The girl group IZNA will continue as six members. On August 19, Wake One confirmed that Yoon Ji-yoon, the group’s main vocalist, has left after months of hiatus. The reason given was health.
Her departure may seem sudden, but the signs have been there for months. She stopped activities in February, only three months after debut. Since then, she has stayed away from all group promotions. Fans worried but still hoped for her return. Instead, the agency announced the decision that she would no longer continue as part of IZNA.
The company stated that this was made after “long and careful consideration.” They said Ji-yoon spent her time focusing on rest and recovery. Behind those simple words, however, lies a more complicated story.
The Official Story vs. What Fans Saw
IZNA was formed through the show I-LAND 2 in 2024 and debuted that November. Ji-yoon was one of the standout contestants. She became part of the final lineup produced by Teddy of The Black Label. But her career in the group lasted only a short time.
In February 2025, Wake One said she would “temporarily halt activities” because of health problems. They asked fans to understand and reassured them that her well-being came first. But her absence stretched on for months. She missed big stages like Summer Sonic and KCON LA. Fans waited. Rumors grew. Some thought she would return soon. Others felt something permanent was happening.
Signs pointed to her quiet removal. The group’s official photos were updated without her. She was not included in videos played at major events. Fans compared this with other Wake One groups, where even inactive members were still pictured. To many, it felt deliberate. The final August announcement confirmed their fears.
The phrase “health reasons” has become common in K-pop. It protects idols’ privacy. It also avoids messy details. But it leaves fans questioning what really happened. In Ji-yoon’s case, many believe the situation was about more than just her health.
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Pre-Debut Struggles on I-LAND 2
Her problems did not start after debut. During I-LAND 2, she was already shown struggling. The competition was brutal. Contestants trained under pressure, often with little rest. Ji-yoon was criticized for looking anxious or weak. Some peers even accused her of giving up when things did not go her way.
Others defended her, saying she was simply human in a tough environment. Survival shows are designed to create stress. They highlight breakdowns as much as breakthroughs. Editing made things worse. Mnet often shaped her image depending on the story they wanted to tell. In one part, she looked like a quitter. Later, they framed her as a capable leader.
Fans believe the show both helped and hurt her. It gave her attention but also created lasting doubts about her mental strength. The same patterns appeared after debut, where the pressure of a full idol schedule became too heavy.
Business and Contract Tensions
Her departure also shows how the industry works behind the scenes. A rookie group is expensive to launch. Companies invest millions. Every member is part of that product. If one goes missing for too long, it creates problems. Promotions are harder to manage. Profits get divided unfairly among members. A long hiatus often pushes agencies to make a final call.
Wake One’s wording is interesting. They said she left “the group” but not “the company.” This may mean she is still under contract. Agencies often keep idols signed even when they stop group activities. This prevents them from moving to a rival company too quickly. It also keeps the door open for solo projects or future redebuts.
There are already rumors. Some say she was seen near YG Entertainment buildings. Since The Black Label is under YG, fans wonder if she might return to that circle. Nothing is confirmed, but speculation adds another layer of intrigue to her story.
What This Means for IZNA
Losing a main vocalist is no small thing. Ji-yoon’s voice was a core part of the group’s sound. Now other members, like Sarang, are said to be stepping up to fill the gap. IZNA is still active and continues to perform on big stages. Some fans believe the group will adjust fine as six. Others feel something essential is missing.
The agency has promised that IZNA will continue to grow. That is the usual line, but only time will show if fans accept the new dynamic. Rookie groups often face lineup changes. Some survive. Some collapse. IZNA’s future depends on whether the remaining members can rebuild confidence and create new momentum.
The Bigger Picture
Ji-yoon’s story is not unique. Many idols have left groups early, citing health. Behind that phrase, there are usually deeper issues—mental stress, company pressure, or creative conflicts. In K-pop, artists are both performers and products. Companies balance human well-being against business survival.
For fans, this creates frustration. They want honesty. Instead, they often get vague statements. The case of Ji-yoon shows the tension clearly: the official narrative says “health first,” but the business reality says “group stability first.” Both may be true. But neither tells the full story.
Her journey from I-LAND 2 to IZNA’s debut and now to departure is a reflection of how fragile idol careers can be. One year you’re debuting on stage. The next year you’re gone. For Ji-yoon, health was the reason given, but it also seems like her struggles were visible long before.
IZNA moves forward as six. Ji-yoon’s future is uncertain but not over. She is young, talented, and still under contract. Whether she rests, redebuts, or goes solo, fans will keep watching. Her story leaves behind questions not only about her own path but also about the industry that created and then lost her so quickly.
How do you feel about Yoon Ji-yoon leaving IZNA?
How Does this Article Make You Feel?
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
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