I don’t have any personal experiences with iz*one because I got into kpop in 2022, but I love how palpable the love and care people have for this group is. I can feel how special they were to you all and I think that’s beautiful.
As someone who was an izone fan since the beginning and has stayed till the end,still having them as my ult,this comment means a lot because of all the hate and mocking wiz*one has suffered for being so attached to a temporary group
As Swo one who got into izone at their debut but without watching PD48, I still hold them dearly in my heart. In a time where groups were getting smaller, you could clearly see that every member mattered and had a purpose just by their performances alone. They made every single stage rich and their image so consistent from the music to the visuals and left a clear mark as IZONE. And that’s just touching on the “outside part” of the group
If you got into K-pop in 2022, I think you've heard of the following groups and soloists I will mention, IVE, Le Sserafim, Kwon Eunbi, Jo Yuri, Choi Yena, and Lee Chaeyeon. The soloists and 2 of the members in each group (Yujin and Wonyoung in IVE, and Sakura and Chaewon in Le Sserafim) were some of the members of IZ*ONE.
Secret Story of the Swan is actually my favorite song from IZ*ONE, and honestly, I think it's *because* it's so damn loud. That song makes me feel like I'm going to war; every time it pops up in my playlist, it feels like they're punching me in the face and telling me to get the hell up. Compared to their debut and first comeback, it really feels like rather than taking the gentle approach to elegance, they take a proud one, like they've been crowned queen. I have a lot of love in my heart for kpop that demands your attention, songs that are big, bold and epic, so I'm probably just biased lmao
they are just fiercely elegant and when they come together as one no one can beat their game,ssots for me is song which kinda defines Fierce elegance for me
I never felt Paronama as an ending for the group, but instead is like it's an open door for each career they would have after Iz*One. I don't know how to properly explain it. First time I listened to it I didn't like it and I didn't know it was their last comeback, now, I listen to it and after the end I just think of IVE, Lesserafim, solo careers, etc. Paronama feels like Iz*One didn't end and never did, they just have separated ways now, but their essence stills there
Izone was literally the most perfect group ever... Their chemistry was so good. Their vocals were outstanding and all 12 of their voices were made to match each others. Their sychronization while dancing was out of this world. I miss Iz*one so incredibly much. They were the perfect group. All I want is an OT12 reunion.
You saying "they felt like they were destined for more" when talking about Panorama made me feel so. Sad. They were destined for so so much more. More fans, more comebacks, more fame, just more time. They needed more time with their fans and with each other. The pandemic felt like it put a pause on everyone's life, but time, and their contract, just kept going. I watched the Produce finale and saw them all find out they were debuting, but god do I still want more time with them. But we don't have that time, for worse or for better. I'm happy for the time I did have with the 12 of them and I'll hold those precious memories close forever. I hope IZ*ONE always gains more fans and people make more happy memories with them.
I'm glad you picked out the idea that in gen 3 and early gen 4 we still had a huge color scheme thing going on for most groups. There were just certain symbols and/or color palettes associated with certain groups. This was honestly so iconic for gen 2 and gen 3. This is usually what also lacks in gen 4 (going into gen 5) as well nowadays. Now we associate groups with whatever fashion brands they're signed to and honestly it doesn't do much for the identity of a group itself.
I agree, in my opinion I’m really happy because i believe that 5th gen is basically healing kpop if that makes sense… like 5th gen boy groups don’t do the whole “skz noise music” thing anymore and I’m loving it, and also kiss of life definitely is helping as well since they debuted as an all adult group and considering the amount of minors that are being debuted (not just 4th gen but in every other gen as well) I could be reaching though idk
I mourn iz*one every day. I knew about them when they debuted but I didn't even get into them until Yena's Smiley came out. I fell in love with Yena and decided to look into pd48 and iz*one. I missed out on so much. Their discography, choreo, and group dynamic was perfect. I miss them 😢
Iz*One the time we spent was short but every second of that slow journey was worth it. Thanks to Eunbi, Sakura, Hyewon, Yena, Chaeyeon, Chaewon, Minju, Nako, Hitomi, Yuri, Yujin and Wonyoung for making one of my favorite Kpop groups ever. (BTW sorry for the "spam" is just i don't know why my YT page doesn't let me comment 😔)
thank you for making me cry about iz*one AGAIN for the 152484729 times. ISTG, iz*one is literally one of the best, the iconic, legendary group in kpop. i have known kpop for years since my elementary years but no one hit me like iz*one did. idk, there is something about them that just got me. even until now, I still amazed by them, how they able become one of my top 3 groups in a such of very very short time. i literally can talk about iz*one for hours if I want to. they are the first and the only group that can make me cry for a kpop even until now 🥲. GOD I MISS IZ*ONE SO FREAKING MUCH 😭😭😭
One thing that recently made me appreciate Panorama a lot more recently was the lyrics in the chorus, for such a festive song they are really poignant: “Like a star shining brightly in the deep darkness We will recognize each other anywhere. The blinding spotlight, in your heart and mine A brilliant moment that will forever. My heart tremble endlessly My feelings won’t change Let’s go together now I’ll only show you“ I feel like the lyrics nicely highlight how impermanent things never truly die and live on, not physically but in intangible ways (memory, remembrance of glory days). Which also ties nicely into your hiatus 😢 I will really miss your content and even if you never come back I will always remember your contribution to this platform and the good times I had with your videos (even the one you think are not good they’re amazing to me😂)!
Never thought of Iz*One under this perspective. There was something about their mvs and dance that stood out to me compared to other groups but I couldn't put my finger on it; I think you explained it well. 🎊 I was sad when they disbanded but you have a good point, how their impermanance allowed them to be a good memory and solidify them as a legendary kpop group. The message of impermanance and living life in the moment is something we all need a reminder sometimes☝️
I'll be honest, I'm leaving a like and a comment planning to come back to this when I'm a little more mentally prepared. Not only do I believe this project will make me cry because of IZ*ONE and the idea of impermanence, but you're my favorite ktuber going over impermanence while taking a hiatus yourself.... I respect your decision and in some human to human way I have a prideful feeling that you're looking to make the best decision you can for yourself and I can only admire that and I love that you're taking care of yourself. That all said the sting of some kind of loss or like something will be missing is still setting in and while I'll wait to watch this when life is a little less overwhelming, I know I will love and appreciate the passion and care you poured into this incredible piece of content. Respect and love always Taejiu. Eat well, drink well, and take care
you wouldnt understand how much i love this vid, it gave me a whole new perspective on izone and im rewatching it rn, imo izone is probably the most iconic group PERIOD. like NO ONE did it like them and NEVER will, they tried this with zerobaseone but for me it just didnt hit cause it wasnt ORIGINAL, that was the thing izone had they were ORIGINAL DIFFERENT, their debut and 1st cb were SIMPLE unlike what we see now with the big sets and stuff, the production team wanted us to look at THEM not the massive sets, thats why they made it so simple, after they knew people loved them for their talents and didnt really care about the mv, they made the mvs with more cgi cause we knew their POTENTIAL. i wont continue my massive rant but i feel like the flower outfits in the panorama mv was a hint to the flower trilogy, it was their last cb and they knew they had to show flowers because thats izones legacy the flower trilogy (i hope this makes sense)
this feels like a friend infodumping at me about a group they love and i love it like yes please infodump about something you know a lot about i would listen for hours like... this perfect to listen to while winding down before work tomorrow (gotta pay for college somehow) thank you so much for making this its amazing
I’ve been waiting for this for 3 months and I am not disappointed at all. Thank you so much taejiu for this! I’ve been watching you for over a year and you’ve informed me a lot on K-pop and made me stan new groups. We’ll miss you Robbie!
Izone chemistry was unmatched, it was like magic, watching their realoty shows was a pleasure Also the song was good. This is the best sirvival show girl group outside maybe of twice
Crazy good video. I wasn’t into K-pop when izone was still a group but they have genuine bangers and even tho I’ve overplayed fiesta, ssots, and panorama I haven’t listened to them in a while cause of that but hearing them again is so good. The way you explained the concept was so cool and the unscripted moments were so goofy lmao.
this group will always be one that I cherish and forever will love. Still continue supporting all 12 girls to this day and wish them good health and success always
I was with izone in their last leg of their contract and saw it all the highs, the fan movement, the negotiations. Just want to say this they shined like a star and all members are doing really well you don't get this kind of ending often with project groups
I don’t write comments on TH-cam videos often, but I just wanted to write one here to say thank you for making this video and tying IZ*One to the beauty of impermanence. Before IZ*One debuted as a group, I had attended a Buddhist Dharma Talk and heard the minister talk about the symbolism of a Sakura flower’s impermanence. The minister mentioned that a Sakura takes one year to reach peak bloom but withers away not too long after. Rather than being sad about its short life, a Sakura reminds us to look at what we’ve accomplished in a year’s time, celebrate those accomplishments, and be graceful in letting go once the moment has passed so that we can move forward with new experiences. As such, I developed a fondness for the name Sakura and was excited that the new Project group IZ*One would have a member named Sakura! I was sad when the group had to disband, especially because during the pandemic, I had fallen out of Kpop and didn’t truly appreciate IZ*One as much by the end. This past year, I’ve been glad to see former members of IZ*One find new success in new groups or solo! Le Sserafim has definitely become my favorite group this year. I’m grateful for the timeliness of this video in helping me reflect on how much IZ*One meant to me when they first debuted and how they really exemplified the beauty of impermanence. Thank you, Taeju! Hope you are able to find new joy in your other pursuits beyond Kpop!
