Mnet first announced the disbandment of IZ*ONE earlier in March. This came after the K-Pop group's contract would be up by April, leading to the 12 members' imminent exit from the management.
While fans across the globe made an extensive effort to extend the group's contract with their label, the decision was already final. On April 29, IZ*ONE has officially disbanded, according to AllKpop.
Reports said that their labels released an official statement prior to the disbandment. As explained, the 12 members, alongside their agencies, "carried out open discussions regarding the group's future, and this was the conclusion reached."
To mark the end of their run in the K-Pop scene, IZ*ONE bid farewell to their fans and supporters. The 100th episode of ENOZI CAM covered the 12 members' final moments as idols, with publications deeming it as "tear-jerking."
The half-hour installment, which premiered on YouTube, has since been watched by more than 448,000 times. The number of likes has already reached over 56,000, alongside the nearly 10,000 comments.
Several fans and supporters from different parts of the world expressed their sadness on the platform. Apart from feeling sad and sorry, though, many individuals thanked each of the 12 K-Pop idols for "everything."
Forbes described the disbandment as the "first great loss" in the K-Pop scene this year. As asserted, IZ*ONE was on a "winning streak," especially these past few months.
Since their debut in 2018, it was, reportedly, clear that they had "something special." Everyone, the fandom, in particular, saw and witnessed it throughout the group's active years in the industry.
The publication continued that the group was able to expand its fanbase globally since the launch of their debut album, Color*Iz. In South Korea, the track collection reached No. 2 on charts, while it broke into the top 10 on the World Albums chart in the United States.
It remains unclear what the members of IZ*ONE will do in the next few weeks and months. There is little information regarding their career plans, whether it may be as a group or solo act.
Soompi reported on Thursday, however, that the Japanese members of the group have headed back to their home country. These are Miyawaki Sakura, Honda Hitomi, and Yabuki Nako, who were seen at the Incheon International Airport before their flight back to Japan.
Dispatch was able to get a scope of the three members' departure. The video, which lasts for nearly five minutes, features the three idols, wearing masks as they wave and greet fans, as well as reporters, in the airport.
