South Korean girl group ITZY will release a new album titled "Motto" and a corresponding music video on May 18 [1].

The release marks the group's latest return as part of their regular album cycle, maintaining their presence in the competitive global K-pop market.

JYP Entertainment said the comeback schedule on April 22, 2026, at 00:00 KST [1, 2]. The announcement included a trailer and a track list to build anticipation for the project. Member Chaeryeong was featured in promotional materials accompanying the announcement [2].

The album and music video are scheduled to debut on May 18, 2026, at 18:00 KST, which corresponds to 06:00 ET [1]. The group will distribute the project via digital platforms worldwide, a strategy designed to reach their international fanbase.

While the group is targeting a global audience through digital distribution, the primary promotional activities will be centered in South Korea [1]. This hybrid approach allows the group to maintain their domestic stronghold while expanding their reach through streaming services.

ITZY has consistently followed a structured release cycle to engage fans. The gap between the April announcement and the May release follows a standard industry pattern of teaser phases used to maximize chart performance upon debut [1].

“ITZY will release a new album titled "Motto"”

The release of 'Motto' demonstrates ITZY's continued adherence to the high-frequency release model typical of the K-pop industry. By coordinating a global digital launch with localized South Korean promotions, the group is leveraging a dual-market strategy to sustain growth and visibility across different time zones.