Thank you for taking time to put together this video. I blitzed through the whole 1hr plus and it was so great to relive how awesome IZ*ONE was and the impact it has. I love your narrative around impermanence and the lesson we can all learn from. As much as we wish there is more of IZ*ONE and how SSOTS and Panorama seems a little disjointed, I'm just so glad we got those songs and how easily the group could have been disbanded from the scandal (like X1). It's so nice to see the legacy the group has and how fans (like yourself) still care enough about the group. Your content is amazing and thank you again!
I miss iz*one os much. I love their new ventures and support all of them, Le Sserafim and IVE are such amazing groups, all of the soloists have released beautiful songs, and those who went into acting are doing well as well. But, iz*one simply got me like no other group has (save for Loona and Dreamcatacher, although they're different because they were never meant to be temporary like iz*one). Seeing iz*one covers makes me emotional, seeing iz*one moments now that they're disbanded makes me emotional, and it's been nearly 3 years since they disbanded. They deserve a reunion not just because they were such a good group, but because their last era and disbandment event happened during a hard time, with COVID and the stupid voting disaster. They don't have to release any new music together, just doing their old songs would be enough (although it would be so cool if they did make a song just for a reunion). I know I'm going to be very sad when Kep1er disbands as well.
IZONE was truly one of a kind. Their discography, performances, on/off-camera behavior (as reported by insiders in the industry), their friendship, and everything else made IZONE an exceptional group. Despite the company's shortcomings in some aspects, I felt the love poured in by everyone who worked with them. IZ*ONE felt different from many other girl groups. They surpassed album-selling records, maintained their fanbase even after the PD48 scandal, and integrated messaging apps like Bubble with their Private Mail. Their ability to gather over US$2,000,000 in funding just to witness them together speaks volumes about the size and loyalty of their fanbase-truly one of the biggest and most loyal I've seen. As mentioned in the video, the beauty of enjoying the moment without overthinking, immersing yourself in it, was encapsulated in Chaewon's "Slow Journey" in One-reeler. It perfectly conveyed the idea of savoring each passing moment slowly and embracing it to the fullest. Really nice video
hey, very good video! when you were talking about the concepts around 53:40 there was this theory with the albums. the first 3 albums are called color:IZ , heart:IZ and bloom:IZ. all ending with the IZ of IZONE. then we got ONEeiric diary and ONE-reeler. both with the ONE from IZONE. we lost quite some time with IZONE thanks to the produce scandal. the guess was that we were supposed to get one more ONE album before disbandment but that didn't work out time wise with the hiatus during the scandal... so we had the flower (growing and finding self) concept of IZ and the elegance (confidence and maturity) concept of ONE. together forming the perfect group IZONE.
Taejiu you are literally the only commentary channel ab kpop i like. Everyone else is just so fucking rude and annoying but the way you put out your opinions is so firm and straightforward but in such a down to earth and kind way. It acc sounds like criticism. I kind of hated kpop commentary channels bc of just how mean they are but you are really making a change. Please keep making these videos❤
I came into kpop as izone was ending their journey as I started to unwrap izone layers reading abt members,seeing old footage it almost gives me a unfulfilled urge and want to see them again atleast once cause I just want to see that magic and dreaminess of them together on a stage one last time. Not many grps can get such legacy even after full contract they did it with less than half that time,not just music or stages they in every respect made a grp that will have a different identity to which whoever follows in future will be called izone did it first,whether it be fiery elegance in visuals,amazing grp choroes with intricate body synchronization and formations,it now feels like a dream ended with them and now no matter how much I think abt them before sleeping I won't live that dream again
Although their debut song wasn't one that I originally vibed with the most at the time it's what got me to pay attention to them and comeback by comeback I grew to appreciate the art and the members more and more everytime to the point where, once I realized that the group was temporary, it made me wish I had appreciated them more while they were still in the group. Iz*one's music always has a way of bringing me back to the exact moment that I was when I listened to each song at the time and no matter how many times I replay the songs they always bring happy memories of me learning the choreographies in my living room and pretending that I'm dancing on a stage. As much as I cried and sometimes still wish that they remained a group, we would probably never get to see or experience the music, groups, and members shine in a different light as they did after Iz*one. I was never really able to put my feelings into words about Panorama and the whole section covering it sort of spoke to what I had thought about it in a way. Like it almost feels like it wasn't supposed to end the way it did. I think I speak for everyone when I say thank you for taking the time to research and make this video. It's a beautifully done tribute to everything that the group stood for and still stands for today and although the disbandment was years ago (I know a lot of us are probably still not over it) this video feels like the closure a lot of fans might be looking for.
i watched one of their songs back in 2020 which was fiesta and forgot about them after that until they disbanded i wish i stanned them in their debut days
I love crying over izone, they were SO special; I sometimes regret not getting into them earlier (secret story of the swan is what made me stan them). Thank you so much for making this video taeju ❤
Thank you for this amazing video! While I was not around for IZ*ONE to have been an active group, my respect for their legacy and incredible discography extends beyond their disbandment, being one of the strongest groups both conceptually and musically of the 4th generation. You mention a certain discord between their first three releases and their last two, conceptually and somewhat thematically. I've always regarded this as due to the releases being part of separate trilogies, the 'iz' trilogy revolving around the flower/colour motif and the 'one' trilogy. I think one consequence which people largely overlook of IZ*ONE's hiatus was the lost time to complete the 'one' trilogy. Being on hiatus for 6 months unfortunately lost them a comeback or two, which I think would've concluded their musical journey far more nicely than the slightly discordant last two comebacks they came out with. Regardless they were an amazing group with amazing members and I'm glad they've all had personal success post disbandment.
i got into kpop early 2022, maybe 6 months after Iz*One disbanded, so i never got to experience them at the peak of their career but seeing how much the fans, public and just how close all the members still are makes me feel connected to them. even though i wasnt around during their prime. im a huge fan of Le Sserafim, Eunbi and IVE so those little interactions we get between those artists makes me feel like im getting to see the remnants of the group, which i guess you could say, i am. But the longer i've been listening to kpop in general, the more ive come to appreciate Iz*One, the members and the hardcore fandom thats BEGGING for just one reunion comeback, and i'd be lying if i said i wasnt apart of that massive group of people begging for a comeback from them. just once. all that aside, i typed all this before im even 10 minutes into the video so, thank you for the entertainment for the next hour and a half. hope you're back soon Robbie, you've quickly become my favorite channel since your ditto video months ago. heres to a safe and healthy 2024 to you and everyone watching ❤ see you again hopefully 🫡
Yes to the point about Kepler but also other non permanent groups, izone showed what this groups could be or could have been. This is what a non permanent groups should do and set up their members to do in the future Also maybe not popular point but this is also why some want bp to disband, so their members can reach the full potential solo
I think the company felt that panorama was the best to convey the feeling of a last comeback due to the produce scandal before fiesta era, they probally would have more comeback (at least one more) [Sauce:Voices from my head], but the contract time was right behind the door. Its kinda bittersweet to listen to their music now as a fan who watched this group being formed and growing, but its the type of feeling who lets you smiling the whole time, even when you know they're not gonna be back together. But awesome video, continue with the good work Tae. I hope u have a great new year.
For me, IZ*ONE will always stay in my heart as one of the iconic groups, even though I can't listen to their songs and mv due to lingering emotional attachment. It's been so long, but I still miss them. Even though we get so many songs, choreographies, potential discoveries due to the disbandment of the IZ*ONE, sometimes I wonder what it may seem like if they didn't disband and what we will be able to have from them.
