Itzy on Making ‘Gold,’ Comeback Beauty Routines, and Self-Expression
K-pop group Itzy shares their musical inspirations and comeback beauty routines for their new album, ‘Gold.’
JYP Entertainment
Itzy’s latest comeback is pure gold. The K-pop group dropped their new album, Gold, this month, gracing fans with not just one—but two—title tracks. The music video for the second, “Imaginary Friend,” drops today (October 27th) and the teaser clips are already causing a commotion online. A complete directional switch from their first title track, “Gold,” the darker, moodier concept gives all five members the chance to explore yet another side of their musicality.
Still, ask them to pick a favorite between the two and they’ll insist that both feel special in their own ways. “I think all the songs in this album are shining,” says Itzy member Lia. Yeji agrees, quoting a line from “Gold” when I ask her to sum up the album’s message in one phrase.
“Gold in the air gold everywhere,” she says. “The songs in the album could be heard in many places and played everywhere.”
Gold also marks Itzy’s return to performing as a five-member group after Lia’s hiatus. “Since we’re back together as five, I think the album carries the meaning that we shine more when we’re all together,” says Yeji. “Because of that, we’re really looking forward to this activity.”
Midzy, Itzy’s fans, have undoubtedly already listened to every single track on the album on repeat. But they can still look forward to a few surprises when the group officially unveils its music video for “Imaginary Friend” today. “I did an underwater shoot for the first time,” says Ryujin when I ask for some spoilers. “I was a bit worried about it, but I think we ended up enjoying the shoot more than we expected.” Behind the scenes, Chaeryeong says there were also some unexpected hiccups. “Every time we had to do an outdoor shoot, it rained, which made for a funny yet sad situation” she says.
Despite the weather-related challenges, Itzy came through as always, for each other and for their fans. “Meeting Midzy changed our world and made it shine,” says Yuna. “I hope Midzy can also have that same good feeling.”
Ahead of the “Imaginary Friend” music video release, Itzy members Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna share their memories of working on the album, comeback beauty routines, and what makes them shine brightest.
Between the two title tracks, “Gold” and “Imaginary Friend,” which do you relate to more and why?
Yeji: It’s hard to choose between the two, but I think “Gold” matches Itzy really well in terms of the message. As for “Imaginary Friend,” in the very beginning of the choreography, I think it’s a part that could only work with the five of us. I’m sure you’ll be able to see both our unique style and a new side of us in both songs!
Yuna: Hmm… both songs have something in common with me, so it’s hard to choose.
Lia: Both resonate deeply with us! The meaning of “we all shine like gold” and the message that discovering each other is like finding gems that brighten my world are messages we always want to convey. The message of “Imaginary Friends,” where we support and embrace each other in the darkness, seems to be a continuation of that idea.
Ryujin: If I had to pick just one, it would be “Imaginary Friend.” I think everyone has experienced having another side of themselves that can comfort or trouble them, which is why I felt a connection to it.
Chaeryeong: It’s hard to choose just one.
What were the most exciting and most challenging parts of working on this album?
Ryujin: Challenging new genres has been both fun and difficult. Like every album, we recorded all the songs with the thought of showing a new image and voice, so I’d love it if you could focus on those aspects when listening.
Were there things you wanted to try musically that you were able to express through Gold?
Chaeryeong: Since there are various types of songs in the album, I wanted to make different kinds of sounds to match the different feelings of the songs. It was both fun and challenging trying to record this in the studio.
Itzy members before the launch of their new album, ‘Gold.’
JYP Entertainment
Midzys are always so excited to see your new visual concepts. Can you tell me a little more about the visual inspiration for this album?
Yeji: We expressed Gold through clothes that reflect light, whether we wear bright colors or even darker ones. We tried to capture a hip mood that fits the song.
Lia: Since this time we have double title song and the vibes of each song are totally different, I think we show sporty, bright-energy styles on “Gold” stages and simpler, calmer, and more composed tones on “Imaginary Friend.”
When preparing for a comeback, do you do anything special in terms of your beauty or wellness routines?
Yuna: When preparing for a comeback, I often have muscle pain. I usually take care of my body at home to improve my condition—mainly using gua sha or hot compresses.
Lia: After waking up in the morning, I always make sure to do a short stretch, take supplements that help with blood circulation, and drink tea that’s good for reducing swelling. I also like to use a gua sha to massage my face, scalp, and neck.
Yeji: When shampooing, I think it’s important to massage the scalp well to loosen it up.
Ryujin: I like doing face masks at home.
Chaeryeong: I pay attention to tea and supplement pills that are good for reducing swelling!
What’s your favorite unexpected beauty tip you’ve learned on set?
Yeji: The most important thing is to drink a lot of water anytime, anywhere.
Lia: Since there are times when my face makeup doesn’t match my body color, I apply tone-up cream when there’s a bit of exposure.
Ryujin: I heard that tying a rubber band around your ears helps reduce swelling.
Chaeryeong: While I’m getting my hair and makeup done, I hang a tight rubber band on my ears! It seems like the swelling goes down quickly when I do that.
Yuna: After finishing filming on set, a lot of dust tends to accumulate on my skin and lips, so I immediately remove my makeup.
Off-stage, what does your getting-ready routine look like when you’re not working?
Yeji: When getting ready, I tend to play songs that match the mood of the day. In my everyday beauty routine, I like cooling products. Since I sweat a lot when dancing, I often use toner packs to cool down my face.
Lia: On days when I’m not working, my getting-ready routine is washing my face with water and morning stretches to relieve any accumulated fatigue and puffiness. When I’m getting ready, I like calming and quiet vibe so I’m not listening to anything—I tend to stay in a calm state until it’s time to go out.
How has your relationship to beauty evolved over time?
Chaeryeong: As I grow older, I’m finding and expanding styles that suit me better and better.
Yuna: I’ve been interested in beauty since childhood. Beauty feels like another genre of self-expression. As time passes, I feel like I’m getting closer to the beauty world and I love it.
What’s one hair or makeup concept you want to try in the future that you haven’t done already?
Yuna: I’d like to try a makeup concept that uses dreamy colors all over the face.
What makes you feel most beautiful these days?
Ryujin: Someone who knows how to express and appreciate themselves is truly beautiful.
Yuna: I think the most beautiful thing is having the power to love yourself and share that love with those around you.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Sarah Y. Wu is a Senior Contributor for Forbes. See her work at sarahywu.com and follow her on Instagram @say.wu.
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