Born to Be
Digital cover
Studio album by
Itzy
ReleasedJanuary 8, 2024 (2024-01-08)
Studio
  • JYPE Studio (Seoul)
  • Galactika Studios (Seoul)
Genre
Length31:30
LanguageKorean
Label
Itzy chronology
Ringo
(2023)		 Born to Be
(2024)
Singles from Born To Be
  1. "Untouchable"
    Released: January 8, 2024

Born to Be is the second Korean-language and the third overall studio album by the South Korean girl group Itzy. The album was released on January 8, 2024, through JYP Entertainment, Republic Records, and Dreamus, six months following the release of Kill My Doubt (2023), and as their first Korean-language full-length release since Crazy in Love (2021). Released during Lia's hiatus, the album was promoted by the group as a quartet.

Aspiring to explore different genres and styles, Born to Be sees Itzy explore different genres and styles. Thematically, the album revolves around the concept of the members being female warriors who embody strength and leave a "lasting expression".

Marketed as the group's eighth mini-album release, Born to Be consists of ten tracks, led by the single "Untouchable". The album features the first solo tracks performed by the members of the quintet, with the music videos for each track being released sequentially in the run-up to the album's release. The album was also supported by pre-release music videos for album tracks "Born to Be" and "Mr. Vampire".

Background

Lia recorded the track "Blossom" for the album before going on hiatus.

On July 31, 2023, Itzy released their seventh extended play (EP) Kill My Doubt, which explored themes of overcoming adversity and self-doubt and carried elements of pop.[1] Following the album's release, Lia announced that she would take a hiatus to focus on her mental health from September 18, after having experienced "extreme levels of anxiety".[2][3] Amid Lia's hiatus, on November 17, JYP Entertainment announced that she opted to not participate in the production and promotion of the group's next release in January 2024, reiterating her recovery as a priority.[4] Nonetheless, Lia recorded "Blossom" in advance for the album and the song was confirmed to be included in the tracklist of the release.[5] "Blossom" was released the same day as the announcement and was accompanied by a lyric video.[6]

Music and lyrics

Composition

"Our new album is so powerful, powerful to the extent that you’ll be able to taste the smell of the flame burning hot."

— Yeji, in a press interview for Born to Be[7]

Born to Be has a runtime of 31 minutes and 30 seconds and contains a total of ten tracks. In a press release, JYP Entertainment envisioned the concept of the album as a "fusion of wild, bold and understated charm", with Itzy acting as charismatic female warriors who leave a "lasting impression" by "embodying both outer and inner strength".[8] The group explored different genres and styles for the album in an effort to "get out of our [their] comfort zones".[9] Described by Yuna as a "box full of gifts", the album is composed of "powerful performances" that express the confidence of the members.[10]

With the members credited for the lyrics and composition for their solo tracks, the album is the first release to see the members participate in songwriting and composition.[11] Moreover, it is the first Itzy release to feature solo tracks from the members.[12] In addition to its members, the girl group also worked with composers Maria Marcus, Tobias Näslund, and lyricists Bang Hye-hyun, and Lee Seu-ran for the album.[13]

Songs

The album opens with the title track "Born to Be", an EDM track that expresses the members' "bold ambition to go as desired in a free-born world".[14] In "Untouchable", the lead single of the release, the members sing about their resilience through a midtempo dance-pop EDM track characterized by "strong guitar sounds".[10] "Mr. Vampire" discusses the thrill of falling in love through vampire-inspired metaphors backed by "sweet, dreamy" melodies.[15]

The solo tracks begin with Yeji's "Crown on My Head", a rock and roll-influenced track that expresses confidence in its lyrics.[16] Lia follows with "Blossom", which she describes as being "filled with my sincerity that I want to express to fans".[6] Ryujin's "Run Away" follows as a modern rock song that depicts "one's willingness to act as a villain for someone who lacks courage".[17] "Mine", Chaeryeong's solo track, is characterized by a "groovy shuffle rhythm" and a "dreamy guitar sound".[18] The last solo track and the album's penultimate track, "Yet, But", Yuna's solo track, incorporates synth sounds and guitar riffs and carries the message of "shining like a diamond".[19]

Release and promotion

On December 4, 2023, the quintet's second studio album, Born to Be, was formally announced through a "fiery" teaser video, with the album's tracklist being unveiled simultaneously.[20][21] Despite the album being a full-length release, JYP Entertainment, with Republic Records and Dreamus, will release Born to Be as Itzy's eighth mini-album.[13][22]

Marketing

With Lia's hiatus, Itzy (pictured in December 2023), will promote the album as a quartet.