Taejiu, I just want to thank you for this video. You have worked so hard on this and with all your content in general! You are prob my fav K-tuber with essay format content. So thank you! I have been waiting for this video since forever, and I know this video is worth the wait!
wow, this video is really such a beautiful love letter to IZ*ONE and I enjoyed every second of it! Thank you so much for all your hard work on this project, your thoughts and analysis were super interesting to listen to and totally made me think about things in a new light! I got into K-pop just as IZ*ONE disbanded but I am so so sooo excited to listen to more of their music✨ Honestly this was such a delight to watch
i'm still watching it but the video is so good. i'm so glad that you finally uploaded this, i've been waiting for it. thank you so much. i don't think i could ever be able to describe with words how much iz*one means to me and how much i love them. i still listen to them constantly and i support the members in their new carreers and i do miss them together but i'm glad they are doing good. they meant a lot to me when i was going through hard times. their music is SO good, their concept is beautiful and the girls had such a good chemistry together. it makes me kinda sad that so many new kpop fans don't know them or don't understand the impact they had back then so thank u for this video, thank u for reminding everyone of how awesome iz*one was and the beauty of impermanence. p.s: i love your video essays and i really hope you are doing well! i send you a hug and good energy and i wish you a happy new year
I don't usually comment, but this was a lovely video and I can tell a lot of hard work was put into it! I've been a kpop stan since 2015 and very casually watched some of PD48 as it was airing, and knew every IZONE comeback although I didn't really keep up with them. I struggled to get into them because I was a CLC fan at the time and really sad about them losing La Vie en Rose, but I can definitely respect how well IZONE performed it and how gorgeous their choreography is. This was super fun to watch and made me wish I appreciated them more back then. Thank you!
i feel like the main reason i broke down so much when they disbanded was because i was able to watch the last concerts live. as you said remembering them causes a little sting in my heart whenever i think back to the time they were still together as a group because they were such a big part of my life when it sucked the most. while i do remember them with the best things ever i also do feel pain whenever i think about those times because they helped me so much and then just "disappeared" one day even tho i always knew they weren't permanent. i would honestly give anything to be able to go back to the time when they were still together just to see them together. on one hand i do love their new current groups/solo carriers but on the other if i had to choose between those groups and getting them as a whole back i would probably choose them as a whole purely because of the impact they had on my life
iz*one truly meant so much to me, this video does them so much justice. there was just something so unique and special about them that hasnt been redone since. it truly feels like iz*one was a flower. they bloomed beautifully, but like flowers couldn’t last forever. i loved violeta and stanned immediately after it, it encapsulated their concept beautifully and i was hooked. since their disbandment, you can see how they brought SO much to kpop. now in their individual groups, and solos, they’re still dominating the charts. i will always wonder what it would’ve been like if iz*one was a permanent group but i also wonder if their disbandment was necessary for them to grow💔 great video once again!!
I have to say I loved this essay so much. Your words were really inspirational and it was a nice an hour and a half of listening. To izone I respect them as idols so much. These girls were through a lot of hardships. Their music, mvs, stages, outfits, choreos are so idol-like. They became a quintessence, the epitome of girl group for me. And as much as I love them I enjoy their new careers now. Sometimes it's crazy to see how for example Chaewon's and Sakura's images changed but it broadened their palette for me Thank you for this nice video
Commenting before watching. I was never a fan of izone during their time but I just recently watched all of produce 48, mostly because now I'm a fan of both lesserafim and ive and I was curious about the girls origins, and after I finished the show I just feel myself craving for more. I love the final lineup and everything about izone, the members and the amazing music and concepts complements so well together, I can see why the group was so loved, I regret not getting into the group earlier. So this video is perfect for me rn because I'm in this state of discovering the group for the first time, like watching their content and concerts, listening to the albums, etc, and I though all conversation about izone would be dead by now bc it's been like more than 2 years since they disbanded, I'm so glad I was wrong and that they are people that still appreciate them after all these years 🥹
honestly, i've still not gotten over izone and one major reason for that is the way they had to say goodbye to their fans through a screen... no final concert to celebrate the time spent with wizone in person. the story feels unfinished and just left an empty space inside of me.
I discovered Iz*one on TH-cam a couple of months after they debuted. I kept seeing the La Vie en Rose music video pop up in my recommendations, I had never seen or heard of the produce series so I just thought they were a regular group that had just debuted. There’s certain songs that I wish so bad I could listen to again for the first time and La Vie en Rose is one of them. I was in my mid teens and I had been into Kpop casually for a couple years by that point but I had never followed a Kpop group from their debut before. When I eventually found out they were a temporary group I remember being sooo disappointed lol but I don’t regret following them for those 2 years at all. We got music I’ll always listen to and feel nostalgia for. The members went on to not only do well but change the Kpop girl group landscape as a whole. I can’t listen to Panorama without getting teary eyed. Thank you so much for making this video!!
Thank you so much for the amazing video! 🙏 In addition to their amazing music and performances, the relationship between them is another reason why I and WIZ*ONE love them so much. ❤ I have followed them since PD48. IZ*ONE is the group that got me into K-POP and this group is the last group that I will stan. I promised IZ*ONE's members at the concert's Hi-touch event that I would support them forever. This promise will not change. 💌 However, it's difficult to support all of them because after IZ*ONE disbandment. IVE, LESSERAFIM, and Solo members in Korea and Japan released Songs, Photobooks, Magazines, Fandom memberships, etc. Some months, They make a comeback and release merchandise at the same time. It's not easy but I'll do my best. 💸😵💫 I hope to see all 12 of them reunite as IZ*ONE again someday. 🥹
Thank u so much for putting out this video, I love cinematography but I struggle to find the right words to express what I feel about these K-pop concepts that I consume and you really took the words out of my mind and greatly represented the emotion and impact iz*one brought to the industry, and thank you for also for going deeper into impermanence in our world and reminding us the earth continues to orbit around the sun even when moments we want to last forever fade out and force us to become more innovative as humans. beautiful video!!!!
Taejiu thank you for this video. watching all of it rn before bed. thank you for covering one of my favorite groups of all time. I’m so happy all of the girls are so successful post disbandment and hope you cover Loona one day🙏
I think I'm going to cry if former IZ*ONE members come together in one award show and have a collab stage dancing to their respective group and solo songs (Eunbi, Yena, Yuri, Chaeyeon, Hyewon singing their most recent or famous solo song as well as IVE and Le Sserafim singing their most recent or famous song) then after those, they will come together and sing an IZ*ONE song again (maybe Fiesta or SSOTS since these songs are the most famous songs to non-WIZ*ONEs). If this happens, I don't know what WIZ*ONEs and non-fans will happen to us.
I remember the feeling of watching la vie en rose for the first time. It was so good I couldn’t stop listening. The grip Iz*one had on me after that day was otherworldly.
Thank you for this body of work! I also love the different references you use!! Like Cynthia's Roserade?! immediately brought me back to my pokemon days
Damn. This makes me wanna get way better at analysis. I was already working on an IZ*ONE themed video, and having watched this has given me lots of insight I absolutely lacked prior. Thank you for your work!
i love iz*one so much my eyes literally teared up when they disbanded like i HATED seeing them cry on their final stage... but yes, they are a produce group at the end of the day. they were destined to disband, and without their disbandment we might not get the le sserafim or ive (or at least the version) that we LOVE! (yes i AM a wiz*one!! make sure to support all their solo music + ive & le sserafim) great video btw! i usual don't watch over 1 hour videos (not that there are a lot), but i loved this video!
Sorry for the late response, I ended up listening to this as a podcast over a couple of days. This is a really, really good video. I think that art in general requires interpretation from its audience, and I think that you manage to interpret a really beautiful story from the art of IZ*One's career. But only part of the story is the literal art that they produced: the other part of the story is the story of the group itself. And I think that you manage to weave those together really well. I really appreciate your perspectives on kpop topics in general. You've helped me see things in art that I love that I never would've seen on my own. So thank you for helping me appreciate IZ*One even more than I did before, by giving me this new story to tell myself about the group. Anyway, it sounds like this will be your last video for a while. And don't be afraid to take a step away from the community posts if you need to; the algorithm isn't as important as your mental health. But good luck with whatever you end up doing in the future, I've appreciated your stuff so far and I'm sure you'll continue to do good things in whatever field you choose to.
Ty for this video 🥲 can't believe a kpop analysis video got me crying. I got into Iz*one after Ive debuted, and it saddens me to not be a fan while they were active. The last part of this video hits hard, the life lessons
Before I start this video; Thank you Taejiu. I would wait for your videos and watch them in full. You were one of the 5% of K-tubers that I really liked and enjoyed. Though I’m sad to see you go, I’m happier that you’re prioritizing your mental health first. It’s a strong person to recognize that they’re not happy anymore and even stronger person to seek ways help it..I’m still learning that. Part of that reason is because your bravery to step away from what doesn’t do anything for you anymore. Thank you again Taejiu and I wish you best and I hope you find your permanent smile and peace one day 💗💗
This is an amazing video! You've really encapsulated what makes Izone one of my favorite groups ever. I'm forever sad that I became a fan in the pandemic after SSOTS when most of their career was already behind them. I think you really touched on something with the theme of impermanence though. It's like how some tv shows are better off shorter instead of stretching on forever. Their short career allowed Izone to release 4 nearly perfect projects, and I'm not sure I'd want it any other way. Also, although I know what you mean about panorama being a weird ending, I do truly think it is a summary of all their previous releases, with the color concept, some flower concept, the horns, the choreo formations. But also something new, opening the door for the post-Izone groups.
