On August 17, Star News dropped a bomb that surprised WIZ*ONEs—fans of the Produce 48 project group IZ*ONE—greatly.
According to the media outlet, Kim Chaewon might debut in the upcoming HYBE x Source Music girl group. The South Korean entertainment press has followed this project with great interest, primarily because it marks the very first time that Source Music will launch a new group since HYBE acquired it in 2019.
Kim Chaewon represented Woollim Entertainment when she competed in Produce 48 three years ago. She didn’t get off to a strong start, but her popularity rose as she delivered one strong performance after another. She eventually placed 10th and became part of IZ*ONE’s vocal line.
During her time in IZ*ONE, she composed and wrote the lyrics of a song titled “Slow Journey,” which became the last track of the group’s fourth mini album One-Reeler. After the group disbanded in April, she appeared on The King of Mask Singer as Flower Deer, making her the third member of IZ*ONE to perform on the show (she followed in the footsteps of Jo Yuri and Ahn Yujin). Since then she has been busy with photoshoots and covered IU’s song “Hold My Hand” for Woollim Entertainment’s YouTube channel.
Aside from Kim Chaewon, HYBE and Source Music are in talks with other former IZ*ONE members. Miyawaki Sakura, who graduated from HKT48 to pursue other opportunities, is one of those members. However, HYBE and Source Music are reportedly having a little difficulty communicating with Vernalossom, her Japanese agency.
Both labels are recruiting at least one other former IZ*ONE member, whose identity is still under wraps. As of this writing, this member hasn’t decided whether she wants to become an actress or continue promoting as an idol.
If HYBE and Source Music succeed in recruiting Kim Chaewon, Miyawaki Sakura, and the as-yet unnamed member to their upcoming girl group, its lineup will have the most number of IZ*ONE alums among any group that will debut in the post-Produce 101 era.
