Ex-IZONE Hitomi Rumored to Re-Debut in Kim Jaejoong’s New Girl Group — Here’s Why People Think So

Ahead of the debut of Kim Jaejoong’s girl group, there are rumors circulating that Honda Hitomi will join the lineup due to THESE reasons.

On Aug. 30th, former TVXQ Jaejoong, who launched his own entertainment agency inKODE, announced his plan to debut SAY MY NAME, the first-ever girl group to be formed under the label.

The team is set to debut in October, and so far, only member Dohee took off her veil among the members. She was first introduced through a video teaser.

As the K-pop community showed more interest to the group, speculations about the members arose when eagle-eyed netters claimed that former IZ*ONE Honda Hitomi is one of them!

While it is only a rumor, fans solidified this theory by highlighting how Noh Hyun Tae, inKODE’s CEO, started following the idol on Instagram in July.

At the same time, Hitomi’s account was listed as being based in Korea, adding to the claim. After parting ways with IZ*ONE, the Japanese idol returned to her home country, and has been promoting there as an idol-actress.

Furthermore, if this speculation is true, this will explain why Hitomi left Mama&Son, her Japanese agency, in May and began inactivity on social media platforms earlier this year.

Initially, Hitomi expressed her desire to continue her career as AKB48. However, her sudden graduation last year shocked fans, gaining attention if she has been offered bigger opportunity to leave the popular J-pop girl group.

When this rumor sparked in an online forum, Hitomi garnered positive and cheering messages, rooting for her next endeavor.

During her time in IZ*ONE, Hitomi was truly loved for her cute image and singing and dancing skills.

Thus, even after three years since their disbandment in 2021, people are still waiting for her return in the K-pop scene.

Here are some of the comments:

• “If she isn’t updating on her Instagram, she must have really been preparing for something.”
• “Wow? Looking at the member that was just revealed, it seems like they’re going for a cute and adorable vibe, but the image itself suits them.”
• “I cheered for her because I liked how she sang and danced diligently and also worked hard on Korean! Since she’s good at Korean, I think she’ll do well in her promotions, too.”
• “Hitomi is a hard worker and is really sincere and kind to her fans. I remember everyone being shocked when she got a Korean driver’s license.”
• “Hitomi, fighting!”