Kim Chae-won is scheduled to be active as a member of a new girl group being prepared by "Source Music," under HYBE Labels. Kim Chae-won's move to HYBE, where she was previously under Woollim Entertainment, was finalized at the end of June this year and proceeded in extreme secrecy, including the signing of a non-disclosure agreement between the two companies.

The girl group, currently being formed with about five members, is expected to include two to three members from IZ*ONE. It is also highly likely that contestants who gained attention on "Produce 48" but were not ultimately selected for IZ*ONE will be chosen as members.

Japanese member Miyawaki Sakura is also being considered for this girl group, but negotiations between HYBE and the Japanese side are facing difficulties, delaying her joining. Additionally, other former IZ*ONE members are reportedly more interested in acting than singing, causing them to hesitate about joining.

If this girl group is launched as planned, it will be the first girl group launched by HYBE Labels and Source Music since IZ*ONE's disbandment, and it will be the girl group with the most former IZ*ONE members. It is expected to garner significant anticipation in the Korean, Japanese, and global K-pop markets as a group that will effectively succeed IZ*ONE.

Meanwhile, IZ*ONE, which received great love in Korea and Japan, disbanded at the end of April. Leader Kwon Eun-bi will be the first "post-IZ*ONE" runner, releasing her first solo album on the 24th. Choi Ye-na is also scheduled to release a solo album in the second half of this year.

Article Source: ⓒStar News

These are English translations of articles from our GTTOUR Japanese website.