Thank you Taejiu. I am subscribed to a bunch of Ktubers and among them only Hyeatiful and Taejiu make rewatchable videos that you can come back to over time and enjoy again. Those two put so much effort into their videos.
i was waiting for this i loved the video and the editing is sooo good and izone will always be a group that i will cherish , one of the best groups to come out of 4th gen 💗
For me IZONE was one of the best KPOP GIRL GROUPS that came out because their songs was just so good, and all of their songs are like timeless songs, songs that will never go bad at any time of any year.
I only stanned Iz*one when they were about to disband, but I still adored them. Thank you sm for this video because I didn't, and honestly still don't have much knowledge of their music as I should🫶
The only time i was happy to see a group disband was when we got the news that the loona girls were free, but like you said the end of something doesnt mean its the end for the members all the loona members are now under new agencies and all agencies have said they would be open to ot12 collabs but even without ot12 collabs loonas future is still gonna be amazing
I got into KPop 2021. But once I fell into the IZ*ONE rabbit hole, I fell really deep. From PD48 until after disbandment. And I'm just here appreciating this content. I'm on the verge of tears, but I can't stop watching it. I love IZ*ONE.
I've been into kpop on and off since high school (late 90s/early00s) and the Produce phenomenon, which we saw as based on the 48 groups, really peaked when they brought in the 48 girls for PD48. IZONE was amazing and I even supported PUP...but was also willing to let it go because I knew the IZ girls would make it. And they did. They shine even more brightly after disbandment...BUT IZONE is still a beautiful memory.
This is why i always said gen 4 started with Produce 48/Iz*one. It gave birth to some of the most prominent member of gen 4. Jang WonYoung, Sakura, Huh Yunjin, Ahn Yujin, Kim Chaewon, Choi Yena, Kwon Eunbi, Kim Chaeyeon, Jo Yuri,..r all gen 4 staples. P/s: I would also classify Gidle as gen 4, even if they debuted before pd48 but i wouldnt say they opened it. Their breakthroughs and peaks came during the mid of the gen, and they r competing with gen 4 groups, thus classifying them as a gen 4
I was one of those weirdos who got into izone after they disbanded lol. I've been a kpop fan since 2012 but kinda slept on them aside from listening to the title tracks on occasion. I watched GP999 in 2021, then decided to go back and watch Produce 48 after the fact and fell in love! I'm so glad I did too because not only did I discover a great group in izone, I get to see their legacy in their new groups and have the context of where they came from. It's kind of must-have background in the kpop gg space, tbh
“It almost feels as if off the record themselves planned for a longer stint with IZ*one and had to settle for panorama being a shoe in final comeback” I strongly believe Panorama isn’t a disbandment song. They were supposed to have six releases, two trilogy: IZ trilogy (color*IZ, Heart*IZ, Bloom*IZ) with elegance equating to purity and class with the overall theme of flowers, and One trilogy (Oneiric Diary, One-Reeler, ???) that leans more on the expensive and rich elegance. That’s why their music and concept differed between the two and might be why you were drawing similarities between Panorama and Violeta. They would’ve completed it if it weren’t for the hiatus and pandemic happening. That’s what OTR didn’t see coming. Even during the petitions, a lot of wiz*ones were hoping for at least an extension because we felt robbed of that last act and neither the fans and the group got their proper goodbye.
I haven't even watched this video but I'm glad people haven't forgot about them. They were the only reason i used to smile back in 2018. They lead me to happiness. They felt like family more than my actual family did.
i loved izone and this video, during 2020 i started to become a fan of kpop and izone being one of the groups that became one of my favorites, down to their albums, content, and ofc members, it felt all raw and you could feel the 1000% they put into everything they’ve released as a group. while yes i was bawling when they disbanded and me being very young couldn’t afford to go to their final concert. i watched clips of it on social media. but you talking about impermanence and how it’s not always a bad thing. glad i got to experience it with a group like them. we could always look back at all the memories they’ve made with to me and all the wiz ones. is beautiful❤
Part of the reason why Oneric Diary, Secret Story of the Swan specifically was "off-brand" in comparison to their flower concept discography, it was due to the height of MNET's controversy with vote manipulation during X-1's debut. IZ*ONE being an active produce group during that was affected by the controversy. I remember Eunbi being so stressed out with their upcoming comeback because some of their staff were fired so during the last stint of production for oneric, they had to be involved since they have minimal resources. That is why it felt rushed. And as a WIZ*ONE from the very start, Secret Story of the Swan didn't feel like an organic IZ*ONE release. It didn't help that it was also released during the height of global pandemic (June 2020). Sad part about it is that there were rumors that they were preparing for a global concert by 2020. Which left a very bitter regret to WIZ*ONE.
The only way I can describe how I feel about this video is, “Hey Queen! You’ve done it again, constantly raising the bar for us all and doing it flawlessly. I’d say I’m surprised but I’ve seen it up close and personal. Girl you Make me so proud, and I love you.” - Michelle Obama This video was like ironically more memorable than more than half the movies I’ve seen and is something I’ll definitely come back to, you absolutely killed it Robbie. In my opinion I actually found Secret Story of the Swan to be my favorite title track compared to the rest, and while I agree that the music video was slightly lackluster it was actually based on the Alice in Wonderland live movie I believe, which didn’t really make sense since that was not that close to the main lyrics and theme of the song, but as far as the song goes I think what drew me in was the kind of imperfection of it. It did seem at times possibly boring but I think it was so amazing to me because it was one of the earlier songs I listened to as someone getting into kpop (I got into them literally 2 months after disbandment sadly and then they became my ult group 😭). I did at first listen actually hate it, but I’ve come to love it and it was actually my 2022 Spotify wrapped most listened to song with 441 listens over the year lol. But it was so amazing to hear your takes and you captured the essence and analysis of each song perfectly. Very proud of you, and will miss you, wishing you all the best. 🫶
The Parallel Universe project actually collected 3 million dollars worth of pledges at its peak. It was huge. This was just Korean fans and not counting Japanese fans who probably might have doubled this amount.
As someone who just finished something that I really enjoy and was building up to for months literally yesterday, this video hit WAY harder than it should have
i remember watching SNSD, bigbang, KARA etc on arirang TV as a gradeschooler waaay back when COMPLETELY oblivious on whats to come, all i remember is that they sound GOOD even if i can't understand nothing lol. into the new world, last farewell and step is still my top 3 kpop songs of all time.
I started listening to kpop in 2016 so you know all the 3rd gen boy groups were big. I use to watch back and feel such a exhilarating feeling watching the 2nd gen groups. Its almost like watching history or something. I think iz*one is one of those groups people nowadays can look back at their career and feel how important they were in their time
IZ*ONE more like IZ*WON at being a great kpop group am I right?
that was a good pun right?
Yea ^^
Very much so
Lol so cute
No
@@Mr-pn2eh yes it was
I don’t have any personal experiences with iz*one because I got into kpop in 2022, but I love how palpable the love and care people have for this group is. I can feel how special they were to you all and I think that’s beautiful.
As someone who was an izone fan since the beginning and has stayed till the end,still having them as my ult,this comment means a lot because of all the hate and mocking wiz*one has suffered for being so attached to a temporary group
Saaaame
As Swo one who got into izone at their debut but without watching PD48, I still hold them dearly in my heart. In a time where groups were getting smaller, you could clearly see that every member mattered and had a purpose just by their performances alone. They made every single stage rich and their image so consistent from the music to the visuals and left a clear mark as IZONE. And that’s just touching on the “outside part” of the group
If you got into K-pop in 2022, I think you've heard of the following groups and soloists I will mention, IVE, Le Sserafim, Kwon Eunbi, Jo Yuri, Choi Yena, and Lee Chaeyeon. The soloists and 2 of the members in each group (Yujin and Wonyoung in IVE, and Sakura and Chaewon in Le Sserafim) were some of the members of IZ*ONE.
Me too after I heard their music I understand why.
