ITZY. Credits: JYP Entertainment

On July 15, 2022 Korean pop girl group ITZY dropped their fifth mini album “Checkmate,” along with a world tour announcement which includes a variety of cities in the U.S. Their Korean tour will start on August 6 and 7, while their first World Tour will begin in the U.S at the end of October, starting with California. Many fans, including myself, are extremely excited for this tour and it paints a very good example of ITZY’s popularity. The group debuted with “DALLA DALLA” and they have been increasing in popularity ever since with fans in Korea and internationally. ITZY is now one of the most popular leading 4th generation girl groups and has certainly exceeded the high expectations that have been put in place for them— one of which is their well deserved spot on the top Billboard 10 for the mini album “Checkmate.”

We are also excited to share at Kawaii Gifts we will be selling ITZY “Checkmate” album in store and online with pre order benefits! The preorder benefits come with a photocard set (random 1 out of 2), special card (1 out of 5) and a poster (random 1 out of 5). These albums are also first print editions! The album consists of 5 different versions, one for each member. Over the past two years, our collection of K-pop artists in Kawaii Gifts has become more diverse by including newer, older, smaller, and larger groups. We are super excited to continue adding many amazing artists in our store. Please check out the ITZY comeback and support the group's world tour!

ITZY debuted February 12, 2019 with five members Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna. with their first title track “DALLA DALLA.” Fans love the energy these girls give, especially their significantly difficult and memorable dance breaks. Previously during the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, ITZY released “WANNABE.” This comeback was especially popular for them because at the beginning of the music video,  Ryujin does her iconic “shoulder dance.” This then became a dance trend all over social media that led their second song to blow up, all because of a dance! But of course the song is also super catchy, and also shows empowerment for them. Their previous comeback was their first studio album which consists of the title track “Crazy in Love” which reached the number 11 spot on the billboard charts. 

ITZY. Credits: JYP Entertainment

The lead single “Sneakers” for ITZY’s comeback is a chic and royal concept, and is clearly a hit song from them. The concept ‘Sneakers’ expresses how they are able to reach the top of the charts by just wearing sneakers, especially when performing. I do have to say, it’s a creative way to convey the group’s outstanding accomplishments! It is also a continuation of their self-love promotion, which started with their debut song “DALLA DALLA,” which means “different” in Korean. In the current music video “Checkmate,” it’s shown that sneakers gave the members confidence to break boundaries, become free, and stay true to themselves.