As their stock continues to rise thanks to an eclectic new EP, “TUNNEL VISION”, K-pop heavyweights ITZY talk purpose, progression, and laughing at the small things.
Girl groups simply don’t get much bigger than ITZY. Over the past five or so years, Chaeryoung, Yuna, Yeji, Ryujin, and Lia have dominated the K-pop scene, sharing a plethora of projects and concurrently growing their musical identity and fan base – affectionately known as the ‘MIDZYs’.
Following a busy 2025, which has seen a refined album, Girls Will Be Girls, and recent solo step outs – Yeji’s AIR proving mightily impressive – the five-piece are back with a new EP. “TUNNEL VISION” is the group’s most ambitious and sonically adventurous body of music to date; a step up in their musical vision, boasting a will to explore new soundscapes and the tenacity and technicality to put it into practice.
Across the six-track body of music, the quintet chisel their well-crafted K-pop core, but rather than resting on their musical laurels, they progress into new terrain. There are touches of Afrobeats, sprinklings of hip-hop, flirtations with UK garage and synth pop. It’s a surefire sign that the group – and the wider K-pop movement, perhaps – is progressing beyond the rigid boundaries of the past, searching for innovation, a modern medley of moods and musical ideas that blends seamlessly.
Talking exclusively with Wonderland, the five artists reflect on a monumental 2025, share insight into their bond are a band, and dive into the making and meaning of the new EP.
Listen to “TUNNEL VISION”…
Read the interview…
Hey ITZY! How was your summer?
Chaeryeong: We had a busy but fun summer meeting MIDZYs through our Girls Will Be Girls promotions. Personally, I ate a lot of peaches this summer.
Yuna: This summer, we did a college festival, Girls Will Be Girls activities, and lots of other things where we felt the fans’ energy burning even hotter than the summer heat.
It’s been another massive year in your growth. What have been the highlights for you?
Chaeryeong: Girls Will Be Girls, Collector, the fan meetings, and now “TUNNEL VISION”. We’ve done so much so it’s hard to pick just one thing, but I think all these activities have given me more and more courage.
Ryujin: Our first Japanese full album really stands out—the Rock & Roll promotions. It’s even more memorable to me because the fans showed us lots of love and support for the album.
You’ve released so much music since you first started out – do you have personal favourite songs or projects? If so, why?
Yuna: We’ve done so many different things, but the song I’m most attached to is our debut song “DALLA DALLA”. I will never forget the moment when I first met our fans, MIDZY, on the debut music show stage performing “DALLA DALLA”.
Yeji: For me personally it’s “Crown On My Head.” It was for the tour, and as it was the first time for me to try songwriting, I had many thoughts about how to express my own story through music. The emotions I felt while I was standing on stage performing the song multiple times during the tour – I’ll never forget them. I was so happy! I’m grateful that many MIDZYs loved it.
How would you all describe your bond as a group? What works so well? What melds you together?
Yeji: These days, when the members get together, we find ourselves laughing over the smallest things. Even if it’s not something very special, I’m grateful that we can make each other laugh in between our schedules. Whatever it is, I think the reason we get along so well is because we’re always appreciating each other’s presence.
Lia: Rather than a special secret, I think after spending so much time together, we’ve naturally come to understand and care for each other!
Congratulations on this new EP, “TUNNEL VISION”! How are you feeling about the release?
Chaeryeong: Thank you for the congratulations. First of all, with the title track, we got to try the Afrobeat-based hip-hop genre, which we’ve never tried before. Also, the whole album explores various genres, so I’m excited to show everyone new sides of ourselves.
Yuna: I’m truly grateful to the fans who’ve been waiting for this album. Since this one deals with ITZY’s determination to reach another stage of growth, I hope it brings newness and joy to MIDZYs and hope we can all enjoy it together.
Is there any behind stories that you can share about the title track, “TUNNEL VISION”?
Chaeryeong: Since the bass beat of the title track is deep and has weight to it, I recorded with a vocal tone I’ve never tried before. That was a new challenge for me.
Ryujin: I loved this song from the moment I first got this song as a demo candidate for the title track. So when it was finally decided as the title track, I was quite happy. Since I am attached to this song, I hope that fans enjoy it as much as I did.
How is this project a progression from your previous works?
Yeji: If our previous albums showed explosive energy in every aspect, this album showcases another way we express our energy – with restraint.
Lia: Both musically and performance-wise, we put much effort into showing a mature and powerful vibe. You’ll be able to see a levelled-up version of ITZY.
Talk us through the process of making the EP?
Yeji: While I was recording, I tried to create and bring out various characters within myself. Songs in this EP have diverse genres and different colors, musically, so I thought it was important to bring out each track’s individuality. I hope listeners will enjoy it.
Yuna: All members gave their best to prepare this EP. Since the title track, “TUNNEL VISION”, emphasizes the bass and layers to create spatial depth, I spent a lot of time and effort into making it feel rich and weighty both vocally and performance-wise.
What influenced the EP sonically?
Lia: Besides the title track, we tried various genres throughout the EP, like synth-pop and UK Garage. As you listen through the album, you will find yourself unconsciously getting more and more immersed. We added various sonic stimuli to make the tracks more interesting, and we tried to make the whole album feel like one complete story, so I definitely recommend listening to the entire [project].
Ryujin: We’re always thinking about how to show our fans something new, trying to show our maturity in terms of sound. With this title track, we tried the Afrobeat-based hip-hop genre for the first time and incorporated unique choreography to match the song.
What do you want listeners to take away? What’s the EP about?
Chaeryeong: It is about immersion. Like the meaning of the word “tunnel vision”, you follow that single ray of light you see in the distance. That light could be your goal, or a dream. I hope people gain confidence, boldness, and energy while listening to the song.
Lia: You’ll get to see an even stronger version of ITZY. I hope you can feel vicarious satisfaction and catharsis through our music and stages.
What else is to come from you, this year and beyond?
Yeji: We would like to be a group that always fulfills peoples’ expectations. We want to be a team that expands in various directions, not just settling down. We’ll continue working hard to give back the love we’ve received from MIDZY and everyone through good music and activities.
Ryujin: We have a tour scheduled starting at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul. Since it’s been a while since our last concert, we’ll work hard to show our amazing side to our fans all over the world, so please look forward to it and show us lots of interest!
Words – Ben Tibbits
