"We Will Create Our Own Rhythm" — izna Expands Their Identity with Bold New Dynamic at Album Showcase

SEOUL — "We will move forward confidently, at izna’s own pace," member Ryu Sarang declared with determination. Known for spearheading self-driven narratives centered on personal identity, K-pop girl group izna is back to challenge the industry standard once again. After boldly stepping into a new world with "N/a" and singing of boundless potential beyond mere aesthetics in "Not Just Pretty," the group has returned with a fortified musical identity.

With their third mini-album, SET THE TEMPO, izna delivers a powerful message: they will not conform to the world's standards; they will become the standard. On the afternoon of June 8, the group held a media showcase at the Blue Square Woori WON Banking Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, sharing their passion for this new chapter.
A Sonic Evolution and a Highly Anticipated Return

SET THE TEMPO encapsulates the members' independent and autonomous attitudes across a diverse sonic landscape, blending dance, pop-rock, synth-pop, and hip-hop/R&B. The album marks a significant expansion of izna's musical universe and arrives after a nine-month hiatus.

"Presenting new music and performances is always thrilling," Koko shared, reflecting on the comeback. "I'm incredibly curious to see how the public will perceive our new side."

Mai added, "It is an honor to showcase how much izna has grown," while Ryu Sarang described the release as "an album where izna’s distinct color shines through much more intensely, both visually and musically."

The mini-album features five tracks: the title song "METRONOME," followed by "R.I.P.," "INFINITY," "ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS," and "LEAN ON ME."

The title track, "METRONOME," is a deep-house-infused dance track inspired by the steady, unwavering ticks of a metronome. It serves as a metaphor for the group's commitment to maintaining their own rhythm amidst a chaotic and confusing world.

"I felt the dreamy atmosphere of the intro suited izna perfectly," Mai explained. "As the track progresses into the chorus, the house elements intensify, allowing us to fully display our charms through the choreography."

Sharp Choreography and Dreamy Visuals

During the showcase, izna unveiled the performance of "METRONOME" for the first time. The choreography features a striking, highly synchronized "metronome gesture" where the members angularly flex their arms to the beat—a sharp, intuitive movement designed to be highly addictive and easy for fans to follow.

"It’s a very eye-catching choreography. We constantly monitored our movements to perfect even the smallest angles," Bang Jeemin recalled. "The entire process of building this together as a team was incredibly enjoyable."

The accompanying music video introduces a fantasy-driven narrative where the members blur the lines between reality and illusion. Set in an inverted world, they find their sole sanctuary in music, dancing with ultimate freedom. The video heightens viewer immersion through sophisticated cinematography and ethereal visuals.

The album also includes "INFINITY," a synth-pop fan song dedicated to their fandom, NAYA. Infused with a warm, nostalgic melody, the track captures the immutable love and trust shared between izna and their fans. Members Bang Jeemin and Ryu Sarang personally penned the lyrics.

"Participating in songwriting for the first time made this release even more meaningful," Bang Jeemin expressed. "I poured my sincere feelings into what I wanted to say to our fans."

Ryu Sarang echoed this gratitude, adding, "Our fans have always given us so many warm words. This time, we wanted to return that love."
Now entering their third year since debut, izna has shown remarkable growth through recent fan concerts and global performances.

"The memories from our fan concert still feel like a dream," Bang Jeemin reflected. "Interacting directly with the fans made me incredibly happy, and it felt like we grew even closer."

Jeong Saebi noted her evolution on stage: "I used to get very nervous in the past, but now I’ve learned how to genuinely enjoy the stage. I fully immersed myself during a recent university festival performance, which made me realize how much I've grown."

Choi Jungeun agreed, stating, "Before, I used to solely focus on the technical perfection of the movements. Now, I understand how to breathe with the audience and create a captivating atmosphere."

This growth has also deepened the bond within the group. "We communicate a lot. We exchange positive energy and synchronize with one another," Koko emphasized. "Whatever the concept, we are confident we can make it uniquely izna."

When asked about their goals for this promotional cycle, Ryu Sarang concluded with resolve: "Just like our album title, we want to march forward confidently. We will continue to prove that izna is an irreplaceable group with our own distinct color."

SET THE TEMPO will be available on all major music streaming platforms today at 6:00 PM KST.