ITZY Talks Self-Love and Solo Releases
We caught up with the K-pop group to find out more about their new album, ‘Motto.’
Since their debut in 2019, ITZY, made up of Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong and Yuna, have cemented themselves as one of K-pop‘s most dynamic forces, building a global following through their fearless anthems of self-confidence and individuality. Now, the five-piece is entering a new era with Motto, their latest mini-album and perhaps their most personal project to date.
Across eight high-energy tracks, Motto captures the electrifying spirit that has come to define ITZY’s performances, translating their on-stage charisma into a sharp, unmistakable sound. But this time, the group pushes beyond their collective power. For the first time, each member contributes a solo track, offering fans a deeper look into their individual artistry and showcasing the distinct colors each brings to the group. The group’s fans, called “MIDZY,” first caught a glimpse of these songs during ITZY’s TUNNEL VISION tour earlier this year, where the performances quickly became standout moments of the show.
Ahead of the release, we caught up with ITZY to talk about the creative process behind their solo songs, the meaning of Motto and how the group continues to navigate differences while staying stronger than ever. Read on for the full interview
Can you tell us a bit about yourselves and how ITZY started?
Chaeryeong: There are five of us in the group: YEJI, LIA, RYUJIN, CHAERYEONG and YUNA. We debuted in 2019 with a song called “DALLA DALLA,” and since then, we have been singing about confidence and self-love.
Yeji: ITZY started as a group of friends who shared the same dreams and came together to make that dream a reality. That’s how we began our journey.
You’re about to release your latest album, Motto. Can you tell us the story beyond the title?
Lia: “Motto” is actually a song we listened to a while ago, and it was already decided among the members that we wanted to have it for our next comeback. Since it has a different vibe compared to our recent releases like “Girls Will Be Girls” and “TUNNEL VISION,” I was a little worried at first. But from “DALLA DALLA” to now, I felt that this was the right time for us to present a bright and meaningful song like this!
Ryujin: Our members really love “Motto,” and they thought the fans and the listeners would like it as much as we did. So I’m looking forward to how it will be received.
The record has a really high energy to it. What were some of your inspirations behind the work? Any personal experiences that influenced the songs?
Yeji: Most of ITZY’s songs carry messages full of confidence, especially our newly released title track, “Motto.” To be honest, there were moments when I doubted myself. So when I record our songs, I try to imagine myself as a character who fully trusts oneself and is completely confident. Over time, I feel like I’ve become more confident, as if I’ve naturally grown into that character.
Lia: The album’s high energy comes from the strong connection and synergy we feel as a team, as well as the energy we receive from our fans. I think that sense of supporting each other and sharing energy really influenced the overall mood.
Yuna: I was inspired by our past activities and MIDZY [the name for the group's fans], who always guide us like a lighthouse. That helped us create Motto, which is an album for our fans.
The record features a solo song from each of your members. What made you choose to do this?
Yeji: Whenever I release a solo song, I want to create great music and express something new on stage. I often get inspired by the music I listen to during activities and think about styles I’d like to try in the future. My solo track “Pocket” is one of those ideas where I interpreted a Latin style in my own way. Since connecting with our fans is very important to me, I prepared it as a song we can all enjoy together.
Lia: My solo song “Asylum” is about safe and complete love. Everyone has insecurities, but I sing it with gratitude toward MIDZY, who make me feel at home.
Ryujin: As we planned to reveal our solo songs at the concert for the first time, I wanted to present an energetic performance. That’s why I chose “LOOK,” as I felt it was the best song to show my power on stage.
Chaeryeong: Through my solo, I wanted to express my unique style and mood, which is why I chose a jazz-inspired genre. The song is about the subtle, hard-to-define line between people, and I wanted to express that subtle tension through both the performance and vocals.
Yuna: My solo track “Tangerine” expresses the moment love spreads, comparing it to the colors of an orange sunset. I wanted to capture that emotion as vividly as possible.
Does the album have a message you want listeners to take away?
Ryujin: Since the weather is getting warmer, I hope listeners feel something refreshing and cool when listening to our music.
Yuna: The album, especially the title track, is about trusting yourself and each other in every situation. We try to convey the message that the “Motto” is within us. Through the album, I hope MIDZY and listeners can reflect on their own “motto” and find comfort in it.
Can you talk us through your creative process as a group? How do you deal with disagreements?
Yeji: Members and our production team choose the keyword and theme for the next album, then build the concept around it. We select the songs, learn the choreography, film the music video and prepare everything for the release. There are always different opinions among the members, but we listen carefully to each other and keep discussing until we reach a direction that we all agree on.
Chaeryeong: As Yeji said, when we receive the details for the album, we all share our opinions. Once we decide on the title track, we discuss choreography and styling with the team to shape the album as a whole.
Where did the name “ITZY” come from?
Yeji: ITZY comes from a Korean word meaning “to have,” so it carries the message that “everything you want is in us.”
Chaeryeong: It means we are able to show many different sides and charms through our music and performances.
How would you describe all of your personal styles?
Yeji: I think I like chic and hip styles, especially oversized fits. I prefer outfits that are both stylish and comfortable at the same time.
Lia: I often apply my mood to fashion. I like colorful pieces and unique patterns, and I don’t stick to one fixed style; it depends on how I feel that day.
Ryujin: When I dress up, I go for a minimal style and when I want comfort, I prefer oversized outfits.
Chaeryeong: Comfort is the most important thing for me. I like natural, effortless looks that feel styled but not too much. I also try to choose materials that suit me best.
Yuna: I like feminine and comfortable fits. As I have dance practice sessions a lot, I often wear sportswear. I’d say my style is somewhere between comfortable and stylish.
Finally, what can we expect from you in the future?
Lia: Continuing our tour and meeting MIDZY more this year. I also recently started a YouTube channel, where I’ll continue communicating with fans.
Chaeryeong: Since we’ve released an album with a new style and concept, we hope our fans and listeners will enjoy it. We will also continue meeting our fans around the world.
