ITZY Is ‘Born to Be’ Resilient on New Album: ‘Think About How Strong You Are’ (Exclusive)

While terms like self-love and self-confidence may seem simple on the surface, ITZY shows that there can be a deeper, ever-evolving meaning behind these terms.

Since ITZY first introduced their explosive impact on the K-pop landscape in 2019, the girl group’s artistic ethos has become almost inseparable from those concepts. Numerous broken records, millions of music video views and their first world tour cemented how much their messages resonated with their fans, the Midzys.

But when the five girls aren’t in their element on stage, it’s easier to imagine the pressure and expectations young women have grown up with in the public eye. Very quickly, such static concepts can act more constraining to ongoing support, rather than empowering.

ITZY.

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But instead of crumbling under the pressure, ITZY rises like a diamond. In fact, they appear with the power of a literal volcano in the release of their eighth mini-album, Born to be. In the 10-song tour de force, the four girls – Yeji, 23, Ryujin, 22, Chaeryeong, 22, and Yuna, 20 – return to their energetic “girl love” roots that showcase their raw strength and determination.

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The album’s first self-titled track reflects their longing to embrace the part of themselves that was “born to be wild and free”. With a jittery electric beat, the song suggests that one should also overcome one’s own limitations.

If their seventh mini-album, Kill my doubtthen he hinted at their desire to rise above their doubts and set themselves free Born to be make it a reality. Buoyed by an “intense mood,” Ryujin tells PEOPLE, the album’s title track, “Untouchable,” features black-clad girls heading their way. Their dynamic choreography even becomes a weapon as they destroy an entire team of helmeted and shielded pursuers, determined to stop them. Instead of hiding under the weight of the crown like real princesses of their own Matte era, girls shed those layers for good.

But the self-love and exploration takes a more complex turn as the girls get the chance to write solo songs together and express more of who they are. Take Yuna’s bubbly and youthful solo, “Yet But,” and compare it to Yeji’s ultra-powerful “Crown on My Head.” Or listen to how Ryujin embodies a more sinister side in “Run Away” and how Chaeryeong leaves her self-composed song “Mine” up to the listener’s interpretation.

ITZY.

JYP party

With this newfound freedom comes room to question what loving and accepting yourself truly means. While chatting with PEOPLE on Zoom during an early morning in Seoul, the girls begin to reflect on how concepts like self-love have changed meaning.

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After a moment of thought, Yuna, the youngest member of the group, takes it.

“When I debuted, I thought it was just taking care of me, giving me delicious food, making sure I got a good night’s sleep, and those kinds of one-dimensional things were self-love,” the singer says. “But as time went on and I spent more time with the members, self-love means more that I feel stable and that I’m good with a lot of people around me.”

Drawing from their own rich experience, the members are quick to jump in and give advice to the trainees as newer idols are increasingly debuting at a younger age.

“Take care and love yourself is very good,” says Chaeryeong. – I would say that you love yourself.

Ryujin also encourages the same, recalling a specific moment when she saw a group of younger idols.

“At 16 or 15 they have to go out and play and they should do whatever they want, but because they [an] idol, there will be some things they can’t do [do] if they want,” she explains. “I just want to tell them you’re great and please be healthy, and I hope they do whatever they want.”

Being in the public eye as an idol often comes with a certain level of pressure. Yet even though the girls have taken to it with confidence and grace, they’ve never been afraid to show that they too face challenges and worries, just like their fans.

ITZY.

JYP party

For some of the members, being one with yourself comes naturally at all times, on stage and off.

“I try not to differentiate my work look from my everyday look,” reflects Yeji. “I think I’m trying to show a lot of people who I am as a person.”

On the other hand, Yuna says she’s still finding her balance as she grows up under the spotlight. During difficult times, she is focused on trying to find a more mature way to deal with her emotions. What helps is having fellow members to look up to and lean on, she says.

Chaeryeong has also become more resilient from overcoming difficult emotions, making it “easier and faster” to overcome new challenges than before, she adds.

Ryujin quickly agrees, realizing that “I’ll be stronger than I thought.”

“Even if you are not facing very difficult times, you can [still] think about how strong you are,” she continues. “Moments like that have always taught me that you can do more.”

Instead of letting the challenges constantly worry her, Yeji says she’s gotten better at “shaking it off as quickly as possible.

“I think I actually know how to deal with it now [worrisome thoughts,] so I’m trying to get over it as soon as possible.”

ITZY.

JYP party

Armed with newfound strength, ITZY set a new bar for success in 2024. For Yeji, her motivating factor comes whenever she hears that her songs have inspired strength in others. As for Ryujin? The vision is that one day ITZY can be heard and seen everywhere.

And soon, in February, the K-pop stars will be one big step closer to fulfilling their goals as they kick off their second world tour in Seoul.

“I’m very excited and a little nervous at the same time, but I hope that all the members will not get injured, stay healthy and prepare well for this comeback and world tour,” says Yeji.

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Mentioning the tour brings back warm and happy memories for the members ever since their first exhibition tour in 2020. While Ryujin fondly recalls the trip to the amusement park, Chaeryeong recalls visions of snow falling at their station in Atlanta. Fried food also brings many particularly salty moments.

“Onion rings!” Ryujin excitedly talks about his favorite American food.

“Pancakes,” adds Chaeyerong with a sense of nostalgia.

Yuna enters with “fries” and a chorus of pleasant murmurs ensues.

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Since their tour coincides with their fifth anniversary as a group, a sentimental feeling naturally arises. When asked what message they would send to their younger selves, a number of themes resonate across the board, alluding to the fact that their best years are yet to come.

“Hi Yeji. How are you?” the idol says to his younger self out loud. “Good job. You worked hard and had a really good time. You’ll be happy in the future too, so keep going!”

“As for me, I want to tell my younger self to be a little more lazy,” Ryujin says with a laugh. “When I was practicing for my debut, I was really passionate and hardworking, so I think I want to tell myself to cool down.”

On the other hand, Chaeryeong offers a slightly different message to her past self.

“I want to tell my younger Chaeryeong, work harder!” she says with a bright smile. “Yo, try!”

After a series of laughs, Yuna gathers herself for her own message, reflecting on ITZY’s bright past, present, and future.

“Don’t worry too much,” he says simply. – Everything will turn out great.

Born to be is now available for streaming.

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Source: HIS Education