logo
ITZY On What 10th Mini-Album, ‘Girls Will Be Girls,' Means To Them

ITZY On What 10th Mini-Album, ‘Girls Will Be Girls,' Means To Them

Forbes5 hours ago

ITZY "Girls Will Be Girls" Concept
The expression 'Girls will be girls!' can mean anything, because girls can be anything. Girls can be powerful, sensitive, kind, loving, brave, fearful, logical, crazy, and many other things.
For the K-pop powerhouse ITZY, 'Girls will be Girls' to them means strength, unity, and their bond as a team. It's why it's the title of their 10th mini-album, as well as the main track, out now. The quintet – Yeji, Ryujin, Lia, Chaeryeong, and Yuna – have embodied women's empowerment and confidence since their debut six years ago.
'Our message has been all about loving ourselves, and now, as we celebrate our 6th anniversary, it felt like the right moment to express the bond of being together,' says Yeji. 'We thought it would be a great opportunity to show the teamwork we've built over the past six years.'
The team has achieved massive success together in the music industry. Their 8th mini-album BORN TO BE debuted at #2 on Billboard's World Albums charts and #5 on the Top Album Sales chart. Their 2nd World Tour for BORN TO BE had the group traveling across 18 countries, including the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Japan, the UK, and Australia. Last fall, their 9th mini-album, GOLD, became double platinum in Korea. In the U.S., the group had made appearances on MTV's Fresh Out Live, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and NYC's Head in the Clouds Festival. They continue to grow both domestically and internationally.
'I think our team itself was the biggest source of inspiration [for the new mini-album],' Lia says. 'We've become stronger and more solid when we're together, and I believe it all started from the bond we've built since our debut.'
ITZY "Girls Will Be Girls" Concept
Now that the single and EP are out, ITZY gave insight into their music, what it means to them, their growth over the years, and what to expect next.
LAURA SIRIKUL: How are you guys doing? How have you been feeling lately? What have you been up to besides preparing the album?
YEJI : We're happily preparing for our comeback. Since there are a lot of festivals and events in May, we've been making lots of memories by attending university festivals while also getting ready for our comeback.
LIA: These days, I've been spending time preparing for our album, practicing, and managing myself to stay in shape for our comeback! On days when the weather is nice, I try to go out for a walk too.
SIRIKUL: What can you tell me about the concepts (outfits, photoshoots, set design) from this EP? What story are you trying to say with this mini-album?
YEJI : In the trailer, we showcased a lot of high-teen style outfits and aimed for a casual mood so that everyone could relate. In the music video, we created a sense of tension with a Mad Max-like concept to amplify the image of overcoming anything together.
Through this album, we want to convey the message that all the time and effort we've put in as ITZY over the years was only possible because the five of us were together. And it was also thanks to all the people who helped us, [as well as] our MIDZYs who listened to our music and gave us love. It was all possible because all these people were made up as 'us.'
LIA: In the teaser, we went for a more casual look — styles that we would actually wear in our daily lives — to better express the message of the album. For the title track, we went with a more charismatic and powerful concept. And for the B-side track, like 'Kiss & Tell,' the styling is more like something people our age would wear when going out and having fun during the summer!
SIRIKUL: How does this EP represent this journey you've all been on as a group?
RYUJIN : We tried to capture the feeling of continuously upgrading and evolving.
CHAERYEONG: It's a song that suits ITZY as we are now, after being together for six years. It also carries the meaning that there's nothing we can't do as long as we're together, which makes it even more special.
ITZY "Girls Will Be Girls" Concept
SIRIKUL: What is your favorite song or lyric from the EP that you feel closely connected to?
RYUJIN : This album's tracks are all so relatable and amazing. It is very hard to choose. However, the lyrics in 'Promise' are messages to our fans, which is probably why it stands out in my memory so much.
CHAERYEONG: 'Girls Will Be Girls' is the song I'm most attached to! I feel like it really shows the strength and solidarity we have as a group.
SIRIKUL: ITZY as a group has always been an embodiment/representation of [strong, badass women]. Who inspires you as an artist?
RYUJIN: We're most inspired by our fans, who return the love and courage we give them many times over.
CHAERYEONG: We ourselves are our biggest inspiration! We're always reflecting on who we are and imagining who we'll become in the future, constantly thinking about what new sides of us we want to show or express even more to our fans!
SIRIKUL: YEJI, you were the first to release your solo album and videos. How has this experience helped you as a member of ITZY and on the EP?
YEJI: After experiencing what it's like to do everything alone as a solo artist, I feel like I gained lots of experience during that period. And I think what truly made me happy was realizing that I could bring those experiences and improved skills back to ITZY as a member and use them to strengthen our album.
ITZY "Girls Will Be Girls" Concept
SIRIKUL: With the EP [now out], what are your plans – will we see another World Tour? Will there be plans for more solo albums from the others?
CHAERYEONG: I can't share too much just yet, but I can say that after this album, our focus will likely be on preparing our next group album with the highest quality possible. We're committed to making sure that what comes next reflects our growth and teamwork even better!
YUNA: Even after our album release, we plan to continue staying connected with our fans. While the next world tour hasn't been confirmed yet, we are always hoping to meet our fans!
SIRIKUL: What message would you want to send to your fans aka MIDZY through your music?
RYUJIN: We want to give back that courage and convey a range of emotions through the way we continue to grow and improve.
YUNA: We want to share messages of comfort and courage with our fans through our music.
ITZY's Girls Will Be Girls is out now.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Microsoft Finally Gets Into the Handheld Game With ROG Xbox Ally
Microsoft Finally Gets Into the Handheld Game With ROG Xbox Ally

