Former IZ*ONE Nako & Hitomi Reportedly Competing on 'Queendom Puzzle' to Re-Debut — And People Are Confused
Former IZ*ONE members Nako and Hitomi are reportedly appearing on "Queendom Puzzle" with hopes to re-debut. However, netizens were confused with the announcement.
Here's what happened.
Former IZ*ONE Nako & Hitomi to Join 'Queendom Puzzle'
On April 19, the Seoul Economic Daily revealed that former IZ*ONE members Nako and Hitomi will be joining on "Queendom Puzzle."
Upon learning of the news, an Mnet source stated, "It is difficult to confirm at this stage since the casting is still in progress." Both idols participated in Mnet's 2018 survival show "Produce 48," and eventually debuted with IZ*ONE on October 29, 2018.
After the group's contractual disbandment on April 29, 2021, Nako returned to her former idol group HKT48 in Japan.
On February 7, Nako announced her retirement from the idol industry after her April graduation. The idol was interviewed by the Japanese media, wherein Nako revealed the big news. Nako also expressed she has no regrets over becoming an idol.
"I have no regrets as an idol. I think I achieved all my goals as an idol. Like performing as the center, or selecting in the general election. I also joined AKB48. It's an idol life that I was faithful to in many ways."
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As for Hitomi, the idol returned as a member of AKB48 after IZ*ONE disbanded, and took on the acting industry. Hitomi has starred in the drama series "Hokuo Kojirase Nikki" or otherwise known as "Diary of a Girl in Love With Scandinavia."
Mnet's upcoming program "Queendom Puzzle" is a spin-off from "Queendom," which will create the next global project girl group. On April 10, Mnet released a teaser trailer for "Queendom Puzzle," featuring seven female artists shown through a silhouette shot.
"Queendom Puzzle" will recruit female artists, as well as idols members from actively promoting girl groups. Instead of the show inhibiting a team competition format, "Queendom Puzzle" will present individual battles.
Watch the mysterious trailer for "Queendom Puzzle" here:
K-pop Community Baffled With Reports of Nako & Hitomi Participating in 'Queendom Puzzle'
The news caught up to an online forum, where netizens voiced out their confusion. In the discussion, people wondered if their Korean promotions have ever boosted their activities in Japan, while some questioned the sudden change of plans, since Nako wanted to pursue acting and retire from the idol life.
Meanwhile, fans also stated Hitomi's upcoming appearance on "Queendom Puzzle" was also shocking since the idol is currently doing great as AKB48's center. Others were bewildered with how random the information was. They even questioned Mnet's actions for this unexpected decision.
Read their comments below:
"Oh, did their Korean promotions helped their Japanese promotions at all?"
"Nako said that she wanted to stop being an idol and pursue acting on?"
"Didn't they want to be MC or something like that? Hitomi is even the center of AKB right now and I thought she was set for sure."
"No but I felt like both have established their place in Japan no? They left to their home country so why come to Korea again?? Is Mnet giving them that much money?"
"This is honestly random."
"Huh? Nako said she wanted to go in acting."
What's your take on the matter? Are you excited for Nako and Hitomi's return?
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