Itzy’s latest comeback is pure gold. The K-pop group released their new album. Goldthis month, he’s gracing his fans with not just one, but two title tracks. The second music video for “Imaginary Friend” drops today (October 27) and the teaser clips are already causing uproar online. A complete change of direction from their debut title track “Gold,” which was a darker, more moody concept, it gives all five members the chance to explore another side of their musicality.

However, ask them to pick a favorite between the two; They will insist that they both feel special in their own way. “I think all the songs on this album shine,” says Itzy member Lia. Yeji agrees, citing a quote from “Gold” when I ask her to sum up the album’s message in one sentence.

“Gold in the air, gold everywhere,” he says. “The songs in the album could be heard in many places and played everywhere.”

Gold It also marks Itzy’s return to performing as a five-member group after Lia’s hiatus. “Since we reunited as five people, I think the album means that we shine brighter when we are all together,” says Yeji. “So we are really looking forward to this activity.”

Itzy’s fans, Midzy, have undoubtedly listened to every track on the album over and over again. However, they may be in for a few surprises when the group officially releases the music video for “Imaginary Friend” today. “This is the first time I’ve shot underwater,” Ryujin says when I ask for some spoilers. “I was a little worried about it, but I think we enjoyed the shoot more than we expected.” Chaeryeong says there were also some unexpected glitches behind the scenes. “Every time we had to shoot outdoors it would rain, which made for a situation that was both funny and sad,” he says.

Despite the difficulties caused by the weather conditions, Itzy, as always, achieved success for each other and their fans. “Meeting Midzy changed our world and made it shine,” says Yuna. “I hope Midzy can experience the same good feeling.”

Ahead of the release of the “Imaginary Friend” music video, Itzy members Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna share their memories of working on the album, their comeback beauty routines, and what makes them shine the brightest.

Between the two title tracks, “Gold” and “Imaginary Friend,” which do you like more and why?

– Yeji: It’s hard to choose between the two, but I think “Gold” suits Itzy well in terms of message. As for the “Imaginary Friend” at the very beginning of the choreography, I think this is a part that only five of us can work on. I’m sure you’ll be able to see both our unique style and our new direction in both songs!

: Hmm… both songs have something in common with me, so it’s hard to choose.

-Lia: Both resonate deeply with us! The meaning of “We all shine like gold” and the message that discovering each other is like finding the jewels that light up my world are the messages we always want to convey. The message of “Imaginary Friends”, where we support and embrace each other in the dark, seems to be a continuation of this idea.

-Ryujin: If I had to choose one it would be “Imaginary Friend”. I think everyone has experienced there being another side of them that can comfort or distress them, so I felt a connection to it.

: It’s hard to choose just one.

What were the most exciting and challenging parts of working on this album?

-Ryujin: Challenging new genres has been both fun and challenging. As with every album, we recorded all the songs with the idea of ​​​​showing a new look and sound, so I would appreciate it if you focused on these aspects while listening.

Were there things you wanted to try musically that you could express through? Gold?

: Since there are a wide variety of songs in the album, I wanted to create different sounds to match the different emotions of the songs. Trying to record this in the studio was both fun and challenging.

Midzys are always so excited to see your new visual concepts. Can you talk more about the visual inspiration for this album?

– Yeji: we expressed Gold Whether we wear bright colors or darker colors, through clothes that reflect light. We tried to capture a hip atmosphere suitable for the song.

-Lia: Since we have a double title song this time and the vibe of each song is completely different, I think we showed sporty, bright energy styles in the “Gold” scenes, while in “Imaginary Friend” we showed simpler, calmer and more composed tones.

Are you doing anything special in terms of your beauty or wellness routines as you prepare for your comeback?

: As I prepare to return, I often have muscle aches. I usually take care of my body at home to improve my condition; mostly gua sha or warm compresses.

-Lia: After waking up in the morning, I make sure to do a short stretch, take supplements that help blood circulation, and drink tea, which is good for reducing swelling. I also like to use gua sha to massage my face, scalp and neck.

– Yeji: I think it’s important to massage the scalp thoroughly to loosen it when shampooing.

-Ryujin: I love making face masks at home.

: I pay attention to tea and supplement pills that are good for reducing swelling!

What’s your favorite unexpected beauty tip you learned on set?

– Yeji: The most important thing is to drink plenty of water anytime, anywhere.

-Lia: Since there are times when my face makeup doesn’t match my body tone, I apply a toning cream when it’s a little light.

-Ryujin: I’ve heard that tying rubber bands around your ears helps reduce swelling.

: I wear a tight rubber band around my ears while I get my hair and makeup done! When I do this the swelling seems to go down quickly.

: After shooting on set, a lot of dust accumulates on my skin and lips, so I immediately remove my makeup.

What does your preparation routine look like when you’re not working, offstage?

– Yeji: While getting ready, I prefer to play songs that suit the mood of the day. I love cooling products in my daily beauty routine. Since I sweat a lot while dancing, I often use toner packs to cool my face.

-Lia: On days when I’m not working, my getting-ready routine includes washing my face with water and doing morning stretches to relieve any accumulated fatigue and swelling. I like to calm down and have a quiet environment when I’m getting ready, so I don’t listen to anything; I tend to stay in a calm state until it’s time to go out.

How has your relationship with beauty evolved over time?

: As I get older, I find and expand the styles that suit me better.

: I have been interested in beauty since my childhood. Beauty feels like another form of self-expression. As time goes by, I feel like I’m getting closer to the world of beauty, and I love it.

What is a hair or makeup concept that you haven’t done yet that you would like to try in the future?

yuna: I would like to try a makeup concept that uses dreamy colors all over the face.

What makes you feel most beautiful these days?

-Ryujin: Someone who knows how to express and appreciate herself is truly beautiful.

: I think the most beautiful thing is to have the power to love yourself and share this love with those around you.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Sarah Y. Wu is a Senior Contributor to Forbes. See his work at: sarahywu.com and follow him on Instagram @say.wu.

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