ITZY, the sensational K-pop girl group from JYP Entertainment, has been winning hearts worldwide since their debut in 2019. Known for their bold and empowering concepts, catchy music, and electrifying performances, ITZY has become a household name in the K-pop industry. While many fans already know their hit songs like Dalla Dalla and Wannabe, there are still some lesser-known facts about this talented group. Here are 10 interesting facts you probably didn’t know about ITZY!
1. ITZY’s Name Has a Special Meaning
The name “ITZY” comes from the Korean word 있지 (itji), which means “to have.” The idea behind the name is that the group has everything people want in a girl group. It’s also a clever play on words that ties into their confident image—ITZY has it all!
2. They Achieved a “Rookie Grand Slam”
ITZY made history by achieving a “Rookie Grand Slam,” an incredible feat where they won all major Rookie of the Year awards in South Korea. This includes accolades from prestigious events like the Golden Disc Awards, Melon Music Awards, and Mnet Asian Music Awards. No other girl group had accomplished this before!
3. Their Debut Broke Records
When ITZY debuted with Dalla Dalla on February 12, 2019, they shattered records right away. The music video garnered over 17 million views within 24 hours, making it the most-viewed debut MV by a K-pop group at the time. The song also became an anthem of self-love and empowerment.
4. Lia Lived Abroad Before Joining ITZY
Lia, the group’s main vocalist, spent part of her childhood in Canada. Her real name is Choi Jisu, but her stage name comes from her English name, Julia. Thanks to her international background, Lia speaks fluent English, which helps ITZY connect with global fans.
5. Pre-Debut Fame
Before debuting as ITZY members, some of the girls were already familiar faces in the entertainment world:
- Ryujin appeared in BTS’s Love Yourself: Highlight Reel.
- Chaeryeong was a contestant on JYP’s survival show SIXTEEN, the same show that formed TWICE.
- Yeji appeared on The Fan, where she impressed judges with her talent.
6. They Have Unique Lightsticks
Unlike traditional lightsticks used by K-pop fandoms, ITZY’s lightstick is round and resembles a compact mirror. This design reflects their stylish and modern image while standing out from other groups.
7. They’re Multitalented Beyond Music
Each member of ITZY has hidden talents that go beyond singing and dancing:
- Yeji is known for her athleticism and once showcased her basketball skills on TV.
- Ryujin enjoys editing videos and has shared some of her creative work with fans.
- Chaeryeong is skilled at choreography and often helps refine dance moves.
- Yuna excels at playing musical instruments like guitar.
- Lia, aside from her vocal prowess, has a knack for drawing.
8. Their Fandom Name Has a Sweet Meaning
ITZY’s fandom is called MIDZY (믿지), which translates to “trust” in Korean. It signifies the mutual trust and bond between ITZY and their fans. In 2021, they even released a special song titled Trust Me (MIDZY) as a heartfelt gift to their supporters.
9. They Sang for Disney’s Frozen 2
In 2019, ITZY recorded the Korean version of Into the Unknown, one of the main songs from Disney’s Frozen 2. Their rendition showcased their vocal abilities and introduced them to younger audiences who adore Disney movies.
10. They’ve Collaborated With Line Friends
ITZY partnered with Line Friends to create their own character series called WDZY (pronounced “With-ZY”). Each member has a unique character that represents their personality:
- Yeji: A cat in a sweet potato suit
- Lia: A cheerful sloth
- Ryujin: A tsundere monkey
- Chaeryeong: A wise fox
- Yuna: A rabbit dressed as a cat
These adorable characters have become fan favorites and are featured on merchandise.