WIRED

time12 minutes ago

  • WIRED

Microsoft Finally Gets Into the Handheld Game With ROG Xbox Ally

Jun 9, 2025 4:47 PM Xbox players will soon get the freedom to play anywhere with two handheld consoles that Microsoft plans to release this holiday season. The ROG Xbox Ally X. Courtesy of XBOX Microsoft is finally shooting its shot for handheld gaming. During Summer Game Fest on June 8, the company debuted the console with a flashy trailer: a floating block of ice forming into the handheld before the Xbox logo cracks through and the system comes to life. Not just one, but two—the ROG Xbox Ally and its more powerful variation, the ROG Xbox Ally X—essentially a set of halved controllers comically strapped to a wide screen. Both are expected to arrive this holiday season, though details like pricing, accessories, and pre-orders still haven't been announced. It's been a long wait for a true Xbox handheld. While competitors like Nintendo, Sony, and Valve have already established handheld or hybrid consoles in some form, Microsoft has been slower to commit to gaming on the go—a move that has cost it a competitive edge against the Switch or Steam Deck. For a company that's put heavy emphasis on 'Xbox anywhere,' its lack of a console you could actually play anywhere has been a major oversight. The Ally consoles, which are being made with electronic manufacturer ASUS, will finally let people play games through remote play, cloud gaming, or the handheld itself. Both will run Windows 11, where your mileage may vary depending on your feelings about the divisive OS, which critics have described as 'so got dang annoying' for things like pop-up ads and a bad start menu. It will give players access to PC games, mod use, and apps such as Discord and Twitch, and include accessibility features found on Xbox. Fans will also be able to play games from Xbox, PC storefronts, Game Pass, and which will all sync between consoles, PC, and cloud gaming. In an interview with The Verge last year, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said the company has been 'learning from what Nintendo has done over the years with Switch.' He's also expressed admiration for the Steam Deck, ROG handheld, and Lenovo handheld Legion Go. Prior to that, a leak from Microsoft itself in September 2023 included information on a 'hybrid game platform,' then expected in 2028. Back when X allowed users to see other likes on posts, Xbox fans took note of Spencer liked tweets that declared an Xbox handheld 'inevitable.' The race to make consoles more powerful than they've ever been—or to compete with PCs—hasn't been as exciting, as the tech has steadily improved in the last decade. Instead, it's the console you can play on a plane or from bed—anywhere without a tv setup, really—that feels truly appealing. My Xbox Series X has spent most of its life languishing on my shelf and collecting dust while my Switch is a must-have for every trip I take. Breakout titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 pulled me back to my Xbox briefly, but I, like many other gamers, want that option on the go. Impressions of the handheld so far have been largely positive. 'It ran nicely, felt good in my hands…the controls felt like Xbox controller grips,' wrote GameFile. 'The gameplay was crisp and clear.' IGN praised its gameplay experience, but also noted that the user interface could be more intuitive. A writer from The Guardian said they 'can easily see it becoming a serious competitor for both the Switch 2 and Valve's Steam Deck.' Microsoft is entering the market at a time when you can play most major video games on one handheld or another. With the Switch 2 out now, Nintendo already has a jump on the holiday season—and any potential tariffs or production problems that may occur. But Microsoft has no shortage of games. During Xbox's Summer Gamefest showcase, the company also showed off its upcoming release schedule, including Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 , The Outerworlds 2 , a Persona 4 remake, and Hollow Knight sequel Silksong . The Ally will launch with the massively popular Roblox, the first time the game has ever been available on a handheld. That strong library of games could give Xbox the leg up it needs—or, at least a fighting chance.

Tony Awards draw best audience in 6 years for CBS
Tony Awards draw best audience in 6 years for CBS

Associated Press

time13 minutes ago

  • Associated Press

Tony Awards draw best audience in 6 years for CBS

NEW YORK (AP) — The Tony Awards on Sunday lured 4.85 million viewers to CBS, its largest broadcast audience in six years, according to Nielsen's data. CBS said Monday the telecast — hosted by 'Wicked' star Cynthia Erivo — scored a 38% increase over last year's 3.53 million viewers. That's the largest audience for the Tonys since 2019, when the telecast that year nabbed 5.4 million viewers and ' Hadestown ' was crowned best new musical. The latest version also had to compete with the second game of the NBA Finals, between the Thunder and Pacers, CBS also said the awards show drew its largest ever streaming audience on Paramount+ but did not disclose streaming viewership numbers, only saying it was up 208% from last year. 'Maybe Happy Ending,' a rom-com about androids that crackles with humanity won best new musical on a night when Kara Young made history as the first Black person to win two Tonys consecutively for 'Purpose,' which also won best new play. Interest in the Tonys may also have been fueled by the competition in the best lead actress in a musical category, with Audra McDonald gunning for her record-setting seventh Tony and Nicole Scherzinger of 'Sunset Blvd.' hoping to be crowned a legitimate Broadway diva after a career in the pop group Pussycat Dolls and as a TV talent show judge. Other Hollywood names included in the telecast included George Clooney making his Broadway debut and 'Succession' star Sarah Snook being named best leading actress in a play for 'The Picture of Dorian Gray,' a one-woman show.

