Yeji, Yuna, Ryujin, Chaeryeong. Individually, they are gifted performers. Together, they make up ITZY, one of the most successful fourth-generation South Korean girl groups today. Fifth member Lia is currently on sabbatical due to health reasons. At a time when the K-pop machine churns out girl group after girl group, one cannot help but wonder: What makes one stand out from the rest? It is no small feat considering the amount of global adoration ITZY enjoys today, in spite of the tough competition.
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ITZY’s success lies in a combination of factors: Charisma, tenacity, strong vocals and dance skills, a little bit of luck, and a lot of hard work. It is a formula that catapulted them straight into stardom—their single, “Dalla Dalla”, became the first debut song by a K-pop group to earn a platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association. Their third and latest album, Born To Be, topped the iTunes’ album chart across 23 regions when it was released in January 2024, while the music video for the title track “Untouchable” reached number one on YouTube’s worldwide list of Top Trending Music Videos. Their official Instagram account boasts over 20 million followers, the third highest for a K-pop girl group.
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Despite this, the members, whose ages range from 20 to 24, come across as down-to-earth, genuine and respectful. When they walked into the studio at their specified call time, each ITZY member made it a point to greet and acknowledge crew members with “annyeonghaseyo” and a bow. It was a chilly spring afternoon in Seoul’s Gangnam district. There was a lot to get done, yet the members were absolute troopers, moving seamlessly from hair and makeup, to the fitting room, and finally onto the set with photographer Heejune Kim, who’s well known for his work with many Korean idols and actors. In front of the camera, the girls were completely in their element. They were hitting poses and catching the light in a manner usually exhibited by supermodels. And they may as well have been dressed head-to-toe in Hermès, Saint Laurent, Dolce&Gabbana, Givenchy and Polo Ralph Lauren. In short: The perfect cover stars for ELLE Singapore’s “Music” issue.
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NOBODY LIKE YOU
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Their fierce fashion sense sets these girls apart. ITZY embodies a bold and unapologetic attitude that translates into their stage wardrobe. Think edgy streetwear with a touch of high-fashion flair: oversized blazers paired with biker shorts, chunky platform boots juxtaposed with flowing maxi dresses and bold statement accessories.
Their signature style isn't just about looking good—it's an extension of their music. ITZY’s high-energy performances, often featuring intricate choreography, call for outfits that are never restrictive, to allow them to move with confidence and command the stage. This fusion of streetwear cool and high- fashion luxury has made them fashion darlings since their rookie days. They were invited to Louis Vuitton’s spring/ summer 2020 show, and have collaborated with brands like H&M and M.A.C Cosmetics, always effortlessly rocking a runway look or a trendsetting ensemble.
LIKE MAGIC
Managed by record label JYP Entertainment—the folks behind other successful K-pop acts like Twice and Stray Kids—ITZY burst onto the K-pop scene in February 2019. The music video for “Dalla Dalla” garnered over 17 million views on YouTube within 24 hours, becoming the most-viewed debut music video by a K-pop group at that time. It also ranked as the second most popular music video of 2019 on YouTube in South Korea. Found in their debut album It’z Different, the track’s empowering lyrics about self-confidence and individuality resonated with fans globally.
The group continued their momentum with a string of successful releases. They experimented with different sounds for their second EP It’z Me, while keeping their signature “girl crush” concept. Their third EP Not Shy marked a lyrical shift towards themes of love, while continuing to maintain their powerful and confident persona. “I think ITZY’s message is confidence. Our songs are the kind of music that gives courage and strength. I think there is a good synergy between that message and ITZY’s healthy charm. I think many people love it for that,” remarks Yeji.
By 2022, the girls were ready to take their brand of independence and self-love to the global stage with their first world tour titled “Checkmate”, where they performed their first English single ”Boys Like You”. It was such a success that the girls wasted no time in embarking on their second world tour in February this year. The “Born To Be” tour will take them to 18 countries in Asia, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas.
Currently performing in the US, they will be wrapping up their 2024 world tour in the Philippines and Hong Kong in August. The set list will include tracks from their latest mini album Born To Be. What’s special about this album is that, for the first time, each member has a solo track. As Yeji shares: “This is my first time participating in the work of a solo song. Although I am still inexperienced, I am becoming more and more eager to do better.”
Photographed by HEEJUNE KIM
Creative Direction by NAVIN PILLAY
Make-up Artist SUYEON JUNG
Hairstylist ILJUNG LEE
Producer ESTHER KIM
Production Assistant BOBAE LEE
On-set Stylist SUNGMIN CHOI