hello guys! so this was kind of requested and I have been asked a lot of questions about them..so let me finally (and briefly) introduce them to you!
INTRODUCTION:
IZ (아이즈; pronounced ‘EYES’) is a new kpop band that consists of 4 members, who debuted on august 31st, 2017 under MUSICK Entertainment. They have been training for 3 years and has performed at many high schools (even their own) and busking events.
Some FAQ:
1. What does ‘IZ’ stand for?
it’s a combination of the first roman numeral ‘I’ and ‘Z’ being the last letter of the alphabet meaning, as one member (Hyunjun) said: it means that we will always honor our passion for music and love our fans from beginning till the end.
2. Do they have a slogan?
yes they do, “OPEN YOUR IZ” I love it, they are so unique.
3. What is their fan club name?
ILUV (아이럽) ; meaning IZ LOVE UNTIL FOREVER :)
4. How old are they?
* their average age is 18, just finishing high school, but considered minors so i just wanted to say please don’t sexualize thank you.
IZ debuted with a wonderful song called ‘다해’ (All you want) please watch and stream it as many times as you can on youtube and vlive!!! share it with your friends!!!
now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for…
MEMBER PROFILES:
JIHOO (지후)
real name: lim/im soojung (임수정)
position: leader and vocalist
birthday: august 5th, 1998 (oldest)
hobby: reading
HYUNJUN (햔준)
real name: lee hyunjun (이현준)
position: guitar, ‘happy vitamin’ & visual
birthday: december 21st, 1999
hobby: watching movies
WOOSU (우수)
nickname: ‘smiley’
position: drums (sometimes mistaken as maknae ㅋㅋ)
birthday: november 23rd, 1999
hobby: watching movies
JUNYOUNG (준영)
position: bass guitar (maknae)
birthday: september 23rd, 2000
hobby: listening to music
here’s a random photo of them holding a rose lol, so ethereal
and also, mark your calendars because IZ will perform their ‘HOT DEBUT’ on Music Bank, tomorrow at 5PM KST! (170901)
ive could have done my formatting better but its okay lol..
i’ll try my best to keep you updated with their activities ‘n stuff here while posting gifs (so im kinda a gif blog/sorta fanbase like) but if you have any more questions, feel free to ask me anytime! thank you guys and continue to support iz! 아이럽~
WINNER unveils photos from Debut Album 2014 S/S Launching show “Grand Launch” + CEO Yang Hyunsuk answers more questions about WINNER
Having been held back on Thursday, August 6th (KST), WINNER has quickly revealed a handful of insider photos from the event at Conrad Seoul!
From the photos, fans could see that the setting has been very chic and classic, with black and white being the main colors amidst dim lighting. Albums, photo books, and stands showcasing their brand new fan club name – Inner Circle – were further displayed for fans to take in the full picture of what WINNER has to offer.
The actual event had followed through and through what they have revealed through additional teaser pictures shown just three days ago as well – slick tuxedos, neat invitation cards, and an overall mature atmosphere through the black and white color usage.
The last six photos then show each member – Kang Seungyoon, Kim Jinwoo, Lee Seunghoon, Nam Taehyun, and Song Minho – posing in various charismatic ways at the end of a runway, performing live what they had only shown in their first video teaser for their debut album. Each of their attires are distinct per member, bringing certain unique features to light for fans to enjoy.
During the press conference, Yang Hyunsuk had explained the use of the concept of a runway for the WINNER members, speaking,
“Precisely speaking, WINNER is the first boy group that YG has produced nine years after BIGBANG. As WINNER members are rather taller than other YG singers, we set the concept to present them as fashion models, for this launching show.”
In other words, Yang Hyunsuk sought to utilize as much of WINNER’s natural abilities and talents to make them stand out among the August comeback rush.
This event has only further raised anticipation for WINNER’s impending debut on August 12th, in which up to three music videos are planned to be released!
These three music video’s will all be uploaded at the same time – their double title tracks “Color Ring” and “Empty,” along with fellow member Song Minho’s solo debut track “I’M HIM." It’s not clear yet which title track WINNER will officially promote the most out on music shows and variety programs, though fans could expect plenty of future video teasers for all three music video’s.
Their official track list has also been revealed by YG, showing a total of ten songs, including two title tracks and two solos (Minho, Taehyun). It also reveals several tracks composed and written by various members of WINNER. Their debut albums can be pre-ordered as a limited edition through various YG online eSHOP’s – regular, CHINA, TMALL, ebay, and GMARKET.
So far, WINNER had revealed three sets of conceptual teasers for the group and members: “Pre-Test Week,” “New York Week,” and a finale video teaser “The Visitor.” WINNER also opened up BIG BANG’s Japan 6 largest dome tour, and briefly held their own reality show. And most recently, their “Grand Launch” event passed by successfully.