Secret Story of the Swan is actually my favorite song from IZ*ONE, and honestly, I think it's *because* it's so damn loud. That song makes me feel like I'm going to war; every time it pops up in my playlist, it feels like they're punching me in the face and telling me to get the hell up. Compared to their debut and first comeback, it really feels like rather than taking the gentle approach to elegance, they take a proud one, like they've been crowned queen. I have a lot of love in my heart for kpop that demands your attention, songs that are big, bold and epic, so I'm probably just biased lmao
they are just fiercely elegant and when they come together as one no one can beat their game,ssots for me is song which kinda defines Fierce elegance for me
I never felt Paronama as an ending for the group, but instead is like it's an open door for each career they would have after Iz*One. I don't know how to properly explain it.
First time I listened to it I didn't like it and I didn't know it was their last comeback, now, I listen to it and after the end I just think of IVE, Lesserafim, solo careers, etc. Paronama feels like Iz*One didn't end and never did, they just have separated ways now, but their essence stills there
Izone was literally the most perfect group ever...
Their chemistry was so good. Their vocals were outstanding and all 12 of their voices were made to match each others. Their sychronization while dancing was out of this world. I miss Iz*one so incredibly much. They were the perfect group. All I want is an OT12 reunion.
ikr. individually, they are not the all around members like nmixx, but when together as a group is so entertaining.
You saying "they felt like they were destined for more" when talking about Panorama made me feel so. Sad. They were destined for so so much more. More fans, more comebacks, more fame, just more time. They needed more time with their fans and with each other. The pandemic felt like it put a pause on everyone's life, but time, and their contract, just kept going. I watched the Produce finale and saw them all find out they were debuting, but god do I still want more time with them. But we don't have that time, for worse or for better. I'm happy for the time I did have with the 12 of them and I'll hold those precious memories close forever. I hope IZ*ONE always gains more fans and people make more happy memories with them.
I'm glad you picked out the idea that in gen 3 and early gen 4 we still had a huge color scheme thing going on for most groups. There were just certain symbols and/or color palettes associated with certain groups. This was honestly so iconic for gen 2 and gen 3. This is usually what also lacks in gen 4 (going into gen 5) as well nowadays. Now we associate groups with whatever fashion brands they're signed to and honestly it doesn't do much for the identity of a group itself.
I agree, in my opinion I’m really happy because i believe that 5th gen is basically healing kpop if that makes sense… like 5th gen boy groups don’t do the whole “skz noise music” thing anymore and I’m loving it, and also kiss of life definitely is helping as well since they debuted as an all adult group and considering the amount of minors that are being debuted (not just 4th gen but in every other gen as well) I could be reaching though idk
I mourn iz*one every day. I knew about them when they debuted but I didn't even get into them until Yena's Smiley came out. I fell in love with Yena and decided to look into pd48 and iz*one. I missed out on so much. Their discography, choreo, and group dynamic was perfect. I miss them 😢
Iz*One the time we spent was short but every second of that slow journey was worth it. Thanks to Eunbi, Sakura, Hyewon, Yena, Chaeyeon, Chaewon, Minju, Nako, Hitomi, Yuri, Yujin and Wonyoung for making one of my favorite Kpop groups ever.
(BTW sorry for the "spam" is just i don't know why my YT page doesn't let me comment 😔)
thank you for making me cry about iz*one AGAIN for the 152484729 times. ISTG, iz*one is literally one of the best, the iconic, legendary group in kpop. i have known kpop for years since my elementary years but no one hit me like iz*one did. idk, there is something about them that just got me. even until now, I still amazed by them, how they able become one of my top 3 groups in a such of very very short time. i literally can talk about iz*one for hours if I want to. they are the first and the only group that can make me cry for a kpop even until now 🥲. GOD I MISS IZ*ONE SO FREAKING MUCH 😭😭😭
One thing that recently made me appreciate Panorama a lot more recently was the lyrics in the chorus, for such a festive song they are really poignant:
“Like a star shining brightly in the deep darkness
We will recognize each other anywhere.
The blinding spotlight, in your heart and mine
A brilliant moment that will forever.
My heart tremble endlessly
My feelings won’t change
Let’s go together now
I’ll only show you“
I feel like the lyrics nicely highlight how impermanent things never truly die and live on, not physically but in intangible ways (memory, remembrance of glory days).
Which also ties nicely into your hiatus 😢 I will really miss your content and even if you never come back I will always remember your contribution to this platform and the good times I had with your videos (even the one you think are not good they’re amazing to me😂)!
Never thought of Iz*One under this perspective. There was something about their mvs and dance that stood out to me compared to other groups but I couldn't put my finger on it; I think you explained it well. 🎊
I was sad when they disbanded but you have a good point, how their impermanance allowed them to be a good memory and solidify them as a legendary kpop group. The message of impermanance and living life in the moment is something we all need a reminder sometimes☝️
I'll be honest, I'm leaving a like and a comment planning to come back to this when I'm a little more mentally prepared. Not only do I believe this project will make me cry because of IZ*ONE and the idea of impermanence, but you're my favorite ktuber going over impermanence while taking a hiatus yourself.... I respect your decision and in some human to human way I have a prideful feeling that you're looking to make the best decision you can for yourself and I can only admire that and I love that you're taking care of yourself. That all said the sting of some kind of loss or like something will be missing is still setting in and while I'll wait to watch this when life is a little less overwhelming, I know I will love and appreciate the passion and care you poured into this incredible piece of content. Respect and love always Taejiu. Eat well, drink well, and take care
you wouldnt understand how much i love this vid, it gave me a whole new perspective on izone and im rewatching it rn, imo izone is probably the most iconic group PERIOD. like NO ONE did it like them and NEVER will, they tried this with zerobaseone but for me it just didnt hit cause it wasnt ORIGINAL, that was the thing izone had they were ORIGINAL DIFFERENT, their debut and 1st cb were SIMPLE unlike what we see now with the big sets and stuff, the production team wanted us to look at THEM not the massive sets, thats why they made it so simple, after they knew people loved them for their talents and didnt really care about the mv, they made the mvs with more cgi cause we knew their POTENTIAL. i wont continue my massive rant but i feel like the flower outfits in the panorama mv was a hint to the flower trilogy, it was their last cb and they knew they had to show flowers because thats izones legacy the flower trilogy (i hope this makes sense)
this feels like a friend infodumping at me about a group they love and i love it like yes please infodump about something you know a lot about i would listen for hours like... this perfect to listen to while winding down before work tomorrow (gotta pay for college somehow)
thank you so much for making this its amazing
omg about covid also same like my last high school years were so fast and full of nothing and like :(( I'm sorry you went through the same tho 😔
I’ve been waiting for this for 3 months and I am not disappointed at all. Thank you so much taejiu for this! I’ve been watching you for over a year and you’ve informed me a lot on K-pop and made me stan new groups. We’ll miss you Robbie!
Izone chemistry was unmatched, it was like magic, watching their realoty shows was a pleasure
Also the song was good. This is the best sirvival show girl group outside maybe of twice
Crazy good video. I wasn’t into K-pop when izone was still a group but they have genuine bangers and even tho I’ve overplayed fiesta, ssots, and panorama I haven’t listened to them in a while cause of that but hearing them again is so good. The way you explained the concept was so cool and the unscripted moments were so goofy lmao.
this group will always be one that I cherish and forever will love. Still continue supporting all 12 girls to this day and wish them good health and success always
I was with izone in their last leg of their contract and saw it all the highs, the fan movement, the negotiations. Just want to say this they shined like a star and all members are doing really well you don't get this kind of ending often with project groups
I don’t write comments on TH-cam videos often, but I just wanted to write one here to say thank you for making this video and tying IZ*One to the beauty of impermanence.
Before IZ*One debuted as a group, I had attended a Buddhist Dharma Talk and heard the minister talk about the symbolism of a Sakura flower’s impermanence. The minister mentioned that a Sakura takes one year to reach peak bloom but withers away not too long after. Rather than being sad about its short life, a Sakura reminds us to look at what we’ve accomplished in a year’s time, celebrate those accomplishments, and be graceful in letting go once the moment has passed so that we can move forward with new experiences.
As such, I developed a fondness for the name Sakura and was excited that the new Project group IZ*One would have a member named Sakura!
I was sad when the group had to disband, especially because during the pandemic, I had fallen out of Kpop and didn’t truly appreciate IZ*One as much by the end.
This past year, I’ve been glad to see former members of IZ*One find new success in new groups or solo! Le Sserafim has definitely become my favorite group this year. I’m grateful for the timeliness of this video in helping me reflect on how much IZ*One meant to me when they first debuted and how they really exemplified the beauty of impermanence.
Thank you, Taeju! Hope you are able to find new joy in your other pursuits beyond Kpop!
