
ITZY's member Lia / Captured from ITZY's official Instagram
Lia, a member of K-pop girl band ITZY, temporarily suspended all activities due to mental health issues.
ITZY's agency JYP Entertainment announced that Lia is taking a hiatus from her scheduled activities due to extreme tension and anxiety. The agency added that Lia will be undergoing counseling and examination to prioritize her mental and emotional well-being.
The agency further disclosed that medical professionals have advised that Lia needs stability and treatment during this challenging time and both the agency and Lia decided that her health should be the foremost concern.
Expressing their regret over causing concern among fans, the agency assured that they would maintain updates on Lia's condition and potential return.
Lia herself took to ITZY's official Instagram account to address her fans directly.
"I believe I've been through a lot recently. While our time together has been filled with cherished memories and joy, I've gradually realized that I've been losing myself in the midst of it all," Lia wrote.
Acknowledging the unwavering support of her fans, Lia expressed a desire to reciprocate their love and happiness. "You've always been more than anyone to me, and I simply want to give back love and happiness to you all. To achieve that, I've come to the realization that I need to take a step back and prioritize self-love and healing," she wrote.
ITZY debuted in 2019 with the hit single "Dalla Dalla." Comprising five talented members ― Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, Yuna, and Lia ― the quintet swiftly gained fame, topping a local music show within just 10 days of their debut song's release.
The group continued their streak of success with chart-topping megahits, including "Icy" (2019) and "Not Shy" (2020). Lia, as the main vocalist, has played a crucial role in shaping ITZY's unique sound and delivering captivating performances, earning her a special place in the hearts of K-pop enthusiasts.