Mnet’s hit reality show I-LAND 2 wrapped up its intense competition earlier this month, unveiling a new K-pop sensation, Izna. The final episode showcased Choi Jung-eun, Bang Ji-min, Yoon Ji-yoon, Koko, Ryu Sa-rang, Mai and Jeong Sae-bi as the seven members of this exciting new group. Following their win, the members were ecstatic about being chosen to perform at KCON LA 2024, where they would have shared the stage with K-pop legends. However, their excitement hit an unexpected roadblock when the organisers announced on Instagram that Izna wouldn’t be appearing at the festival due to visa issues, preventing them from travelling from South Korea to the US for the event.
Taking to Instagram, the team wrote, “We regret to inform you that the new group from I-LAND 2, will be unable to join us at KCON LA due to unexpected visa issues. The artist has expressed their disappointment and sadness at not being able to attend, especially as they were so excited to meet their fans at KCON LA. This news comes as a shock to all of us, but we remain committed to ensuring the best possible experience at KCON LA. With more performances, more stages and more to experience than ever, we look forward to making your KCON LA 2024 experience an enjoyable and memorable one. Thank you for your understanding, and for your support of our artists.”
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The three-day KCON LA 2024 is set to take place from July 26 to 28. The upcoming major K-pop festival will feature a star-studded lineup including BIBI, Kepler, BoyNextDoor, P1Harmony, Jo Yuri, INI, Taemin, ZEROBASEONE, NMIXX, APOKI, DRIPPIN, DXMON, ENHYPEN, god, ME: I, TWS, Hyolyn, Jeon Somi, CRAXY, POW, NCT 12, STAYC, ZICO, A.C.E and Isaac Hong.
According to Korea Times, the original lineup for the girl group Izna was intended to include six members. However, Taeyang, one of the key mentors on the show, decided to expand the group by including Jeong Sae-bi as an extra member, bringing the total to seven. Of the final members, five were selected through a voting system, while the remaining two were chosen by the producers. The new girl group will be represented by WakeOne, an agency owned by CJ ENM. Interestingly, the first season of I-LAND introduced the ENHYPEN group members, who are currently part of HYBE Labels and will be performing at KCON LA.
