K-Pop group Itzy shares musical inspiration and comeback beauty routine for their new album “Gold.”
JYP Entertainment
ITZY’s latest comeback is pure gold. The K-pop group released their new album Gold this month, delighting fans with not just one, but two title songs. The second music video for “Imaginary Friend” was released today (October 27th), and the teaser clip is already causing a stir online. A complete change of direction from the first title track, “Gold,” the darker, moodier concept gives all five members the opportunity to explore yet another aspect of their musicality.
Yet, if you ask them to pick a favorite between the two, they’ll likely claim that they both feel special in their own way. “I think every song on this album shines,” says Itzy member Lia. When asked to describe the album’s message in one word, Yeji agreed, quoting a line from “Gold.”
“There’s money in the air, there’s money everywhere,” she says. “The songs on the album will be heard in many different places and played everywhere.”
Gold also marks Itzy’s return to performing as a five-piece group after Lia’s hiatus. “Since the five of us have come together again, I think this album conveys the meaning that we can shine even more when we are together,” Yeji says. “So we’re really looking forward to this activity.”
Midzy, Itzy fans are no doubt already listening to every song on the album on repeat. But when the group officially releases the music video for “Imaginary Friend” today, they can expect some surprises. When asked about spoilers, Ryujin said, “This was my first time shooting underwater.” “Although I was nervous, I think I had more fun filming than I expected.” Chaeryeong says that there were some unexpected problems behind the scenes. “Every time we had to shoot outside, it rained, which made for a funny and sad situation,” she says.
Despite the weather-related challenges, Itzy, as always, did their best for each other and their fans. “Our world changed and sparkled when we met Midzy,” says Yuna. “I want Midzy to feel just as good.”
Ahead of the release of the “Imaginary Friend” music video, ITZY members Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna talked about their memories of making the album, their beauty routines during their comeback, and what makes them shine the most.
Which of the two title songs, “Gold” and “Imaginary Friend” do you identify with more and why?
Yeji: It’s hard to choose one, but I think “Gold” fits ITZY very well in terms of message. “Imaginary Friend” is the first part of the choreography, and I think it’s something that only these five people could do. I think both songs will allow you to see our unique style and new sides!
Yuna: Hmm…both songs have something that resonates with me, so it’s hard to choose.
Leah: Both touch our hearts deeply! The meaning of “we all shine like gold” and the message that discovering each other is like finding a jewel that brightens up your world is a message we always want to convey. The message of “Imaginary Friends”, where people support each other and embrace each other in the dark, seems to be an extension of this.
Ryujin: If I had to choose just one, it would be “Imaginary Friend.” I think everyone has had the experience of being comforted or troubled by another side of themselves, so I felt empathy for that.
Chaeryeong: It’s difficult to choose just one.
What was the most exciting and most difficult part of making this album?
Ryujin: Trying out a new genre is both fun and difficult. As with any album, I recorded each song with the intention of showing a new image and voice, so I would be happy if you could pay attention to that when listening to it.
Have you ever been able to express what you wanted to do musically with Gold?
Chaeryeong: The album has many different types of songs, so I wanted to create different sounds to match the emotions of the songs. Recording this in the studio was both fun and challenging.
ITZY members before the release of their new album “Gold”.
JYP Entertainment
Midzys is always very excited to see your new visual concepts. Can you tell us more about the visual inspiration for this album?
Yeji: Whether I wear bright colors or darker colors, I express gold through clothes that reflect light. I tried to express a hip mood that fits the song.
Lia: Since this is a double title song, the atmosphere of each song is completely different, so I’d like to show a sporty and bright energetic style on the “Gold” stage, and a simpler and calmer stage for “Imaginary Friend”. I think so.
When preparing for your comeback, do you do anything special regarding beauty and health?
Yuna: When I’m preparing for my comeback, my muscles often get sore. I usually take care of my body at home, mainly using gua sha and warm compresses, to improve my body’s condition.
Leah: When I wake up in the morning, I always do a short stretch, take supplements that improve blood circulation, and drink tea, which is good for swelling. I also like using gua sha to massage my face, scalp, and neck.
Yeji: When shampooing, I think it’s important to massage your scalp well to loosen it up.
Ryujin: I like wearing a mask at home.
Chaeryeong: We are paying attention to teas and supplements that are good for swelling!
What is your favorite unexpected beauty tip you learned on set?
Yeji: The most important thing is to drink plenty of water anytime, anywhere.
Lia: Sometimes my makeup doesn’t match my body color, so when I’m exposed a lot, I apply a tone-up cream.
Ryujin: I heard that wrapping rubber around your ears can reduce swelling.
Chaeryeong: While I’m doing my hair and makeup, I put rubber bands on my ears! I feel like the swelling will go down faster if I do that.
Yuna: After filming on set, I remove my makeup immediately because my skin and lips tend to get a lot of dust.
What is your preparation routine like when you’re not on stage and working?
Yeji: When I get ready, I often play songs that match my mood that day. In my daily beauty routine, I like products with a cooling sensation. I sweat a lot when I dance, so I often use a lotion pack to cool my face.
Leah: On days when I don’t have to work, my daily routine for getting ready is to wash my face with water and do some morning stretching to relieve any fatigue and swelling I’ve built up. When I’m getting ready, I like a calm and quiet atmosphere, so I often stay calm and don’t ask anything until it’s time to go out.
How has your relationship with beauty evolved over time?
Chaeryeong: As I get older, I find more and more styles that suit me and expand on them.
Yuna: I’ve been interested in beauty ever since I was little. Beauty feels like another genre of self-expression. As time goes on, I feel like I’m getting closer to the world of beauty and I love it.
What hair or makeup concepts have you not tried yet that you would like to try in the future?
Yuna: I would like to try makeup using dreamy colors all over my face.
What makes you feel most beautiful these days?
Ryujin: People who know how to express themselves and appreciate themselves are truly beautiful.
Yuna: I think the most beautiful thing is to love yourself and have the strength to share that love with those around you.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Sarah Y. Wu is a senior contributor at Forbes magazine. Check out her work at sarahywu.com and follow her on Instagram @say.wu.
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