Why Jeon Somi Never Joined ITZY: The Behind-the-Scenes Truth

Have you ever wondered why Jeon Somi, the popular soloist from I.O.I and Produce 101, was not part of the all-female K-pop group ITZY? There are several theories behind this decision, and today, let’s explore the potential reasons and the implications of Jeon Somi's absence.

The Formation of ITZY

ITZY is a group formed by JYP Entertainment and debuted in February 2019. Unlike Jeon Somi, these members were carefully selected based on their compatibility with the group's concept and vision. The selection process for ITZY was different from that of Jeon Somi, who already had a significant following before even beginning her solo career.

First Theory: To Keep the Focus on the Group

One theory suggests that JYP Entertainment recognized Jeon Somi's immense popularity pre-debut. By choosing her for a different path, the company aimed to ensure that the rest of the ITZY members could shine individually. JYP Entertainment wanted ITZY to be recognized as a team, not just as a group with a single member drawing all the attention.

Second Theory: Sole Focus on Repackaging

Another theory is that JYP Entertainment wanted to repackage Jeon Somi after her time with I.O.I. This would have allowed her to debut under a different banner, giving her a fresh start and potentially more attention from the K-pop fans. It's possible that she might have gotten an offer from The Black Label, a sister company of JYP Entertainment.

Third Theory: Skill Mismatch

Some people believe that Jeon Somi's dancing skills were a better fit for a dance-focused group like ITZY, and that Yuna, another promising dancer, would have been a better choice. Jeon Somi’s dance moves have been praised by many fans and critics, and her absence from ITZY might be attributed to a potential misalignment of her talents with the group’s dance-oriented profile.

Additional Insights

Jeon Somi was speculated to be the central figure for ITZY, but this changed when she decided to leave JYP Entertainment in August 2018. Had she stayed, the group might have faced a significant public image imbalance, much like what happened with Miss A. Miss A’s disbandment was partly due to Suzy’s immense popularity, making the group known as “the group that Suzy is in.” This led to Suzy receiving more individual attention and projects, while the other members felt left out.

The same scenario could have occurred with ITZY, leading to a distorted public perception and potentially causing conflicts or rivalries within the group. Another theory is that Jeon Somi's voice might not have fit well with ITZY's debut songs, leading to mixed opinions online about her suitability for the group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision to not include Jeon Somi in ITZY was likely driven by a combination of strategic branding, market analysis, and artistic fit. While it's impossible to know for certain without insider information, these theories provide a plausible explanation for her absence from the group. Fans of both Jeon Somi and ITZY can enjoy their respective talents in different capacities, and both shine in their own unique ways.

Keywords: Jeon Somi, ITZY, JYP Entertainment