ITZY Lia goes on temporary hiatus from group activities over ‘extreme levels of anxiety’

The Korean girl group ITZY’s member Lia recently took a break from group activities after suffering mental stress. The band’s label JYP Entertainment made the announcement on Monday. Following this, the K-pop idol also penned a note to her fans on their official Instagram handle. 

2 things you need to know

• ITZY is a five-member group comprising Yeji, Yuna, Ryunjin, Chaeryeong, and Lia. 
• The band was formed under JYP Entertainment in 2019. 

Lia takes time off from work 

JYP Entertainment released a statement on Monday and said that Lia has been facing severe stress and anxiety over the progress of the schedule. She underwent a medical evaluation and received consultation, the professionals advised her that she requires stability and treatment. They further stated that after thorough consideration with the members, Lia has decided not to participate in the schedule after today, but to take a break for the time being and focus on treatment.

Lia pens note for fans

Later, Lia also shared a handwritten note for her fans giving them her health update. The singer said she believes that MIDZYs (ITZY fanbase) will wait for her to recover. She added, ““It’s been six years since I began this journey together with the members I met through our shared dream! I was able to go through that time and come this far thanks to the members and MIDZY. It feels like we’ve passed by so many things one after another. Although they were such precious times, I came to realize that I’ve been gradually losing myself while running up to this point.” 

(Handwritten letter shared by ITZY Lia | Image: Instagram)

Lia stated that she felt like she needs to take some time off to love and fill herself first. The K-pop idol assured her speedy recovery and return to the group to the fans and extended her gratitude for waiting and worrying about her. 

JYP Entertainment formed ITZY in 2019, who made their debut with their single album It'z Different. The band has grown in stature over time, selling out shows across the globe. In recent news, the group announced their comeback in July with the release of the mini-album Kill My Doubt, which featured the lead track CAKE.