"Born to Be", the first track to be released from the album, was promoted through promotional photos released from December 11 through 15.[23] The images depict the members sporting cropped tops and leather while posing in a cave.[24] Ahead of the release of the music video for "Mr. Vampire", on December 29, promotional photos for the track were released.[25][26] A preview of the track's music video was also released.[27] Teasers for "Untouchable" were first released on January 4.[28]

Music videos

In total, the album was supported by seven music videos and one lyric video. The first of seven music videos was released on December 18,[29] with the music video for the title track "Born to Be", which depict the members in computer-generated volcanic settings performing choreography composed by choreographer Choi Young-jun.[30][31]

Prior to the album's release, solo tracks performed by the members of quintet were released, each accompanied by a music video.[32] Lia's solo track, "Blossom", the first of the solo tracks released, was instead released with an accompanying lyric video on November 18, as a gift for longing fans following the extension of her hiatus.[4] The second, Yeji's "Crown on My Head", followed on December 20.[33] Ryujin's "Run Away" then followed as the third solo track on December 22.[34] Chaeryeong's "Mine" was released as the fourth track on December 25.[35] The final solo track, that of Yuna, "Yet, But", was released on December 27.[36][37]

Pre-release single "Mr. Vampire" was also supported by a music video. Released on January 2, the choreography-based visual is set in an enclosed space where the members discuss their ideal types and express the thrill of falling in love.[38][15] The final music video, that of the lead single "Untouchable", was released in conjunction with the album on January 8.[39]

World tour

With the announcement of the album, JYP Entertainment announced that Itzy will embark on the Born to Be World Tour to support the album, beginning with two shows at the Jamsil Arena, from February 24 to 25, 2024.[40][41]

Track listing

Born to Be track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Born to Be"Noday
  • Arineh Karimi
  • Gusten Dahlqvist
Dahlqvist2:58
2."Untouchable"
  • Bang Hye-hyeon
  • Lee Seu-ran
  • Maria Marcus
  • Zarah Christenson
  • Toblas Näslund
Näslund3:14
3."Mr. Vampire"Seo Ji-yun
  • Kobee (Melange/InHouse)
  • Holy M (Melange/InHouse)
  • Ezit (InHouse)
  • Noémie Legrand
  • Sofia Quinn
  • Melange (InHouse)
  • Ezit (InHouse)
2:50
4."Dynamite"Noday
  • Kobee (Melange/InHouse)
  • Holy M (Melange/InHouse)
  • Voll (InHouse)
  • Noémie Legrand
  • Sofia Quinn
  • Melange (InHouse)
  • Ezit (InHouse)
2:49
5."Crown on My Head" (Yeji solo)
  • Yeji
  • Friday (Galactika)
  • Jvde (Galactika)
  • War of Stars (Galactika)
  • Yeji
  • Pablo (Galactika)
  • Woobin
Team Galactika3:12
6."Blossom" (Lia solo)
  • Lia
  • Sim Eun-ji
  • Lia
  • Sim
Sim3:14
7."Run Away" (Ryujin solo)
  • Ryujin
  • Friday (Galactika)
  • Jvde (Galactika)
  • War of Stars (Galactika)
  • Pablo (Galactika)
  • Ryujin
  • Woobin
Team Galactika3:36
8."Mine" (Chaeryeong solo)
  • Chaeryeong
  • Selah
  • Chaeryeong
  • Lee Woo-bin "collapsedone"
  • Justin Reinstein
  • Anna Timgren
Lee "collapsedone"2:48
9."Yet, But" (Yuna solo)
  • Yuna
  • Saint
  • Yuna
  • Lee "collapsedone"
  • Machi (MRCH)
Lee "collapsedone"3:25
10."Escalator"Lee Tor-eu
  • G'harah PK' Degeddingseze
  • Tricia Battani
  • Degeddingseze
  • Battani
3:20
Total length:31:30

Release history

Release dates and formats for Born To Be
Region Date Format Version Label Ref
Various January 8, 2024
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • Limited
 [42]
South Korea Nemo Nemo [43]

