South Korean girl group ITZY will release a new single titled “Motto” on May 18, 2026 [1].

The announcement marks a significant return for the group and their label, JYP Entertainment, as they prepare to engage a global audience through a coordinated comeback strategy. This release is expected to revitalize the group's presence in the competitive K-pop market.

JYP Entertainment first announced the project on April 22, 2026, at 00:00 KST [2]. The agency shared a trailer and a detailed track list via the group's official social media accounts and the company's communication channels [2]. This initial reveal set the stage for a series of promotional activities leading up to the official launch.

The group is scheduled to drop the music video and song on May 18, 2026 [1]. The release is timed for 6 p.m. KST, which corresponds to 5 a.m. ET [1]. The content will be available on ITZY’s official YouTube channel and various digital streaming platforms [2].

By utilizing a multi-platform rollout, JYP Entertainment aims to maximize the visibility of “Motto” across different time zones. The strategy includes the use of high-impact visual trailers to build anticipation among the group's international fanbase—a common practice for high-profile K-pop returns.

This comeback follows the group's established pattern of blending high-energy choreography with distinct conceptual themes. The promotion of “Motto” is intended to mark a new chapter for the group as they continue to expand their discography and performance repertoire [2].

“ITZY will release a new single titled “Motto” on May 18, 2026”

The scheduled release of “Motto” represents a strategic move by JYP Entertainment to maintain ITZY's momentum in the global music industry. By coordinating a specific release window and utilizing multi-platform teasers, the label is leveraging digital engagement to ensure the group remains competitive against newer entries in the fourth-generation K-pop wave.