text: Lia of ITZY is officially back.
  On September 2023, the K-pop star went into hiatus, with her label JYP Entertainment stating that she would be taking a temporary break from ITZY to take care of mental health concerns. Furthermore, on November 2023, it was also announced that she would not be involved in the group’s comeback preparations back then as well as their world tour. Since then, the “BORN TO BE” hitmakers have operated as a quartet.
  On July 8, JYP Entertainment (JYPE) made an official statement in Korean on the FANS app, announcing the return of Lia to the girl group’s activities after nearly ten months. A few hours before this announcement, ITZY held a live broadcast to celebrate the fifth anniversary of their fanclub, with all members, including Lia, participating.
  In the statement from JYPE it was revealed that Lia’s symptoms of tension and anxiety have vastly improved thanks to necessary treatment and rest. Following this, after careful discussion with Lia, ITZY have unanimously decided to go back to their activities as a quintet, with Lia officially resuming her participation starting with a new album that is set to be released in the second half of 2024.
  However, the label emphasized the fact that with previously scheduled activities, such as shoots, only four members — Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna — will participate. This includes the Manila stop of their ‘BORN TO BE’ world tour, happening on August 3 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
  “We will continue to support [our] artists so that they can meet their fans in good health,” proclaimed JYPE in the statement, expressing their thanks to the group’s fans for their “warm encouragement and support for Lia’s recovery.”
  Read a translation of JYP Entertainment’s full statement on Lia’s return below:
  Hello, this is JYPE.
  We would like to inform you about ITZY member Lia’s health status and resumption of activities.
  Lia’s symptoms of tension and anxiety have improved significantly through treatment and rest. After careful discussion with Lia, ITZY have decided to return to their activities starting with their new album, which is scheduled to be released in the second half of the year.
  However, in the case of schedules and shoots agreed upon in advance before the release of a new album, please understand only four members (Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna) will be participating.
  We would like to thank the fans for their warm encouragement and support for Lia’s recovery. We will continue to support [our] artists so that they can meet their fans in good health.
  Listen to ITZY’s album BORN TO BE below: