ITZY Details Each Track On ‘GOLD,’ From “Bad Girls R Us” To “FIVE”

K-pop group ITZY doubled down on their ethos in the concept trailer for their latest release, GOLD. The phrase "Our World Is Still Different" appears in the final moments as the camera zooms out and inverts, capturing Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna standing together — fearless and resolute. For the quintet, the notion of "being different" doesn't rely on a passive statement, but a defiant embrace of character and a carefree pursuit of self-love.

At the start of 2019, ITZY burst onto the industry with "달라달라 (DALLA DALLA)," the lead single on their debut project, It'z Different. The quintet swept all the Best New Artist accolades during the K-pop awards season, and embodied the empowerment that characterizes the music of fourth-generation girl groups. Their discography beams with this commitment: they preach authenticity in "WANNABE," obliterate doubts in "NOT SHY," or actively engage in a playful tension of love in "Cheshire."

And as their popularity grew, so did their reputation as performers. ITZY are renowned for their choreography, which is both energetic and precise, amplified by an unmatched charisma. At the 2021 MAMA Awards, they took the stage with a feline spirit to perform "LOCO." The atmosphere was alive with action sequences and electrifying dance formations, culminating in a fictional showdown against South Korean actor Heo Sung-tae, one of the villains from "Squid Game." That performance marked their transition from "super rookies" to one of K-pop's leading ladies.

But ITZY's journey wasn't without challenges. In September 2023, Lia was diagnosed with "extreme tension and anxiety" and needed to take a break for her recovery. The group continued on as a quartet and, in early 2024, released their eighth EP, Born To Be. ITZY also embarked on their second world tour, starting with two consecutive shows at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul, where Lia appeared in the audience and was greeted with open arms by the group.

This is why GOLD, out Oct. 15, unlocks a new chapter as it sets forth a pivotal growth phase and heralds Lia's return. The album features double lead singles "GOLD" and "Imaginary Friend," while compositions such as "Supernatural" or "Bad Girls R Us" explore novel sonic frontiers. The second half of the record features five songs from Born To Be — "Mr. Vampire," "Untouchable," "Born To Be," "Dynamite," and "Escalator" — that have been re-made to include Lia's voice.

Above all, GOLD reaffirms the group's unity. "We had some time to gather together while preparing for this album, and we had conversations while getting meals," says Yeji over Zoom from Seoul. "Those moments were times when we grew much closer to each other, [and it was] very special."

Below, ITZY guides GRAMMY.com through the stories behind each track on GOLD, opening up about making a return with the full lineup and what lies at the heart of their connection.

In the concept trailer, each member embodies a distinct character in a unique setting, but the final message, "Our World Is Still Different," unites them all. It reinforces the group’s core idea of being unapologetically yourself. Why did you feel it was important to convey that?

Yuna: It's been a while since we all came back as five, and we really want to show the audience that our friendship is always unique and fun. I think the key elements [for our group] are respect and consideration, and these acts have built trust — creating a stronger and deeper bond. 

Lia: The message from our debut hasn't changed. It has always been the same, but with [diverse] themes and perspectives on every comeback. We just thought it was nice timing together as five to remember that message [of being different]. We still feel the same way as we were five, or six years ago, and we will continue to spread it.

Which song from your new album do you believe best reflects this core belief, and in what ways does it connect with your individuality?

Yeji: I believe the title track "GOLD" best represents our individuality, especially because it conveys the message of how we shine most when we are all together and how our world changes after "meeting you." We wanted to portray this feeling to [our fans], MIDZY, and also how we just shine by comparing it to gold.

Chaeryeong: We really want to show very different sides of ourselves. I want to show that ITZY is a team that can pull off and express all kinds of feelings.

In the past, I used to approach things with the mindset of "Let's do well with what we've prepared," but now, depending on the stage, I do what I've prepared, while also expressing what I feel at the moment. Personally, I feel more connected to "Imaginary Friend."

