Lee Gyu-lee is a business writer at The Korea Times, focusing primarily on IT & telecommunications, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KOTRA. Prior to this, she has covered a wide range of cultural news, from film, television and K-pop to lifestyle and fashion.
ITZY set to shine again with new album 'GOLD'
From left, ITZY members Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong and Yuna pose during a press conference for the new album, "GOLD," held at Conrad Seoul in the city's southwestern Yeongdeungpo District, Tuesday. Yonhap
By Lee Gyu-lee
K-pop girl group ITZY has returned with its latest EP "GOLD," Tuesday, reuniting with all five members since its member Lia took a yearlong hiatus due to health issues.
"Since it's been a while since I’ve picked up the act, I’ve prepared hard thinking that I should return with an even better and more prepared self,” Lia said during a press conference for the new album at the Conrad Seoul hotel in the city's southwestern Yeongdeungpo District, Tuesday.
“I felt the significance of the members and their strength. I was glad to see them and (we were) able to approach this (album) with a renewed mindset, going back to our beginnings."
The new album, which comes about nine months after the group's mini-album “BORN TO BE,” will present ITZY’s narrative and musical color under the theme “Our world is still different.”
Along with the title track, “GOLD” and another single titled “Imaginary Friend,” it will have a total of 11 tracks: “Bad Girls R Us,” “Supernatural,” “FIVE,” “VAY (ft. Changbin),” “BORN TO BE,” “UNTOUCHABLE,” “Mr. Vampire,” “Dynamite” and “Escalator.”
The title track will be a powerful rock-pop song with electric guitar, whereas “Imaginary Friend” will have a vintage pop-style acoustic band sound, partnered with the group’s tender harmonies.
A concept photo for ITZY's new album "GOLD" / Courtesy of JYP Entertainment
The members shared that they paid great attention to selecting each track of the album, making sure they captured the group’s distinctive musical color.
“Coming back as the complete group made us feel like when we debuted. It has been good until now but there were also difficult moments. And during those moments, the members and MIDZY (ITZY's official fandom) gave us strength with their relentless support and love,” Yuna said.
“We created this album with the determination to properly show our colors, encompassing all those feelings. We wanted to say that we are still different."
Chaeryeong referred to this album as a gift for the group. "Since this is such a meaningful album, we chose each song preciously and carefully. I think it will be like a gift. For us, ITZY, it's nothing short of a shining album,” she said.
The members hinted at dynamic performances for the double title tracks, noting that the two songs will have completely opposite concepts.
“This album will be hugely different from our previous album for many people. We prepared with gritted teeth, and the performance will also be all-time dynamic,” Yeji said.
Yuna explained that the group would show a hip, rock star spirit with “GOLD,” whereas “Imaginary Friend” would be more dreamy.
Ryujin emphasized that the new album will deliver the message of self-pride that the group has been conveying consistently through their works.
“Since our debut, we've constantly talked about self-esteem and ITZY's message has been in line with this. But we've always struggled with how to express the same message in new ways each time,” she said.
“In this album, we've returned with the message 'We are still different.' When we delivered such messages, many fans were grateful, and seeing them made us feel confident that what we're doing was right and that we were fully committed."