ITZY secures full-group contract renewal, strengthens global ambitions

Members of K-pop girl group ITZY, from left, Lia, Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong and Yuna perform during the group's official fan event "ON AIR," at the KBS Arena in Seoul's Gangseo District, Saturday. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment

High-energy performances and unapologetic confidence have carried K-pop girl group ITZY through six years of global recognition. Now, as their contracts reach the K-pop industry's critical seven-year threshold, the five members — Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong and Yuna — have chosen to stay with JYP Entertainment by renewing their exclusive contracts with the label.

JYP confirmed the renewal in a press release Saturday, describing the deal as the product of "mutual trust" with a group celebrated for its "commanding performances and international reach." The agency also pledged full support for ITZY's future as a world-class girl group and said it would continue securing platforms for the members to highlight their individual strengths.

The announcement came first from the stage at the group's fourth official fan meeting, "ON AIR," at the KBS Arena in western Seoul, Saturday. According to the agency, the group thanked MIDZY, its official fandom, for sustained support and promised to move forward together toward "a brighter tomorrow."

K-pop girl group ITZY performs during the group's latest fan event "ON AIR," at the KBS Arena in Seoul's Gangseo District, Saturday. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment

ITZY debuted in February 2019 under JYP, a company long associated with powerhouse girl groups. The group's debut single "DALLA DALLA" exploded onto local music charts, sweeping rookie awards that year and introducing a blend of bright energy and bold defiance that became the quintet's signature.

Follow-ups "ICY" (2019), "WANNABE" (2020) and "Not Shy" (2020) extended the group's success streak, sharpening ITZY's identity as a group built equally on sonic punch and self-assured attitude.

Performance, in particular, quickly became the group's calling card. Each member developed a reputation for high-level stage presence, helping transform their songs into visual showcases — an edge that set them apart in the competitive K-pop realm.

ITZY's impact also reached global music markets.

In 2021, the group's mini-album "GUESS WHO" and its lead single "In the Morning" entered the U.S. Billboard 200 despite a polarized reception in Korea. The following year, "CHECKMATE" debuted at No. 8 on the same chart, powered by its lead single "SNEAKERS," another divisive release that nonetheless reinforced the group's reach.

Though subsequent projects have not replicated the runaway success of its debut, ITZY have kept momentum with a steady run of releases including "KILL MY DOUBT" (2023), "BORN TO BE" (2024), "GOLD" (2024) and the latest, "Girls Will Be Girls" (2025).

K-pop girl group ITZY performs during the group's latest fan event "ON AIR," at the KBS Arena in Seoul's Gangseo District, Saturday. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment

Offstage, the five members have also become fixtures in fashion and beauty campaigns, from brands Charles & Keith to Maybelline, reinforcing their image as style icons as much as performers.

ITZY's staying power has also often been credited to the bond among its members.

That solidarity was tested in September 2023, when the group's vocalist Lia, halted activities citing anxiety and extreme tension, leaving the group to carry promotions as a quartet.

After nearly 10 months of rest, Lia rejoined in July 2024 during the group's "GOLD" era with renewed strength — a carefully managed return that underscored how the group's unity has been as essential to their longevity as its performances.

Last year, the group also completed its second world tour, "BORN TO BE," performing 32 shows across 28 cities and solidifying its reputation as one of K-pop's most reliable concert acts.

With contract uncertainty off the table, ITZY is setting its sights abroad once more, with a three-day fan meeting scheduled in Tokyo from Oct. 11-13.

Clockwise from top left, Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Yuna and Chaeryeong, members of K-pop girl group ITZY, perform during the group's latest fan event "ON AIR," at the KBS Arena in Seoul's Gangseo District, Saturday. Courtesy of JYP Entertainment