Lia of ITZY. Image: Screengrab from YouTube/ITZY
Lia of ITZY is returning to the K-pop scene after taking a break since September 2023 due to health issues.
According to JYP Entertainment, Lia will be joining her group for the upcoming album scheduled for release in the second half of the year.
“Lia has been getting treatment for her anxiety issues and has recovered remarkably. After a thorough discussion with Lia, we’ve decided Lia will be resuming her group activities for their upcoming solo album scheduled for release in the second half of this year,” said JYP Entertainment in a press release.
ITZY’s fans, also known as Midzy, were first to hear Lia’s much-awaited return as she delivered the news herself during a YouTube live on Monday, July 8, held to celebrate the group’s fifth debut anniversary.
Lia told fans that all five members are working hard on the upcoming album for their fans who have desperately waited for the group’s full unit return for a long while.
The ITZY member sparked reports of her return when she was seen in the audience on the second day of ITZY’s “Born To Be” tour in Seoul, South Korea back in February 2024. Her appearance brought cheers to the crowd, and her members were emotional upon seeing her.
so you’re telling me lia went to the itzy concert for day 2 .. our precious lia 🥹 pic.twitter.com/Kf1nfqwGr0
— ًea 🖤 (@thclwa) February 25, 2024
On a separate note, I wanted to add that I got so emotional seeing Lia on Day 2 of ITZY concert.
— ♟ All_For_류⁴¹⁷♟BORN TO BE (@choooothetrain) February 25, 2024
Since announcing her hiatus, ITZY temporarily proceeded on their activities as a four-member group, with Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna moving forward with their “Born To Be” studio album and world tour.
The K-pop girl group recently wrapped up the North American legs of their tour and are now on the Asian leg of their tour. The group is headed to Manila on August 3 for the Philippine leg, which will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Born Choi Jisu, Lia debuted as the main vocalist of ITZY in February 2019.