References

  1. ↑ Chin, Carmen (July 31, 2023). "ITZY on 'Kill My Doubt': "You always have doubts before you try something new, right?"". NME. Archived from the original on July 31, 2023. Retrieved July 31, 2023.
  2. ↑ Ziwei, Puah (September 18, 2023). "ITZY's Lia goes on hiatus over "extreme levels of anxiety"". NME. Archived from the original on September 20, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  3. ↑ Cho, Yong-jun (September 18, 2023). "ITZY's Lia to pause activities due to health concerns". koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. Archived from the original on November 25, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  4. 1 2 "ITZY's Lia to sit out of upcoming world tour and comeback in 2024 due to anxiety; unveils solo track for upset MIDZY". Hindustan Times. November 17, 2023. Archived from the original on November 25, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  5. ↑ Cho, Yong-jun (November 17, 2023). "ITZY's Lia will sit out world tour to focus on health". koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. Archived from the original on November 25, 2023. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  6. 1 2 Yeo, Gladys (November 17, 2023). "ITZY's Lia drops solo song, to continue hiatus through upcoming album and world tour". NME. Archived from the original on November 18, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2023.
  7. ↑ Cho, Yong-jun (January 8, 2024). "[SHOWCASE] ITZY proves it was 'Born To Be' artists with eighth EP". koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. Retrieved January 13, 2024.
  8. ↑ Pyo, Kyung-min (December 14, 2023). "ITZY to unleash charismatic vibes in 'BORN TO BE' album as quartet". koreatimes. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  9. ↑ Cho, Yong-jun (January 8, 2024). "ITZY proves it was 'Born To Be' artists with eighth EP". koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  10. 1 2 Yoo, Hong (January 8, 2024). "Itzy releases new album, to embark on 2nd world tour". The Korea Herald. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  11. ↑ Kang, Do-yoon. "있지, 1월 8일 '본 투 비' 컴백…2월 두 번째 월드투어 개최 [공식]" [ITZY, comeback with 'Born to Be' on January 8th... Second world tour held in February [Official]]. My Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  12. ↑ "ITZY's highly anticipated 'Born To Be' album drops in January, world tour in February". The Times of India. December 4, 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  13. 1 2 Ziwei, Puah (December 4, 2023). "ITZY announce second studio album 'Born to Be', tease world tour". NME. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  14. ↑ Choo, Seung-hyun (December 18, 2023). "있지, 신보 수록곡 '본 투 비' MV 선공개...압도적 메가 퍼포먼스" [ITZY, new album track 'Born to Be' MV pre-release... Overwhelming mega performance]. newsis (in Korean). Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  15. 1 2 Dash, Pratyusha (January 2, 2024). "ITZY mesmerizes fans with fangtastic display of musical talent in Mr. Vampire pre-release MV; Watch". PINKVILLA. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  16. ↑ Martin, Annie (December 19, 2023). "Look: Itzy's Yeji shares 'Crown On My Head' music video - UPI.com". UPI. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  17. ↑ Choi, Jae-hyuk (December 22, 2023). "ITZY(있지) 류진, 솔로곡 'Run Away' 뮤비 공개" [ITZY Ryujin releases music video for solo song 'Run Away']. CBC News (in Korean). Retrieved December 22, 2023.
  18. ↑ "ITZY 채령, 첫 솔로곡 'Mine' MV 공개..솔직한 매력" [ITZY Chaeryeong releases first solo song 'Mine' MV...honest charm]. Herald Pop (in Korean). December 25, 2023. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  19. ↑ Moon, Wan-sik (December 27, 2023). "찬란한 비주얼! ITZY 유나, 새 앨범 솔로곡 'Yet, but' MV 공개..'기대 UP'" [Brilliant visual! ITZY Yuna releases MV for her new album and her solo song 'Yet, but'... 'Expectations UP']. 스타뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  20. ↑ Myung, Hee-sook (December 4, 2023). "있지, 내년 1월 8일 컴백 확정...두 번째 월드투어 포문" [Itzy, comeback confirmed on January 8th next year... Second world tour kickoff]. www.xportsnews.com (in Korean). Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  21. ↑ Sun-ah, Shim (December 4, 2023). "ITZY to drop new album, kick off world tour". Yonhap News Agency. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  22. ↑ Lee, Jae-hoon (December 4, 2023). "있지(ITZY), 내년 1월 새 앨범...멤버별 솔로곡 수록" [ITZY, new album in January next year... Includes solo songs for each member]. Newsis. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  23. ↑ Cheon, Seol-hwa (December 4, 2023). "ITZY, 2024년 1월 8일 'BORN TO BE' 발매하고 2월 24일~25일 두 번째 월드투어 포문 ::" [ITZY releases 'BORN TO BE' on January 8, 2024 and begins second world tour on February 24-25]. Star Daily News (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  24. ↑ "ITZY releases concept clip for comeback album 'Born to Be'". GMA News Online. December 12, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  25. ↑ Choi, Jae-hyuk (December 29, 2023). "ITZY(있지), 감성 풍만한 새 앨범 수록곡 'Mr. Vampire'(미스터 뱀파이어) 티저 콘텐츠 공개" [ITZY, the emotionally rich song 'Mr. Vampire' (Mr. Vampire) teaser content released]. CBC News (in Korean). Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  26. ↑ Ko, Seung-ah (December 29, 2023). "있지, 시크 비주얼에 포근 분위기...신보 수록곡 콘셉트 포토" [You know, chic visuals and cozy atmosphere... New album track concept photo]. News1 (in Korean). Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  27. ↑ Martin, Annie (December 28, 2023). "Watch: Itzy shares 'Mr. Vampire' music video teaser - UPI.com". UPI. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  28. ↑ Martin, Annie (January 3, 2024). "Watch: Itzy shares 'Untouchable' music video teaser - UPI.com". UPI. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  29. ↑ Baek, A-young (December 18, 2023). "ITZY, 'BORN TO BE' MV 풀버전 공개...메가 퍼포먼스X파워풀한 에너지" [ITZY releases full version of 'BORN TO BE' MV... Mega performance]. iMBC 연예 (in Korean). Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  30. ↑ Ko, Seung-ah (December 18, 2023). "있지, 신보 수록곡 '본 투 비' 뮤비 선공개...폭발적 에너지" [ITZY, new album track 'Born to Be' Music video pre-release... explosive energy]. 뉴스1 (in Korean). Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  31. ↑ Yeo, Gladys (December 18, 2023). "ITZY are wild and free in new music video for 'Born to Be'". NME. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  32. ↑ Yoo, Hong (December 4, 2023). "Itzy to drop new album, go on second world tour". The Korea Herald. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  33. ↑ Kang, Kristine. "ITZY's Yeji drops solo 'Crown On My Head' music video". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
  34. ↑ "'1월 컴백' ITZY, 류진 솔로곡 '런 어웨이' MV 공개..섬세한 감정 표현" ['January Comeback' ITZY releases MV for Ryujin's solo song 'Run Away'...Delicate emotional expression]. Herald Pop (in Korean). December 22, 2023. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
  35. ↑ Dash, Pratyusha (December 26, 2023). "ITZY's Chaeryeong hypnotizes you with her charm in solo music video Mine; watch". PINKVILLA. Retrieved December 26, 2023.
  36. ↑ Gi, Cha (December 4, 2023). "ITZY, 내년 1월 8일 컴백...전 멤버 직접 작사-작곡 참여 솔로곡 수록" [ITZY, comeback on January 8th next year... Contains solo songs with all members directly participating in writing and composing lyrics]. www.sportsw.kr (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  37. ↑ Martin, Annie (December 26, 2023). "Look: Itzy's Yuna lives in space in 'Yet, But' music video - UPI.com". UPI. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  38. ↑ Ziwei, Puah (January 2, 2024). "ITZY are lovesick in music video for 'Mr. Vampire'". NME. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  39. ↑ Kim, Julia (December 4, 2023). "ITZY Announces Comeback with New Album 'BORN TO BE' on January 8, Set for Second World Tour". Business Times. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  40. ↑ Yoon, So-yeon (December 4, 2023). "ITZY to drop new album in January, begin world tour in February". koreajoongangdaily.joins.com. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  41. ↑ "ITZY to drop new album, kick off world tour – The Korea Times". Retrieved December 5, 2023.
  42. ↑
  43. ↑ "ITZY BORN TO BE PLATFORM ALBUM_NEMO VER". JYP SHOP. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
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