K-pop powerhouses ITZY are back, and this time, they’ve traded glitter for grit. With the release of their newest single and mini album “Girls Will Be Girls,” the five-member girl group proves that growing up doesn’t mean growing quiet.
On June 9 at 6PM KST, ITZY dropped the official music video for Girls Will Be Girls, a genre-bending pop anthem backed by a cinematic storyline, layered vocals, and an empowering message. But this isn’t your typical dancefloor bop — it’s a visual and emotional rollercoaster exploring themes of identity, friendship, and survival in a world that often tells girls to shrink.
🎬 A Mini-Movie, Not Just a Music Video
Before the MV even hit YouTube, fans were buzzing about the short film-style trailer released in May. Directed by Yu Kwang Goeng, the emotionally charged teaser featured Ryujin battling inner darkness, supported by her fellow members in a moody, dreamlike setting. Even JYP Entertainment founder Park Jin-young made a surprise cameo, adding to the film’s gravitas.
“This was cinema,” one Reddit user exclaimed. “I didn’t expect to cry watching a K-pop teaser!”
Letterboxd reviewers echoed the sentiment, describing it as “a surprisingly dreamy short film with coming-of-age themes” that captured the delicate strength of girlhood.
🎧 Pop, But With Teeth
Musically, Girls Will Be Girls blends melodic hooks with a punchy beat, showcasing ITZY’s signature confidence while introducing a softer, more introspective side. The album includes five tracks — Kiss & Tell, Locked N Loaded, Promise, and Walk — each one echoing the group’s message of resilience and evolution.
Allkpop’s early spoiler medley called the title track “catchy and emotionally rich,” hinting at a new sonic chapter for the group.
💄 Bruised But Unbroken
Perhaps most striking are the teaser photos leading up to the release — close-ups of the members’ faces, bruised and battered but defiant. Fans immediately picked up on the symbolism.
“It’s about fighting back — against doubt, against pressure, against silence,” tweeted one MIDZY. “Girls will be girls… but girls can also be warriors.”
🔥 Global Impact
With the video already racking up millions of views within hours, ITZY is poised for another chart-topping success. The group’s decision to take a cinematic, almost indie-film approach to their concept has drawn praise not just from fans but from critics and creatives alike.
This isn’t just a comeback — it’s a statement.