Thank you for taking time to put together this video. I blitzed through the whole 1hr plus and it was so great to relive how awesome IZ*ONE was and the impact it has. I love your narrative around impermanence and the lesson we can all learn from. As much as we wish there is more of IZ*ONE and how SSOTS and Panorama seems a little disjointed, I'm just so glad we got those songs and how easily the group could have been disbanded from the scandal (like X1). It's so nice to see the legacy the group has and how fans (like yourself) still care enough about the group. Your content is amazing and thank you again!
the momoland needledrop around the hour mark was such an insane final act twist LMAO
I miss iz*one os much. I love their new ventures and support all of them, Le Sserafim and IVE are such amazing groups, all of the soloists have released beautiful songs, and those who went into acting are doing well as well. But, iz*one simply got me like no other group has (save for Loona and Dreamcatacher, although they're different because they were never meant to be temporary like iz*one). Seeing iz*one covers makes me emotional, seeing iz*one moments now that they're disbanded makes me emotional, and it's been nearly 3 years since they disbanded. They deserve a reunion not just because they were such a good group, but because their last era and disbandment event happened during a hard time, with COVID and the stupid voting disaster. They don't have to release any new music together, just doing their old songs would be enough (although it would be so cool if they did make a song just for a reunion). I know I'm going to be very sad when Kep1er disbands as well.
post iz*one is shaping late 4th gen fr
19:41 i LOVE highlight, one of my favorite iz*one b-side 💜
"Who cares about the rigging" a woman and a teenage girl lost a once in a lifetime career opportunity and are now stuck in nugudom due to the rigging
IZONE was truly one of a kind. Their discography, performances, on/off-camera behavior (as reported by insiders in the industry), their friendship, and everything else made IZONE an exceptional group. Despite the company's shortcomings in some aspects, I felt the love poured in by everyone who worked with them. IZ*ONE felt different from many other girl groups. They surpassed album-selling records, maintained their fanbase even after the PD48 scandal, and integrated messaging apps like Bubble with their Private Mail. Their ability to gather over US$2,000,000 in funding just to witness them together speaks volumes about the size and loyalty of their fanbase-truly one of the biggest and most loyal I've seen.
As mentioned in the video, the beauty of enjoying the moment without overthinking, immersing yourself in it, was encapsulated in Chaewon's "Slow Journey" in One-reeler. It perfectly conveyed the idea of savoring each passing moment slowly and embracing it to the fullest.
Really nice video
hey, very good video! when you were talking about the concepts around 53:40 there was this theory with the albums. the first 3 albums are called color:IZ , heart:IZ and bloom:IZ. all ending with the IZ of IZONE. then we got ONEeiric diary and ONE-reeler. both with the ONE from IZONE. we lost quite some time with IZONE thanks to the produce scandal. the guess was that we were supposed to get one more ONE album before disbandment but that didn't work out time wise with the hiatus during the scandal... so we had the flower (growing and finding self) concept of IZ and the elegance (confidence and maturity) concept of ONE. together forming the perfect group IZONE.
Taejiu you are literally the only commentary channel ab kpop i like. Everyone else is just so fucking rude and annoying but the way you put out your opinions is so firm and straightforward but in such a down to earth and kind way. It acc sounds like criticism. I kind of hated kpop commentary channels bc of just how mean they are but you are really making a change. Please keep making these videos❤
I came into kpop as izone was ending their journey as I started to unwrap izone layers reading abt members,seeing old footage it almost gives me a unfulfilled urge and want to see them again atleast once cause I just want to see that magic and dreaminess of them together on a stage one last time.
Not many grps can get such legacy even after full contract they did it with less than half that time,not just music or stages they in every respect made a grp that will have a different identity to which whoever follows in future will be called izone did it first,whether it be fiery elegance in visuals,amazing grp choroes with intricate body synchronization and formations,it now feels like a dream ended with them and now no matter how much I think abt them before sleeping I won't live that dream again
Although their debut song wasn't one that I originally vibed with the most at the time it's what got me to pay attention to them and comeback by comeback I grew to appreciate the art and the members more and more everytime to the point where, once I realized that the group was temporary, it made me wish I had appreciated them more while they were still in the group. Iz*one's music always has a way of bringing me back to the exact moment that I was when I listened to each song at the time and no matter how many times I replay the songs they always bring happy memories of me learning the choreographies in my living room and pretending that I'm dancing on a stage. As much as I cried and sometimes still wish that they remained a group, we would probably never get to see or experience the music, groups, and members shine in a different light as they did after Iz*one. I was never really able to put my feelings into words about Panorama and the whole section covering it sort of spoke to what I had thought about it in a way. Like it almost feels like it wasn't supposed to end the way it did. I think I speak for everyone when I say thank you for taking the time to research and make this video. It's a beautifully done tribute to everything that the group stood for and still stands for today and although the disbandment was years ago (I know a lot of us are probably still not over it) this video feels like the closure a lot of fans might be looking for.
im really thankful to my past self that i stanned them even before they debut
i watched one of their songs back in 2020 which was fiesta and forgot about them after that until they disbanded i wish i stanned them in their debut days
couldn't agree more. moreover, I'm actually so "grateful" that i got to experienced 3 months of blackout. 🥲
I love crying over izone, they were SO special; I sometimes regret not getting into them earlier (secret story of the swan is what made me stan them). Thank you so much for making this video taeju ❤
Thank you for this amazing video! While I was not around for IZ*ONE to have been an active group, my respect for their legacy and incredible discography extends beyond their disbandment, being one of the strongest groups both conceptually and musically of the 4th generation.
You mention a certain discord between their first three releases and their last two, conceptually and somewhat thematically. I've always regarded this as due to the releases being part of separate trilogies, the 'iz' trilogy revolving around the flower/colour motif and the 'one' trilogy. I think one consequence which people largely overlook of IZ*ONE's hiatus was the lost time to complete the 'one' trilogy. Being on hiatus for 6 months unfortunately lost them a comeback or two, which I think would've concluded their musical journey far more nicely than the slightly discordant last two comebacks they came out with.
Regardless they were an amazing group with amazing members and I'm glad they've all had personal success post disbandment.
i got into kpop early 2022, maybe 6 months after Iz*One disbanded, so i never got to experience them at the peak of their career but seeing how much the fans, public and just how close all the members still are makes me feel connected to them. even though i wasnt around during their prime. im a huge fan of Le Sserafim, Eunbi and IVE so those little interactions we get between those artists makes me feel like im getting to see the remnants of the group, which i guess you could say, i am. But the longer i've been listening to kpop in general, the more ive come to appreciate Iz*One, the members and the hardcore fandom thats BEGGING for just one reunion comeback, and i'd be lying if i said i wasnt apart of that massive group of people begging for a comeback from them. just once.
all that aside, i typed all this before im even 10 minutes into the video so, thank you for the entertainment for the next hour and a half. hope you're back soon Robbie, you've quickly become my favorite channel since your ditto video months ago. heres to a safe and healthy 2024 to you and everyone watching ❤ see you again hopefully 🫡
Yes to the point about Kepler but also other non permanent groups, izone showed what this groups could be or could have been. This is what a non permanent groups should do and set up their members to do in the future
Also maybe not popular point but this is also why some want bp to disband, so their members can reach the full potential solo
I think the company felt that panorama was the best to convey the feeling of a last comeback due to the produce scandal before fiesta era, they probally would have more comeback (at least one more) [Sauce:Voices from my head], but the contract time was right behind the door. Its kinda bittersweet to listen to their music now as a fan who watched this group being formed and growing, but its the type of feeling who lets you smiling the whole time, even when you know they're not gonna be back together.
But awesome video, continue with the good work Tae. I hope u have a great new year.
i think it would be good if we could get an I*ZONE reunion album & concert to make up for their disbandment.
an actual concert. not an online concert. these girls didn't deserve to be sent away online.
There's so much to say and I will, perhaps, edit this comment in the future to say it. But most of all : Thank you man.
For me, IZ*ONE will always stay in my heart as one of the iconic groups, even though I can't listen to their songs and mv due to lingering emotional attachment. It's been so long, but I still miss them. Even though we get so many songs, choreographies, potential discoveries due to the disbandment of the IZ*ONE, sometimes I wonder what it may seem like if they didn't disband and what we will be able to have from them.
