South Korean girl group IZNA made a powerful statement with their latest comeback, releasing their second mini-album "Not Just Pretty" on Tuesday evening. The six-member group, consisting of Mai, Bang Jee-min, Koko, Ryu Sa-rang, Choi Jung-eun, and Jeong Sae-bi, showcased their evolution from audition show contestants to confident performers with their new title track "Mamma Mia." The album represents a significant step forward for the group, positioning them as artists who have moved well beyond their initial visual appeal to deliver a sharper, more confident musical identity.
IZNA emerged from Mnet's competitive audition program "I-Land 2: N/a" and had already demonstrated their performance capabilities before their official debut. Their journey from pre-debut anticipation to their November 2024 first album "N/a" showed steady progress, with tracks like "IZNA," "SIGN," and "BEEP" gradually establishing their presence in the competitive K-pop landscape. Their label WAKEONE describes the new release as evidence that IZNA "can no longer be defined by a single image," emphasizing that "Not Just Pretty" is designed to showcase the group's diverse musical colors that represent both "growth and possibility."
The centerpiece of the album, "Mamma Mia," delivers an unexpected impact despite its minimalist beat structure. The track features addictive electronic hooks and a magnetic rhythm crafted by renowned producer Teddy Park, the hitmaker responsible for some of BLACKPINK's biggest commercial successes. Just hours before the album's official release, IZNA took the stage at a media showcase held at Yes24 Live Hall in Seoul's Gwangjin District to unveil "Mamma Mia," demonstrating how dramatically they have progressed since their "I-Land 2" days.
The performance marked a striking transformation from their earlier work. While their viral cover of aespa's "Drama" had shown the rough edges typical of trainees, their latest showcase was sharp, cohesive, and commanding. Previous tracks had relied on simpler choreography, but "Mamma Mia" represented a complete pivot, packed with shifting formations and movements so precise they appeared calculated to the millimeter. In an industry climate where several top girl groups have faced criticism for lackluster, half-hearted performances, IZNA's energetic presentation felt almost like a deliberate statement—a refusal to be associated with similar criticism.
One of the showcase's standout moments came from member Choi Jung-eun, whose commanding performance early in the track provided visual impact and demonstrated her star potential. Her presence recalled her impressive appearance at KCON LA in August, when she joined fellow members Bang Jee-min and Koko for a notable performance of "Golden," the soundtrack to Netflix's animated series "KPop Demon Hunters." Jung-eun's performance suggested the emergence of a rising global star within the group's ranks.
The song's layered appeal extends beyond choreography to encompass its sophisticated sound design. Breezy electronic riffs run throughout the track, making it equally danceable for fans in their living rooms as it is effective on stage. The late-song crescendo, a signature Teddy Park trademark, echoes the dramatic builds that powered BLACKPINK's biggest hits, positioning "Mamma Mia" as another potential K-pop anthem with broad commercial appeal.
The impact of this comeback carried additional significance following member Yoon Ji-yoon's departure in August. As the group's powerhouse vocalist, her absence had raised questions about IZNA's future direction and vocal capabilities. While "Mamma Mia" relies heavily on rap elements to compensate for Yoon's vocal contributions, the group's collective intensity on stage made her absence less noticeable—a testament to the remaining members' determination and collaborative strength.
The complete mini-album spans five carefully crafted tracks that showcase IZNA's versatility. "Supercrush" presents a retro-influenced love song, while "Racecar" captures the breathless energy of pursuing dreams. "In the Rain" offers a dreamy synth-pop ballad that demonstrates the group's softer side, and "SIGN (Remix)" provides a sleek new interpretation of their previous work. Together, these tracks offer contrasting moods while maintaining IZNA's cohesive artistic identity. Standout tracks like "Supercrush" and "Racecar" particularly shine with their polished production, successfully balancing retro familiarity with modern edge.
Although the record avoids high-wire vocal showcases that might highlight the group's post-departure adjustments, it thrives on clarity and craftsmanship. "Not Just Pretty" feels like the work of a group determined not to get lost in K-pop's relentless cycle of comebacks—a concise yet effective declaration that IZNA has arrived as artists with something meaningful to contribute to the genre.
The group has ambitious plans for promoting their comeback across multiple platforms and regions. IZNA will launch comprehensive promotional activities across music programs and online content, building anticipation for face-to-face fan interactions. Their "Not Just Pretty" fan concerts are scheduled for November 8-9 at SOL Travel Hall in Seoul and December 9-10 at Makuhari Event Hall in Chiba, Japan. These international dates underscore the group's ambitions to connect with audiences on a global scale and establish themselves as a significant presence in the international K-pop market.
