심선아
| 2026-06-08 16:48:02
izna-media showcase
Girl group izna sets its own tempo with 3rd EP
By Shim Sun-ah
SEOUL, June 8 (Yonhap) -- Rising K-pop girl group izna is setting its own pace and inviting listeners to follow.
With "Metronome," which leads its upcoming third EP "Set the Tempo," the group joins a growing wave of house music in K-pop scene with a message of self-definition.
"We thought the house beat fit perfectly with the theme of finding our own rhythm in chaos," member Choi Jung-eun said Monday during a press showcase for the album, set for release at 6 p.m.
For izna, the genre is more than a trend -- it is a vehicle for amplifying what they call their "powerful, dreamlike" performance," where intensity meets atmosphere.
"House felt like a genre that could further elevate the powerful performances we do best," member Mai added. "That's why we chose to take on the challenge."
The five-track album carries a message of self-definition, with the members emphasizing independence from other people's expectations.
"Since our debut, we've sung about confidence and independence," said Bang Ji-min. "This time, we go further, expressing our conviction to move forward by becoming our own standard rather than following one set by others."
In addition to the lead track, the album includes pop-rock song "R.I.P," about breaking free from imposed standards, fan song "Infinity," and hip-hop R&B track "Rock, Paper, Scissors," inspired by a children's game of the same name.
"Metronome" blends a polished house rhythm with an increasingly fast-paced beat, delivering a message of staying steady and forging one's own tempo in a complex world.
"The intro felt very dreamy and like our style," Mai said. "As the beat builds into the chorus and the house-genre sound becomes clear, and we felt it would be able to highlight our strength in performance very well."
Bang Ji-min added that the song's choreography, which emphasizes balance and control, proved challenging at first but was perfected through practice. "After repeated practice, we were able to build strong teamwork and deliver our energy onstage," she said.
Formed through the second season of Mnet's 2024 audition program "I-Land," the six-member group has released tracks including "Izna," "Sign," and "Beep." The band held its first "fan concert" in November last year, which members said helped strengthen both their bond with fans and with each other.
Reflecting on the group's growth, Jeong Sae-bi noted that she has gained confidence after initially experiencing nerves onstage.
"At a recent university festival, I felt so excited I was almost flying," she shared. "That's when I realized how much I've grown."
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