Taejiu, I just want to thank you for this video. You have worked so hard on this and with all your content in general! You are prob my fav K-tuber with essay format content. So thank you! I have been waiting for this video since forever, and I know this video is worth the wait!
wow, this video is really such a beautiful love letter to IZ*ONE and I enjoyed every second of it! Thank you so much for all your hard work on this project, your thoughts and analysis were super interesting to listen to and totally made me think about things in a new light! I got into K-pop just as IZ*ONE disbanded but I am so so sooo excited to listen to more of their music✨ Honestly this was such a delight to watch
i'm still watching it but the video is so good. i'm so glad that you finally uploaded this, i've been waiting for it. thank you so much. i don't think i could ever be able to describe with words how much iz*one means to me and how much i love them. i still listen to them constantly and i support the members in their new carreers and i do miss them together but i'm glad they are doing good. they meant a lot to me when i was going through hard times. their music is SO good, their concept is beautiful and the girls had such a good chemistry together. it makes me kinda sad that so many new kpop fans don't know them or don't understand the impact they had back then so thank u for this video, thank u for reminding everyone of how awesome iz*one was and the beauty of impermanence.
p.s: i love your video essays and i really hope you are doing well! i send you a hug and good energy and i wish you a happy new year
I don't usually comment, but this was a lovely video and I can tell a lot of hard work was put into it! I've been a kpop stan since 2015 and very casually watched some of PD48 as it was airing, and knew every IZONE comeback although I didn't really keep up with them. I struggled to get into them because I was a CLC fan at the time and really sad about them losing La Vie en Rose, but I can definitely respect how well IZONE performed it and how gorgeous their choreography is. This was super fun to watch and made me wish I appreciated them more back then. Thank you!
i feel like the main reason i broke down so much when they disbanded was because i was able to watch the last concerts live. as you said remembering them causes a little sting in my heart whenever i think back to the time they were still together as a group because they were such a big part of my life when it sucked the most. while i do remember them with the best things ever i also do feel pain whenever i think about those times because they helped me so much and then just "disappeared" one day even tho i always knew they weren't permanent. i would honestly give anything to be able to go back to the time when they were still together just to see them together. on one hand i do love their new current groups/solo carriers but on the other if i had to choose between those groups and getting them as a whole back i would probably choose them as a whole purely because of the impact they had on my life
iz*one truly meant so much to me, this video does them so much justice. there was just something so unique and special about them that hasnt been redone since. it truly feels like iz*one was a flower. they bloomed beautifully, but like flowers couldn’t last forever. i loved violeta and stanned immediately after it, it encapsulated their concept beautifully and i was hooked. since their disbandment, you can see how they brought SO much to kpop. now in their individual groups, and solos, they’re still dominating the charts. i will always wonder what it would’ve been like if iz*one was a permanent group but i also wonder if their disbandment was necessary for them to grow💔 great video once again!!
I have to say I loved this essay so much. Your words were really inspirational and it was a nice an hour and a half of listening.
To izone
I respect them as idols so much. These girls were through a lot of hardships. Their music, mvs, stages, outfits, choreos are so idol-like. They became a quintessence, the epitome of girl group for me.
And as much as I love them I enjoy their new careers now. Sometimes it's crazy to see how for example Chaewon's and Sakura's images changed but it broadened their palette for me
Thank you for this nice video
Commenting before watching. I was never a fan of izone during their time but I just recently watched all of produce 48, mostly because now I'm a fan of both lesserafim and ive and I was curious about the girls origins, and after I finished the show I just feel myself craving for more. I love the final lineup and everything about izone, the members and the amazing music and concepts complements so well together, I can see why the group was so loved, I regret not getting into the group earlier.
So this video is perfect for me rn because I'm in this state of discovering the group for the first time, like watching their content and concerts, listening to the albums, etc, and I though all conversation about izone would be dead by now bc it's been like more than 2 years since they disbanded, I'm so glad I was wrong and that they are people that still appreciate them after all these years 🥹
honestly, i've still not gotten over izone and one major reason for that is the way they had to say goodbye to their fans through a screen... no final concert to celebrate the time spent with wizone in person. the story feels unfinished and just left an empty space inside of me.
I discovered Iz*one on TH-cam a couple of months after they debuted. I kept seeing the La Vie en Rose music video pop up in my recommendations, I had never seen or heard of the produce series so I just thought they were a regular group that had just debuted. There’s certain songs that I wish so bad I could listen to again for the first time and La Vie en Rose is one of them. I was in my mid teens and I had been into Kpop casually for a couple years by that point but I had never followed a Kpop group from their debut before. When I eventually found out they were a temporary group I remember being sooo disappointed lol but I don’t regret following them for those 2 years at all. We got music I’ll always listen to and feel nostalgia for. The members went on to not only do well but change the Kpop girl group landscape as a whole. I can’t listen to Panorama without getting teary eyed. Thank you so much for making this video!!
Secret Story of the Swan is that song that exudes power alongside elegance. It’s my go to song whenever I want to be fancy with whatever I’m doing
Thank you so much for the amazing video! 🙏
In addition to their amazing music and performances, the relationship between them is another reason why I and WIZ*ONE love them so much. ❤
I have followed them since PD48. IZ*ONE is the group that got me into K-POP and this group is the last group that I will stan. I promised IZ*ONE's members at the concert's Hi-touch event that I would support them forever. This promise will not change. 💌
However, it's difficult to support all of them because after IZ*ONE disbandment. IVE, LESSERAFIM, and Solo members in Korea and Japan released Songs, Photobooks, Magazines, Fandom memberships, etc. Some months, They make a comeback and release merchandise at the same time. It's not easy but I'll do my best. 💸😵💫
I hope to see all 12 of them reunite as IZ*ONE again someday. 🥹
Thank u so much for putting out this video, I love cinematography but I struggle to find the right words to express what I feel about these K-pop concepts that I consume and you really took the words out of my mind and greatly represented the emotion and impact iz*one brought to the industry, and thank you for also for going deeper into impermanence in our world and reminding us the earth continues to orbit around the sun even when moments we want to last forever fade out and force us to become more innovative as humans. beautiful video!!!!
Taejiu thank you for this video. watching all of it rn before bed. thank you for covering one of my favorite groups of all time. I’m so happy all of the girls are so successful post disbandment and hope you cover Loona one day🙏
I think I'm going to cry if former IZ*ONE members come together in one award show and have a collab stage dancing to their respective group and solo songs (Eunbi, Yena, Yuri, Chaeyeon, Hyewon singing their most recent or famous solo song as well as IVE and Le Sserafim singing their most recent or famous song) then after those, they will come together and sing an IZ*ONE song again (maybe Fiesta or SSOTS since these songs are the most famous songs to non-WIZ*ONEs). If this happens, I don't know what WIZ*ONEs and non-fans will happen to us.
I remember the feeling of watching la vie en rose for the first time. It was so good I couldn’t stop listening. The grip Iz*one had on me after that day was otherworldly.
Imagine the power they would hold if they came together as 12 for just one stage. It would be earth shattering
this is gonna be an emotional one. thank you for making this one.
I got into kpop in early 2020/late 2019 and izone were one of the first groups I really fell in love with i look back on them with a lot of nostalgia
Thank you for this body of work!
I also love the different references you use!! Like Cynthia's Roserade?! immediately brought me back to my pokemon days
Damn. This makes me wanna get way better at analysis. I was already working on an IZ*ONE themed video, and having watched this has given me lots of insight I absolutely lacked prior. Thank you for your work!
i love iz*one so much my eyes literally teared up when they disbanded like i HATED seeing them cry on their final stage... but yes, they are a produce group at the end of the day. they were destined to disband, and without their disbandment we might not get the le sserafim or ive (or at least the version) that we LOVE!
(yes i AM a wiz*one!! make sure to support all their solo music + ive & le sserafim)
great video btw! i usual don't watch over 1 hour videos (not that there are a lot), but i loved this video!
Sorry for the late response, I ended up listening to this as a podcast over a couple of days.
This is a really, really good video. I think that art in general requires interpretation from its audience, and I think that you manage to interpret a really beautiful story from the art of IZ*One's career. But only part of the story is the literal art that they produced: the other part of the story is the story of the group itself. And I think that you manage to weave those together really well.
I really appreciate your perspectives on kpop topics in general. You've helped me see things in art that I love that I never would've seen on my own. So thank you for helping me appreciate IZ*One even more than I did before, by giving me this new story to tell myself about the group.
Anyway, it sounds like this will be your last video for a while. And don't be afraid to take a step away from the community posts if you need to; the algorithm isn't as important as your mental health. But good luck with whatever you end up doing in the future, I've appreciated your stuff so far and I'm sure you'll continue to do good things in whatever field you choose to.