The contrast between "GOLD" and "Imaginary Friend" is striking. What song proved to be the most difficult to record yet left you feeling the proudest? And what aspects of the experience made it so demanding?

Yeji: I'd say it was "Imaginary Friend," and I was a bit worried [initially]. We've never sung a song that feels this dreamy and fantastical before, so the vibe of the track itself felt like a challenge for us. But as we went through it, I realized it wasn't that we couldn't do it — it was just that we hadn't tried it yet. It became a recording session where I rediscovered the members' voices and talents.

Ryujin: I think "GOLD" was a little bit more difficult because we had to show that [atmosphere] that we hear from the original [demo]. I felt that the song was wild yet youthful, lively but still weighty, so I prepared for recording by analyzing even more the pronunciation, trying to figure out which parts gave me that feeling.

With a song called "Bad Girls R Us" listeners might expect a heavy-hitting instrumental, but instead, we encounter an elegant, dynamic composition. What were your initial impressions of this composition, and how is ITZY redefining or expanding the concept of a "Bad Girl" by blending this tempered sound with a bold title?

Lia: It’s one of the tracks that I listen to the most from this album even before its release. Once you put on your speakers or your earphones and listen to it, you feel very bad but powerful. [Laughs]. Listeners can also get into that character, and I also thought it'd be a fun song to perform in a concert maybe in the future. 

Ryujin: I love a song with minimal sounds, and "Bad Girls R Us," is a good example, so it's my favorite song [from this album]. I put a lot of effort into making this song more charming, and I love the results. The "bad girl" in this song is more about a cool vibe. 

"Supernatural" is made of beautiful and ethereal melodies, and it feels like a journey through the sky. What emotions surfaced for you inside the studio? Or what personal experiences inspired your creative expression in this song?

Chaeryeong: I wanted to portray that I’m an angel. [Laughs]. I thought it would sound even more beautiful if we blended in more breath, giving it a mystical and nostalgic vibe. It was fascinating to receive such an ethereal and emotional song, and I loved it as soon as I heard it!

In "FIVE," how does the song's message resonate with where you are now as a group? Is there a particular lyric that holds special meaning for you and that you'd like listeners to pay close attention to?

Yeji: I feel like this song captures the fact that ITZY shines the brightest when there are five of us. We weren’t perfect from the beginning, but as time passed, we laughed, cried, and grew together, making the number five even more meaningful.

Ryujin: Since the lyrics carry the meaning that the five of us are the most perfect together, I think MIDZY, who’s been waiting for our full group comeback, will relate to it the most. The line "But nothing is better than five" seems to best capture the message of the song.

"VAY" stands out for its collaboration with Changbin from Stray Kids, who's known for his intense rapping style. How would you describe your dynamic with him during the recording process?

Lia: It was a very comfortable and nice experience. [Changbin] knows our voice and singing, so it was more convenient for him to direct us throughout the session, for example, when dividing parts or whatever expressions we had to use — it was much easier working with someone who understands us. 

I remember him telling me to have more confidence because, at the start, I was worried if I could express the right emotions. He was very nice in complimenting us; he told us, "You guys are already good at it."

Lia, from all the songs the group re-recorded from Born To Be, which one were you the most excited to work on and why?

Lia: It's hard to pick one, because the previous album also had different sides of songs, and they were all very nice. One of my favorite songs was "Escalator" because when I was at the concert, I thought it was really cool and amazing. It’s just a sophisticated song in a style that I like.

Finally, could you delve into one personal objective you hope to accomplish during this era?

Yuna: The choreography of "GOLD" is very powerful, so while having our performances, I want us to do it very safely and well. I plan to consistently stretch and get treatments with my physician.

Yeji: Adding to Yuna's answer, I want to show ITZY, more clearly as a team, to a much larger audience. And to MIDZY, I want to say thank you so much for waiting for us. We will have a great time during this [promotional cycle].