Is This Really Apple's Big Plan to Make Gaming Stick?
Is This Really Apple's Big Plan to Make Gaming Stick?

Gizmodo

time13 minutes ago

  • Gizmodo

Is This Really Apple's Big Plan to Make Gaming Stick?

I've been writing about Apple's newfound gaming ambitions for years now, but I'm still waiting for the company to come to grips with what today's gamer actually wants. My halting enthusiasm is often tempered by what the company regularly shows off at both its private and public events. As if to put a pin on that point, Apple shared the first look at its all-new Games app at WWDC25. It's a games launcher, achievement tracker, and game chat for contacts in one. The tech giant's flaccid attempt to mark Apple as a go-to arena for gaming will be pre-installed on most Apple devices when the iOS 26 and macOS 26 updates arrive later this year, but I don't need to wait until then to say this isn't what Apple needs to stake a claim on either console or PC mainstays. The Apple Games app combines the company's previous Game Center and Apple Arcade subscription into one place. The app should offer news tidbits about upcoming and current titles on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Vision Pro. If that isn't exciting enough, the app will offer achievement-like badges for completing certain in-game tasks or challenges. Users will also be able to communicate with friends who play the same games or check out leaderboards for score-based titles. The iPhone remains one of the most popular devices for playing games the world over, though few would call it a device built for the rigors of today's gaming environment beyond running Honkai: Star Rail, Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, and—after a five-year absence—Fortnite. A good mobile controller helps ease a few pain points, but nothing beats a device dedicated exclusively to gaming. Apple has promoted cross-platform games on iPhone, including recent hits in the Resident Evil series, but the Mac is the one platform where you expect the iPhone maker to try and pin down gaming. Instead, WWDC25 was a showcase for just how little Apple understands the gaming scene. The Apple Games app on Mac includes everything it does on iPhone, though with more access to games like Civilization VII and Assassin's Creed Shadows. The update is also supposed to include a Game Overlay, accessible without needing to leave your session. Compared to most overlays, including the Xbox Game Bar on Windows, the Mac's version appears barebones. It grants access to the sound, brightness, and Bluetooth settings for adjusting or changing out a controller. There's no option for recording gameplay at native resolution. Apple's overlay doesn't even grant an option to see frame rates or latency. Apple introduced Game Mode in 2023 to limit background tasks and potentially increase in-game performance, but the Mac still lacks what players have come to expect from a gaming platform. The dearth of gaming-specific features would look slim on a gaming console, let alone a device that's most often compared to PC. Without a frame rate counter that players can easily access, they won't know if they're getting the optimal experience from the game they're playing. Apple could have looked at Nintendo and offered easy ways to talk to and stream game content to each other over a Discord-like interface. You can see your friends on your contacts and chat with them over FaceTime, though Apple failed to showcase if this feature creates an on-screen window where you can watch your friends' mugs and still pay attention to what's happening on-screen. Despite the new overlay, this first iteration of Apple's gaming app seems mostly geared to smartphones. The Mac version may be able to incorporate games purchased outside of Apple's first-party work suite, such as Steam, though we haven't. We don't yet know if Apple will help it work with various emulator apps that were made available on iPhones last year, though we doubt Apple wants to step a single inch into the legal minefield of game emulation. Macs are far better for gaming than they have been previously. Thanks to updates to Apple's Metal graphics API and improving graphics capabilities on the M-series chips, I'm regularly surprised by performance on Mac. The most recent M4 MacBook Air was capable of playing Baldur's Gate III and Resident Evil 4 on medium settings with stable frame rates—something that's rare to see with lightweight laptops. The Mac mini with M4 Pro chip was a surprise powerhouse that could handle some more-demanding titles. Apple has also shown Gizmodo how its M3 Ultra chip on the latest Mac Studio could run the demanding Cyberpunk 2077 on high settings with ray tracing—all with a system that lacked a discrete GPU for high-end, though we have yet to try it in person. Apple has been working behind the scenes to engender more support for its own ARM-based chips, but Windows still has it beat in terms of software support by many, many miles. Apple said more games other than Cyberpunk, including EVE Frontier, Architect: Land of Exiles, and Cronos: The New Dawn are making their way to Mac, eventually. It's a drop in the bucket. Promising I'll be able to play InZOI, a game that could best be described as The Sims without a personality, isn't enough to make me pick up a MacBook next time I'm ready to find some game that will help me relax after a full day of covering Apple's latest software updates.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store