Miyawaki Sakura and Kim Chae Won found a new home and group following their first girl group’s disbandment.
The rise of TV reality competition shows across the globe gave birth to the Mnet competition series, Produce 101. Due to its popular demand, the franchise released more shows, including Produce 48 – the show that created the now-disbanded band, IZ*ONE.
The girl group initially had 12 members: Jang Won Young, Jo Yu Ri, Choi Ye Na, An Yu Jin, Nako Yabuki, Kwon Eunbi, Kang Hyewon, Hitomi Honda, Kim Min Ju, Lee Chae Yeon, Miyawaki Sakura, and Kim Chae Won. But two years after their debut in October 2018, the group confirmed the end of their contract and disbandment.
Nearly four years since they last performed together, two of its members decided to come together and become part of the new group.
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Miyawaki Sakura and Kim Chae Won Secure Contract With HYBE Labels’ Source Music Entertainment
On Monday, a Source Music representative confirmed that the two idols would be part of the first girl group launched by HYBE Labels and Source Music Entertainment. As of press time, Miyawaki Sakura and Kim Chae Won already signed their contracts with the company.
“They will make their debut as the first girl group launched through the cooperation of HYBE and Source Music,” the representative said. “Please show lots of anticipation and support for the two artists who will show new sides of themselves at Source Music, which places importance on good music and the value of content.”
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Miyawaki Sakura has since departed from her longtime group, HKT48, and ended her contract with her Japanese management agency.
Meanwhile, rumblings about Kim Chae Won’s debut with the Source Music girl group started in August 2021. Two days later, a report that Miyawaki Sakura would also be joining her emerged.
IZ*ONE Almost Re-Debuted
Miyawaki Sakura and Kim Chae Won’s decision to move forward with the new group and new bandmates came months after rumors about IZ*ONE getting back together surfaced.
Sports Kyunghang revealed at that time that IZ*ONE members were in talks to reunite. But CJ ENM dismissed the claims and said that the group’s future remained unknown.
“We are well aware of the fans’ fundraising. We are grateful for their support. However, even if IZ*ONE does get back together and we move forward with the production of a new album, we plan to fund it ourselves,” the statement said.
With Miyawaki Sakura and Kim Chae Won’s recent move, it is safe to say that IZ*ONE’s comeback is no longer possible.
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