ITZY returns to global audiences with stronger confidence and a soaring wave of refreshing energy.
On May 18, JYP Entertainment released an official Q&A interview celebrating the release of ITZY’s new mini album "Motto."
ITZY. Photo by JYP Entertainment.
"Motto" marks ITZY’s first release in approximately six months since "TUNNEL VISION" in November 2025. The album carries a firm message about believing in the people who brightly guided them through difficult moments, while also embracing the courage to trust one’s own choices through trendy melodies and emotionally charged energy.
Speaking about the title track "Motto," the members said, “Like the lyrics about finding a clear light after a night of hesitation, it’s a song that gives listeners the courage to move forward fearlessly,” adding, “Please pay attention to the performance that maximizes the song’s energy and overwhelming refreshing atmosphere.”
The group also shared their hopes for this comeback, saying, “We want people to say, ‘ITZY’s motto is ITZY.’” They added, “We want to break free from the boundaries we created for ourselves and fully enjoy our own free and fearless performances,” hinting at another major leap forward following their world tour and solo activities.
ITZY. Photo by JYP Entertainment.
Meanwhile, ITZY officially begins promotions for the new mini album "Motto" on May 18.
(Full Q&A for ITZY’s mini album "Motto" below.)
How do you feel about returning as a full group after six months?
▲YEJI: We had so much fun preparing this album, so I really want to show the performances as soon as possible. Since YUNA’s solo debut shined so brightly, I think we gained even more strength to show a stronger side of ourselves as a complete group.
▲LIA: We’re making our comeback amid such positive momentum from the world tour and everything surrounding it, so I’m even more excited. I’m happy we’ll be able to meet fans more often again.
▲YUNA: I’m excited because we can show an even more developed version of ourselves. The deep bond we built with MIDZY through the tour and solo activities is reflected throughout this album.
Your previous release "THAT’S A NO NO" created major buzz, especially through the challenge trend. Did you feel pressure returning, and what kind of response would you like to hear for this album?
▲YEJI: I was happy and motivated because people recognized the steady effort we’ve consistently put in. Through "Motto," I want to hear people say, “As expected from ITZY,” and “ITZY’s motto is ITZY.”
▲RYUJIN: Rather than feeling pressure from fans’ expectations, I feel an even stronger passion to exceed them. I think MIDZY will probably come up with an even better nickname for the challenge than we could. (Laughs)
▲CHAERYEONG: Seeing people love the way we genuinely enjoy ourselves on stage gave me the strength to work even harder. For the challenge name, I think our cute nickname “Motto” could be fun!
ITZY. Photo by JYP Entertainment.
The teasers highlighted a more honest and sincere charm. What message do you want to deliver through "Motto," and has your perspective on yourself changed positively?
▲YEJI: I wanted to say that MIDZY is our motto. Instead of staying trapped in negative thoughts, I’ve learned to break free from the boundaries I placed on myself and think more freely by challenging things head-on.
▲LIA: I hope the strong message “I choose myself” reaches listeners clearly. Thanks to the fans and the members, my confidence in believing in my own motto has become even stronger.
▲RYUJIN: Rather than being shaken by small things, I now think more deeply with my own convictions and standards while accepting things more broadly.
▲CHAERYEONG: I realized that not losing myself is the most important thing, and I think I’ve grown positively by trying to understand myself more carefully than before.
▲YUNA: Looking back on the past seven years, MIDZY has always been there like a lighthouse guiding me toward the right choices. I hope this album becomes music that gives people courage to grow without fearing challenges.
ITZY. Photo by JYP Entertainment.
What are the key points of the "Motto" performance and any memorable behind-the-scenes moments?
▲YEJI: I remember being amazed and honored because the director’s delicate sense of aesthetics perfectly reflected the message of the new song in the trailer.
▲LIA: Like the lyrics about meeting a clear light after a night of hesitation, it’s a song that gives courage. I hope people can feel the overwhelming refreshing emotion that perfectly suits a walk on an early summer night.
▲RYUJIN: We collaborated with many choreographers and became even more ambitious about fully expressing the song’s energy and refreshing atmosphere. Please look forward to our performance stage.
Your world tour continues to prove ITZY’s reputation as “performance queens.” What does the stage mean to ITZY, and how would you describe the rest of the tour in one phrase?
▲RYUJIN: The stage feels like everyday life, but also like a major challenge I always want to do even better at. We’ll create performances that audiences can enjoy even more and continue looking forward to.
▲CHAERYEONG: It’s “ITZY itself.” It’s the place where we show all of our messages and performances. If I had to describe the tour in one word, it would be “undefined.”
▲YUNA: It’s the place where I feel most confident and where I can become one with the members and MIDZY. I want to tell MIDZY around the world that I missed them so much.
ITZY. Photo by JYP Entertainment.
What kind of strength does your signature slogan “ITZY, MIDZY, Let’s Fly!” give you? Lastly, please share a message for MIDZY, who waited for this album.
▲YEJI: Dear MIDZY! I hope listening to "Motto" brings back our happy memories together and makes you smile. Thank you always. ITZY, MIDZY, let’s fly!
▲LIA: Our debut date is February 12, and whenever we shout the slogan, it feels like we gain exactly 212% energy. It feels like magic.
▲RYUJIN: It has now become an essential cheer before we go on stage. We gained strength thanks to everyone who waited for this album, so I hope you enjoy it to the fullest.
▲CHAERYEONG: It’s a motto that fills us with a bond and energy that’s difficult to express in words. I poured all the things I wanted to say to MIDZY into these songs, so let’s enjoy this promotion together!
▲YUNA: Every time we shout it, I feel an incredible amount of energy. I want to thank MIDZY once again and tell them I love them for becoming the motto behind this comeback. MIDZY! Let’s make this "Motto" promotion beautiful together.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
* This article was manually prepared as a translated piece and later proofread and reviewed with the assistance of AI.
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