IZ*ONE May Not Disband In April, In Talks For Possible Contract Extension
Late last year, an official of IZ*ONE announced, "IZ*ONE's first Japanese photo book will be released in March 2021. The group will be continuing their promotion until the spring of next year. The photo book will be the first and last to be released in Japan." This statement further hints at the disbandment of the 12-membered girl group this April.
This photobook was said to be the last memory for the girl group before their official disbandment.
But this might not happen at all.
On January 12th, it was reported that there is a possibility for IZ*ONE to continue with the activity and extend their contract with CJ ENM.
According to an exclusive report, contract discussion is continuing over the activities of the "Produce 48" project group. The Daily Sports reported that CJ ENM has recently met some of the IZ*ONE members' affiliates to discuss the contract extension for the group.
"We are collecting opinions from the agency and artist regarding IZ*ONE's future activities," announced an official representative for IZ*ONE.
However, it is important to take note that not all of the management companies of the members have been contacted about the renewal. Despite that, those members and agencies who have been contacted and met have pledged that they want to stay with IZ*ONE and are even working to expedite the process for a contract extension.
Furthermore, the representative added, "We will continue to listen to opinions while continuing the activities scheduled until April, when the contract ends. If there are any changes, I will deliver the news."
IZ*ONE is a project group that debuted through the third installation of Mnet's "Produce Series." The group debuted on October 15th, 2018, after "Produce 48" and is supposed to disband this April after two years and six months of activities. If the contract extension pushes through, IZ*ONE will be the first "Produce" group to do so.