▲ This image of Hitomi (Honda Hitomi) of K-pop girl group Say My Name is provided by iNKODE Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Sept. 13 (Yonhap) -- Former IZ*ONE member Hitomi (Honda Hitomi) is set to re-debut in the K-pop industry as part of the new girl group SAY MY NAME, produced by singer Kim Jae-joong.

 

On the 13th, SAY MY NAME’s agency, INCODE Entertainment, released a teaser video of Hitomi through their official social media channels. Hitomi, originally a member of the famous Japanese girl group AKB48, gained attention for her impressive dance skills on the 2018 Mnet audition program Produce 48, which led to her selection as a member of IZ*ONE.

 

After IZ*ONE disbanded in 2021, Hitomi returned to AKB48, where she twice served as the center of the group, becoming a key member. She graduated (a term used in Japan for departure) from the group earlier this year.

 

In a December interview with Yonhap News, Hitomi reflected on her time with IZONE, saying, "The 2 years and 6 months I spent with IZONE had a profound impact on my identity. I am who I am today because of that time. People now recognize and support me not just in Japan but around the world."

 

SAY MY NAME consists of seven members: Dohee, who was revealed on the 30th of last month, along with Kani, Mei, Junhui, Soha, Seungjoo, and Hitomi. Kim Jae-joong, who holds the position of Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at INCODE, has been deeply involved in the production of this rookie girl group.

 

SAY MY NAME is currently in the final stages of preparation for their debut, which is scheduled for next month.

 

 

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]