Next week, their album will be released online on Tuesday, August 12th, and off-line on Thursday, August 14th, officially receiving the title of YG’s brand new boy group following BIG BANG nine years back.
On the 15th, they will perform as part of the YG Family Concert held in Seoul. They will also be the 4th YG artist to promote this year, as 2NE1, Akdong Musician, and Taeyang have successfully wrapped up promotions for “Come Back Home,” “200%,” and “Eyes, Nose, Lips” respectively.
WINNER will be debuting around the same time perimeter as PSY, who will be coming back with “DADDY” following his summer single release, “Hangover.”
Explaining more about YG’s next anticipated group, the CEO himself answered ten questions about WINNER through an interview, revealed exclusively through YG-Life. Answering inquiries about such things as their debut, comparisons against BIG BANG, and future, personal identity, Yang Hyunsuk went in-depth for all there is to know and be planned about for the group.
1. Why has WINNER’s debut been delayed?
The biggest concern in producing a new boy group is that a process of preparations to make the group not similar to any other boy groups is needed. I believe that process can make or break the success of a new group. I promised WINNER’s debut after the end of “WIN” show last year. However, I thought that presenting them to the public prematurely when they still did not have their unique color was not good for them. I had to choose the best way for WINNER, even if I myself is criticized for delay of their debut.
2. How is WINNER different from BIG BANG?
That is what I’ve been contemplating the most. I wanted fans evaluate how and how much WINNER is different from BIG BANG. So, it took a year to find out WINNER’s own style. I put a lot of thoughts in what color of clothes WINNER should wear and what type of songs and dance they have to present on the stage, in the process of making decisions for their debut.
3. What is the future for Team A and Team B?
YG is like a family. Both WINNER and Team B were YG trainees. I would like to ask for your continuous affection and interest in Team B, too. Team B’s member B.I and BOBBY participated in WINNER’s debut album just for collaboration, so don’ t get it wrong. Team B’s help for WINNER’s debut does not mean that Team B will not make debut.
4. People say that it will be hard to see WINNER in Korea because of their busy overseas schedules.
WINNER begins performances in Japan in October this year and that means that WINNER’s time for performance in Korea is rather short. I know that people say this will disappoint Korean fans who have been waiting for WINNER for a long time. In the past, singers performed in Korea first and then moved to overseas. However, nowadays, we can go back and forth between Korea and Japan within two hours, so I think there will be no such problem.
5. Will WINNER reduce TV performances like other YG singers?
Singers are the happiest when they sing on the best stage with the best conditions for performance. WINNER will follow such principle, too. There is a reason why YG singers do not appear in TV that much. When there are too many requests for TV appearance, the schedule becomes hectic, then, singers get tired. Plus, they cannot accept all requests for performance, to prevent themselves from overworking. If they can have favorable circumstances and conditions, there is no reason for them to refrain from TV performance.
6. What is the genre of WINNER’s debut song?
I didn't want WINNER to be misunderstood as a dance group. That is why I picked a sentimental and emotional hip-hop song for their debut. I thought that can appeal to the public.
7. Can we still see KANG SEUNG YOON’s solo performance?
Kang Seungyoon, Song Minho, and Lee Seunghoon began their artistic careers before their debut as WINNER. That is why I really wish WINNER’s success. I want to hear people say it was the right choice to make KANG SEUNG YOON perform in a group. If people say that WINNER members create a perfect harmony and they shine more as a team rather than as solo artists, I would feel very much rewarded as a producer.
8. What is the scope of WINNER’s performance as a boy group?
Senior YG singers rather refrained from performances other than music. However, I will expand the scope of performance for WINNER to do more things in a wider variety of different fields. In fact, YG singers did not appear in entertainment shows frequently. However, WINNER members have a variety of talents along with their talent for music. I would leave the door for the scope of WINNER’s artistic activities open. I will open all the channels for WINNER, unlike other YG singers. Kang Seungyoon may act as an actor, while the other members may appear in entertainment shows.
9. What is your feeling about WINNER?
I think I've changed as I grew older. In the past, I thought that singers must do only music, but my attitude is changing little by little. I believe that No.1 on music charts and in music shows does not mean much. As you know, No.1 on music charts and in music shows is not that meaningful in the Korean music market. What I want is that people really love WINNER’s music. That will make me feel better. I hope WINNER can get closer to everybody, like mom’s friends and their daughters all together.
10. So, who is WINNER?
As WINNER is YG’s first boy group after BIG BANG, I have put much efforts and affection in the process of their training, to make them be praised by anyone. In a word, I think that now they have grown enough to become an artist who can be praised by anyone, anywhere. I feel very good.
All in all, much is planned in the future for WINNER, who was reported to have participated in the making of their debut album, so stay tuned for more updates!
Sources: WINNER Official Facebook, YG-Life (1, 2, and 3)
