeback on June 8 with their 3rd mini album 'SET THE TEMPO', featuring a cosmic theme and a promise of musical transformation. This marks their first release since September 2022's 'Not Just Pretty'. The group has shown remarkable growth since their debut and is expanding their global influence.
