ITZY is back on the scene with their new mini-album <CHESHIRE> and a message: there’s no need to overthink if you always trust your intuition. After all, we’re all mad here. To celebrate the new release, we caught up with ITZY to talk about their four new tracks and their favorite tour stages. And, as winter approaches, of course, their favorite snowy day activities. Check out our full interview below!
Tell us about your new mini-album <CHESHIRE> and what you hope fans take away from it.
Lia: This album <CHESHIRE> consists of four tracks. The title song, “Cheshire,” conveys a message of trusting your feelings because there is no right answer amid numerous unclear questions and concerns. “Snowy,” “Freaky,” and the single in English, “Boys Like You,” which was pre-released in October, are also included. We hope you show us a lot of love!
How does the sound and concept of <CHESHIRE> differ from your last release, CHECKMATE?
Chaeryeong: The biggest difference is in the mood of the title song. “SNEAKERS” was refreshing and energetic, while in the new title track, our message blends with a more mysterious vibe.
Congrats on your English single “Boys Like You”—tell us a little about what it’s been like to get to sing that song with your fans on tour!
Yeji: I’m glad we were able to produce a song in the spirit of Highteen as a gift to our fans. We were so happy that the reaction was even more positive than we had expected.
Lia: Thankfully, we were able to show the live performance on our tour. Because the entire text of the lyrics was in English, many more people could enjoy it. It was tons of fun.
What were your favorite tour stages? Are there any solo songs you wish you had gotten the chance to perform?
Yeji: I like “Free Fall,” and it’s very popular among our fans, too. So I’m glad we got to perform it during our tour. Being on stage is an unending source of joy. I would also like to try Yuna’s “Maniac.” The performance is beautiful, and the song itself is exciting. It just makes me want to feel it firsthand. Of course, Yuna’s performance is just amazing.
Yuna: I personally really like “Free Fall.”
One of the new songs on your mini-album is called “Snowy”—what are some of your favorite snowy day activities?
Ryujin: I like to go for a slow walk when it snows. I also enjoy looking at the Han river when it freezes!
Lia: If there’s enough snow, I always try to make a snowman!
Yuna: I really enjoy riding on a sled. I always have had since I was a kid.
What are your must-have items when you’re on the road/abroad?
Chaeryeong: I usually watch videos or listen to some songs, so headphones are a must!
Ryujin: I really like ramyeon. So I take a cup of ramyeon with me wherever I go.
As we approach 2023, what are your biggest goals for next year?
Lia: I hope that next year, we will have the opportunity to take another step forward and grow and present our music to more people.
Chaeryeong: In 2023, we want to show that ITZY still has a lot to give, and our goal is to deliver our positive energy to more people.
Want more ITZY? Check out their new mini-album <CHESHIRE> and the music video for the title track “Cheshire,” both out now!
