South Korean girl group ITZY released their 12th EP, titled "Motto," on May 18, 2026 [1], [2].
The release marks the group's first musical comeback in six months [5]. It arrives as a strategic addition to their ongoing "Tunnel Vision" world tour, allowing the group to integrate new material into their live performances while maintaining global momentum [2], [4].
To celebrate the launch, the group hosted a live countdown broadcast on YouTube at 6 p.m. KST [1], [3]. The event served as a global premiere for the project, connecting the members with their international fanbase in real time.
The "Motto" EP contains eight tracks in total [3]. A significant portion of the project focuses on individual artistry, featuring five solo tracks [2]. This structure suggests a shift toward highlighting the distinct vocal and performance capabilities of each member alongside their collective group identity.
The rollout of the EP follows a series of promotional teasers, including a trailer and a detailed track list released earlier this month [6]. The timing of the release coincides with a competitive period for K-pop comebacks, placing the group in direct competition with other major acts vying for chart dominance [4].
JYP Entertainment coordinated the release to align with the group's travel schedule for the world tour [2]. By synchronizing the digital drop with their tour dates, the agency said it aims to maximize streaming numbers and ticket demand for the remaining legs of the journey [2], [5].
“The release marks the group's first musical comeback in six months.”
The inclusion of five solo tracks on an eight-song EP indicates a strategic pivot by JYP Entertainment to build the individual brands of ITZY members. By diversifying the project's content during a world tour, the group can appeal to a wider array of listener preferences and establish longevity beyond the standard group dynamic.
