"Here We Are": ITZY's Chronicle of Friendship and Unity (Press Conference)

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"We want to resonate our 'us' to the world." (Chaeryeong)

Since their debut, ITZY has consistently championed "Love Myself." This time, however, they've introduced "us" for the first time, singing about the strong bonds of friendship among the members, centered on the theme of unity.

The group reflects on the close ties forged over the past six years. Chaeryeong revealed, "While preparing this album, the members grew even closer," adding, "We wanted to show our growth in various aspects (compared to our previous work)."

ITZY held a press conference on June 9th at the Sofitel Ambassador in Jamsil, Seoul, to commemorate the release of their new mini-album, 'Girls Will Be Girls.'
A Stronger Comeback and New Musical Direction

This marks their comeback after eight months, following the release of 'GOLD' last October. Yeji greeted attendees, saying, "We contemplated how to show a new side of ourselves," and "We will demonstrate our solidly built teamwork."

The new album features a total of five tracks: the title song "Girls Will Be Girls," "Kiss & Tell," "Locked N Loaded," "Promise," and "Walk."

Chaeryeong emphasized the difference from their previous work, explaining, "In our previous albums, we talked about 'me.' This time, it's 'our' story. It could be between the members, or between fans and members."

They also actively incorporated feedback from producer Park Jin-young. Ryujin explained, "PD-nim told us it would be great if we showed our unique energy, and we focused on that during practice."

The title track, "Girls Will Be Girls," is a dance track featuring a dynamic beat and impressive vocal harmonies. It embodies ITZY's signature confident energy and unique performance style.

Numerous renowned choreographers, including LaChica, Kiel Tutin, Choi Young-jun, and Baby J, collaborated on the choreography, infusing it with a powerful yet hip mood. This further heightened anticipation for the "K-Pop's Representative Performance Queens" stage.

The lyrics were crafted to express the members' friendship and solidarity, unraveling the story of "us" becoming even stronger when together, filled with the belief that their unity alone is enough.

"Just like the lyrics, 'our siren echoing through the world, awakening dormant heat,' we want to resonate our name, 'us,' to the world. We hope our stage also becomes such a resounding echo," said Yeji.
Visuals and Member Insights

The music video also conveys this message. The world's gaze and prejudices are personified as a creature called 'Eyeball Bird.' The members resist the Eyeball Bird, refusing to let go of each other's hands even as the birds relentlessly pursue them.

Lia stated, "The message is not to be intimidated by others' gazes and predefined molds. We wanted to convey that we can be stronger when we are most ourselves."

Why did the members choose to deliver a message of 'unity'? Ryujin explained, "The members are a sanctuary that allows me to return to my childlike innocence. That feeling gradually built up as we spent each year together."

Yeji recently concluded her first solo activities with 'Air.' She shared, "While doing solo activities, I realized the preciousness of being a group even more. ITZY is my one and only team, my side."

Yuna also expressed her affection for the team. "Now, it feels like the five members move as one body. In difficult moments, they are the ones I rely on the most."
Future Outlook

ITZY is currently approaching contract renegotiations. Chaeryeong expressed, "It's unbelievable that we're discussing contract renewals," adding, "We are diligently discussing with the company. We will try to deliver good news."

ITZY will release 'Girls Will Be Girls' on major music streaming sites today at 6 PM KST.