South Korean girl group ITZY will release their new album, "Motto," and its title-track music video on May 18, 2026 [2].

This comeback represents a strategic promotional phase for the group as they seek to expand their global reach through synchronized digital releases. The project marks a significant return for the group and its members, including Yuna, to the international music scene.

The group first announced the project on April 22, 2026, at midnight Korean Standard Time (KST) [1]. This initial announcement included a trailer and the official track list to build anticipation among their global fanbase, known as MIDZY.

The album and accompanying music video are scheduled to premiere globally via YouTube [2]. The official release time is set for 18:00 KST on May 18, 2026, which corresponds to 05:00 ET [2].

By utilizing a global streaming platform for the premiere, the group ensures that fans across different time zones can access the content simultaneously. The rollout follows a standard K-pop promotional cycle, where teaser content and scheduling are released weeks in advance of the primary audio and visual drop.

JYP Entertainment, the group's management, has utilized social media and video platforms to drive engagement for the "Motto" campaign. The group continues to use these digital channels to maintain a direct connection with their audience ahead of the May release date.

“ITZY will release their new album, "Motto," and its title-track music video on May 18, 2026.”

The coordinated global release of 'Motto' reflects the broader trend of K-pop agencies prioritizing simultaneous worldwide accessibility to maximize chart impact. By aligning the music video premiere on YouTube with the album drop, ITZY aims to capture immediate global momentum, which is critical for visibility on international music charts and digital streaming platforms.