IZ*ONE's fans throw in the towel; members to continue flying solo

The Parallel Universe Project has been scrapped.

Despite WIZ*ONE’s best efforts, IZ*ONE will not be reuniting anytime soon.

 

The Parallel Universe Project—the crowdfunding campaign fans launched in a bid to bring back their ult girl group after the members went their separate ways on April 29—finally ended three months later, on July 29. Although it was met with a lot of enthusiasm and interest, the team that spearheaded it failed to get all the parties involved to agree to a reunion.

 

Those who pledged support for this project through Wadiz, the largest crowdfunding platform in South Korea, had their pledges automatically cancelled starting July 30 without the need for a separate cancellation process.

 

However, the Parallel Universe Project committee released a statement in which they pledged to keep strengthening their relationships with the members’ agencies. They hope that doing so will leave the door open for other activities, such as collaborations, the formation of unit groups, or the release of previously unreleased material.

 

Meanwhile, the former members of IZ*ONE have all started promoting as individuals. Aside from main dancer Lee Chaeyeon (who’s participating in an upcoming survival show called Street Woman Fighter) and vocalist Miyawaki Sakura (who’s reportedly joining BigHit Music’s new girl group), here’s what the rest of the girls are up to now.

 

1. Ahn Yujin

 

She currently shares hosting duties for SBS’s Inkigayo with NCT's Sungchan and TREASURE's Jihoon. She also did photoshoots for DAZED Korea and Pepsi.

 

2. Kang Hyewon

 

She recently launched a YouTube channel and released her first photobook, which she dubbed Beauty Cut. Hyewon also guested on The Shop Next Door, joined Dear U Bubble, and starred in the official music video for Park Jae Jung’s song “Hobby.”

 

3. Kim Chaewon

 

She released a cover of IU’s “Hold My Hand” and was featured in Esquire Korea (alongside fellow IZ*ONE alum Kwon Eunbi, who's prepping a solo album to be released later this year) and Singles magazine.

 

4. Kim Minju

 

She became an MC for MBC’s Music Core alongside SF9’s Chani and Stray Kids’ Hyunjin in 2020. She's still with the show to this day.

 

5. Honda Hitomi

 

Hiichan returned to Japan and rejoined AKB48 Team 8. She’s part of the selected team for their latest single “Ne mo ha mo Rumor,” which is set for release in September. Hitomi has also been doing variety shows in her native country.

 

6. Jang Wonyoung

 

The group's center and "giant baby" embarked on a modeling career. She has done campaigns for brands like Chaumet, Innisfree, and Miu Miu.

 

7. Jo Yuri

 

Main vocalist Yuri joined Wake One Entertainment and recorded the English-language “STORY OF US” for the JTBC drama Monthly Magazine Home.

 

8. Yabuki Nako

 

She returned to Japan and rejoined HKT48. She has since done several concerts with the group. Her solo song "Ijiwaru Chu" was voted their 34th most popular track, so she performed it at the HKT48 Request Hour Setlist Best 50 concert last July 24. She’s also collaborating with the brand KIRSH.


Juan Leonardo Mauricio

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