Izna sets its own tempo with 'Metronome,' declaring: 'We are the standard'

Six arms extended with protractor-like precision over a steady, pulsing beat. As the members snapped into synchronized backbends without a single misstep, the stage erupted into the energy of an EDM festival. The music opened in a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere, then surged faster as the chorus approached — and Izna carved their presence into every measure.

"We wanted to capture the conviction that we, not the world's expectations, are the standard."

Bang Ji-min of Izna said this Monday at a media showcase for the group's third mini album, "Set the Tempo," held at Blue Square in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The album marks the moment when the narrative of authenticity the group has built since debut finally found its own language.

Girl group Izna — comprising My, Bang Ji-min, Coco, Yoo Sa-rang, Choi Jeong-eun and Jeong Se-bi — unveiled the title track "Metronome" for the first time Monday and shared the story behind the new record. It is their first comeback in roughly eight months since their second mini album, "Not Just Pretty," released last September.

Izna's three albums form a single arc. Their debut, "N/a," was a challenge to break limits and step into a new world; "Not Just Pretty" pushed beyond the frame of prettiness into an expansion of possibility. The new album is a declaration to move to their own beat rather than to the world's pace or anyone else's gaze.

"We wanted to convey that Izna will move forward at our own speed, not by the standards the world sets," Yoo Sa-rang said. "We want to show that we are an irreplaceable group."

The album contains five tracks, including the title track "Metronome," the pop-rock number "R.I.P." and the fan song "Infinity."

"Metronome" layers an addictive melody over a sleek house rhythm. The song carries the message that, like a metronome keeping steady time, the group will hold to its own rhythm without wavering amid a chaotic world. The Black Label's production team — Teddy, Kush, VVN and IDO — handled production.

House music has been making a strong comeback in the Korean pop scene of late, but Izna's choice was less about riding a trend than about finding the sound that best showcases the group's identity. The house beat amplifies what is distinctly Izna: a blend of dreamy atmosphere and powerful performance.

"The moment I heard the dreamy intro, I thought, 'This is an Izna song,'" My said. "The house sound builds toward the chorus, and I felt it was the perfect genre to show off our 'powerful dreamlike' performance — the thing we do best."

Coco said the track "had a different texture from 'Mamma Mia' or 'Sign,' so expectations were high," while Choi Jeong-eun expressed confidence, calling it "the song that suits Izna best out of everything I've heard so far."

The performance sharpens Izna's strengths. Repetitive hand gestures in the chorus and a dance break incorporating voguing elements left a strong impression, and each member's individuality came through even within the precision of the group choreography.

The centerpiece of the choreography is what the members call the "protractor dance" — a high-difficulty sequence requiring arms to be extended straight out and angled with exact precision. "Even among ourselves, we were surprised when we first saw the choreography," Bang Ji-min said. "We kept monitoring the angle and speed of each arm movement to get it right. The more you watch it, the more it draws you in." Choi Jeong-eun noted that "the voguing moves really came alive because all the members have long arms and legs," while Yoo Sa-rang said the group "matched every fingertip angle together and gave each other honest feedback."

The members also offered a behind-the-scenes look at working with Teddy, head of The Black Label, saying he created a relaxed atmosphere throughout the directing process.

"He always tells us to try things the way we want to," My said. "'I already think it's good — record until you're satisfied,' he told us." Choi Jeong-eun added that "he thought through our image and direction together with us, which made the whole process comfortable."

The timing of the comeback coincides with a return by fellow The Black Label girl group MEOVV, which has naturally invited comparisons. Izna, however, is focused on carving out its own distinct identity.

"Diverse vocals and energetic performances are Izna's strengths," Yoo Sa-rang said. "We're grateful to be active alongside such talented artists."

Since debut, the members have built their stage presence through a range of performances — KCON, fan concerts and university festivals — and that experience shows. "I used to get very nervous, but lately I've been learning how to find confidence on stage," Jeong Se-bi said. "Performing at university festivals made me feel like I've grown so much." Choi Jeong-eun echoed the sentiment: "At first I focused on every single move, but now I enjoy the stage by exchanging emotions with the audience."

With this album, Izna plans to forge a new current on their own terms. "There are so many genres and concepts I want to try," Yoo Sa-rang said. "Whatever music we make, I ultimately want people to say that Izna itself is a genre."