K-pop girl group ITZY is set to make a highly anticipated return to the music scene in October, marking their first comeback as a full group in months. According to local media reports on Wednesday, all five members will participate in the group’s upcoming album, including Lia, who has been on hiatus due to health concerns.

Lia, a key member of the group, has been on a break since July due to anxiety. However, her agency, JYP Entertainment, has confirmed that her condition has improved significantly, allowing her to rejoin the group for their comeback. Fans have eagerly awaited her return, and the news has sparked excitement within the ITZY fandom, known as MIDZY.

The group’s last album in Korea was their eighth EP, Born To Be, which was released in January 2024. Following that, ITZY released their third Japanese single, Algorhythm, in May, further solidifying their presence in the Japanese music market.

In addition to their musical releases, ITZY recently wrapped up their second international tour, CHECKMATE, which was named after their eighth EP. The tour, which started in Seoul in February, took the group to 28 cities across the globe, showcasing their ever-growing international popularity. The four active members of the group completed the tour without Lia, further raising anticipation for her return to the stage.

Looking ahead, ITZY plans to hold a fan meetup in Seoul in November, marking the first event where all five members will appear together. This fan gathering will be a meaningful opportunity for MIDZY to reconnect with the group as a whole, following months of four-member activities.

ITZY, known for their strong performance skills and chart-topping hits, have consistently pushed the boundaries of K-pop, and their return as a full group is expected to reignite their influence both in Korea and globally. As the group prepares to release their new album, anticipation is building not only for their music but also for Lia’s return to the spotlight.

Sayart / Chloe Kim, 2022chloe.k@gmil.com