Ty for this video 🥲 can't believe a kpop analysis video got me crying. I got into Iz*one after Ive debuted, and it saddens me to not be a fan while they were active. The last part of this video hits hard, the life lessons
Before I start this video; Thank you Taejiu. I would wait for your videos and watch them in full. You were one of the 5% of K-tubers that I really liked and enjoyed. Though I’m sad to see you go, I’m happier that you’re prioritizing your mental health first. It’s a strong person to recognize that they’re not happy anymore and even stronger person to seek ways help it..I’m still learning that. Part of that reason is because your bravery to step away from what doesn’t do anything for you anymore. Thank you again Taejiu and I wish you best and I hope you find your permanent smile and peace one day 💗💗
This is an amazing video! You've really encapsulated what makes Izone one of my favorite groups ever. I'm forever sad that I became a fan in the pandemic after SSOTS when most of their career was already behind them.
I think you really touched on something with the theme of impermanence though. It's like how some tv shows are better off shorter instead of stretching on forever. Their short career allowed Izone to release 4 nearly perfect projects, and I'm not sure I'd want it any other way.
Also, although I know what you mean about panorama being a weird ending, I do truly think it is a summary of all their previous releases, with the color concept, some flower concept, the horns, the choreo formations. But also something new, opening the door for the post-Izone groups.
Thank you Taejiu. I am subscribed to a bunch of Ktubers and among them only Hyeatiful and Taejiu make rewatchable videos that you can come back to over time and enjoy again. Those two put so much effort into their videos.
i was waiting for this i loved the video and the editing is sooo good
and izone will always be a group that i will cherish , one of the best groups to come out of 4th gen 💗
19:24 nah……. Violeta is MY FAVE!
IZ*ONE feature presentation just in time for New Years let’s gooo we’re eatin with this one
This was written so beautifully. Thank you for making such an amazing video!
I know that zerobaseone is a temporary group and i'm already sad abt their disbandment :(
Same but atleast we can support them rn
For me IZONE was one of the best KPOP GIRL GROUPS that came out because their songs was just so good, and all of their songs are like timeless songs, songs that will never go bad at any time of any year.
I only stanned Iz*one when they were about to disband, but I still adored them. Thank you sm for this video because I didn't, and honestly still don't have much knowledge of their music as I should🫶
The only time i was happy to see a group disband was when we got the news that the loona girls were free, but like you said the end of something doesnt mean its the end for the members all the loona members are now under new agencies and all agencies have said they would be open to ot12 collabs but even without ot12 collabs loonas future is still gonna be amazing
I got into KPop 2021. But once I fell into the IZ*ONE rabbit hole, I fell really deep. From PD48 until after disbandment. And I'm just here appreciating this content. I'm on the verge of tears, but I can't stop watching it. I love IZ*ONE.
I've been into kpop on and off since high school (late 90s/early00s) and the Produce phenomenon, which we saw as based on the 48 groups, really peaked when they brought in the 48 girls for PD48. IZONE was amazing and I even supported PUP...but was also willing to let it go because I knew the IZ girls would make it. And they did. They shine even more brightly after disbandment...BUT IZONE is still a beautiful memory.
secret story of the swan is my ringtone (makes u wake up really fast xD)
This is why i always said gen 4 started with Produce 48/Iz*one. It gave birth to some of the most prominent member of gen 4. Jang WonYoung, Sakura, Huh Yunjin, Ahn Yujin, Kim Chaewon, Choi Yena, Kwon Eunbi, Kim Chaeyeon, Jo Yuri,..r all gen 4 staples.
P/s: I would also classify Gidle as gen 4, even if they debuted before pd48 but i wouldnt say they opened it. Their breakthroughs and peaks came during the mid of the gen, and they r competing with gen 4 groups, thus classifying them as a gen 4
Yoooo 1hr24min izone essay video!!! Love it brother! ❤ Wizones are badasses
I was one of those weirdos who got into izone after they disbanded lol. I've been a kpop fan since 2012 but kinda slept on them aside from listening to the title tracks on occasion.
I watched GP999 in 2021, then decided to go back and watch Produce 48 after the fact and fell in love! I'm so glad I did too because not only did I discover a great group in izone, I get to see their legacy in their new groups and have the context of where they came from. It's kind of must-have background in the kpop gg space, tbh
“It almost feels as if off the record themselves planned for a longer stint with IZ*one and had to settle for panorama being a shoe in final comeback” I strongly believe Panorama isn’t a disbandment song. They were supposed to have six releases, two trilogy: IZ trilogy (color*IZ, Heart*IZ, Bloom*IZ) with elegance equating to purity and class with the overall theme of flowers, and One trilogy (Oneiric Diary, One-Reeler, ???) that leans more on the expensive and rich elegance. That’s why their music and concept differed between the two and might be why you were drawing similarities between Panorama and Violeta. They would’ve completed it if it weren’t for the hiatus and pandemic happening. That’s what OTR didn’t see coming. Even during the petitions, a lot of wiz*ones were hoping for at least an extension because we felt robbed of that last act and neither the fans and the group got their proper goodbye.
I haven't even watched this video but I'm glad people haven't forgot about them. They were the only reason i used to smile back in 2018. They lead me to happiness. They felt like family more than my actual family did.
Getting my popcorn and snacks to watch this like a movie🤭‼️
i loved izone and this video, during 2020 i started to become a fan of kpop and izone being one of the groups that became one of my favorites, down to their albums, content, and ofc members, it felt all raw and you could feel the 1000% they put into everything they’ve released as a group. while yes i was bawling when they disbanded and me being very young couldn’t afford to go to their final concert. i watched clips of it on social media. but you talking about impermanence and how it’s not always a bad thing. glad i got to experience it with a group like them. we could always look back at all the memories they’ve made with to me and all the wiz ones. is beautiful❤
came so quick for this!! so excited omgg 😭😭🩷
Part of the reason why Oneric Diary, Secret Story of the Swan specifically was "off-brand" in comparison to their flower concept discography, it was due to the height of MNET's controversy with vote manipulation during X-1's debut.
IZ*ONE being an active produce group during that was affected by the controversy.
I remember Eunbi being so stressed out with their upcoming comeback because some of their staff were fired so during the last stint of production for oneric, they had to be involved since they have minimal resources.
That is why it felt rushed.
And as a WIZ*ONE from the very start, Secret Story of the Swan didn't feel like an organic IZ*ONE release.
It didn't help that it was also released during the height of global pandemic (June 2020).
Sad part about it is that there were rumors that they were preparing for a global concert by 2020.
Which left a very bitter regret to WIZ*ONE.
The only way I can describe how I feel about this video is, “Hey Queen! You’ve done it again, constantly raising the bar for us all and doing it flawlessly. I’d say I’m surprised but I’ve seen it up close and personal. Girl you Make me so proud, and I love you.”
- Michelle Obama
This video was like ironically more memorable than more than half the movies I’ve seen and is something I’ll definitely come back to, you absolutely killed it Robbie. In my opinion I actually found Secret Story of the Swan to be my favorite title track compared to the rest, and while I agree that the music video was slightly lackluster it was actually based on the Alice in Wonderland live movie I believe, which didn’t really make sense since that was not that close to the main lyrics and theme of the song, but as far as the song goes I think what drew me in was the kind of imperfection of it. It did seem at times possibly boring but I think it was so amazing to me because it was one of the earlier songs I listened to as someone getting into kpop (I got into them literally 2 months after disbandment sadly and then they became my ult group 😭). I did at first listen actually hate it, but I’ve come to love it and it was actually my 2022 Spotify wrapped most listened to song with 441 listens over the year lol. But it was so amazing to hear your takes and you captured the essence and analysis of each song perfectly. Very proud of you, and will miss you, wishing you all the best. 🫶
The Parallel Universe project actually collected 3 million dollars worth of pledges at its peak. It was huge. This was just Korean fans and not counting Japanese fans who probably might have doubled this amount.
What a great Cover, good job bro.
PS: once a year, I watched Pd48. 😂
IM REALYYYY WE WAITED FOR THIS ROB DELIVER!!!!
The way you discuss art is so captivating. I love your videos
this is gonna make me rewatch all of izones music videos. very well done and enjoyable to watch!!!
a football reference in a banger kpop analysis vid you the goat fr bro keep up the good work:)
As someone who just finished something that I really enjoy and was building up to for months literally yesterday, this video hit WAY harder than it should have
i remember watching SNSD, bigbang, KARA etc on arirang TV as a gradeschooler waaay back when COMPLETELY oblivious on whats to come, all i remember is that they sound GOOD even if i can't understand nothing lol.
into the new world, last farewell and step is still my top 3 kpop songs of all time.
I started listening to kpop in 2016 so you know all the 3rd gen boy groups were big. I use to watch back and feel such a exhilarating feeling watching the 2nd gen groups. Its almost like watching history or something. I think iz*one is one of those groups people nowadays can look back at their career and feel how important they were in their time
I can guarantee I’m going to cry while watching this video
Such a wonderful video, im happy that i finally found the time to watch and enjoy it💖💖💖💖