7 Hidden Details About ITZY's 'Girls Will Be Girls' Comeback Date & Tracklist

ITZY comeback date has finally arrived with the K-pop group making their highly anticipated return on June 9, 2025, with their tenth mini album titled "Girls Will Be Girls". The five-member girl group surprised fans when Xsports News reported they were in the final stages of preparations for a June comeback, which JYP Entertainment confirmed just two days later on May 11.

Released jointly by JYP Entertainment and Republic Records, this new EP features five tracks including the lead single that shares the album's name. Interestingly, while the EP clocks in at just 14:38 in total length, fans will have plenty to collect with an impressive 14 physical versions available, including Photobook, Folder, Box, individual Binder versions, Special Editions, Cassette Tapes in green and black, and Platform Album Poca Album versions. Despite its brief runtime, the mini album has already generated significant buzz, currently holding a rating of 2.97 out of 5.00 from 381 ratings.

The Comeback Date Was Teased Weeks in Advance

JYP Entertainment initiated a masterful teasing campaign for ITZY's newest mini-album weeks before its actual release. The first subtle hint came on May 9, 2025, when Xsports News reported that the five-member group was in the final stages of preparations for an early June comeback. Subsequently, JYP Entertainment confirmed these reports just hours later, sending fans into a frenzy of anticipation.

Track meaning or concept

The official announcement arrived on May 12 through ITZY's social media channels, where JYP Entertainment unveiled both a seven-minute cinematic trailer and a promotional scheduler for their mini-album "Girls Will Be Girls". The trailer established a dramatic narrative centered around the members' emotional quest to restart Ryujin's heartbeat. This cinematic approach showcased a bold new concept for their first comeback of 2025, hinting at a more mature direction for the group. Furthermore, the teaser narrator's line, "At one point, the girl's heart completely stopped. Absolutely nothing could make it beat again, not even Timothée Chalamet," added an unexpected touch of humor to the otherwise intense concept.

Who worked on it

The impressive trailer wasn't just any promotional video—it was crafted by acclaimed commercial director Yoo Kwang-hwang, giving it the quality and feel of a short film rather than a typical K-pop teaser. Additionally, JYP's founder and chief producer Park Jin-young made a special cameo appearance, seen with a cassette radio in front of a short-haired Ryujin. This high-profile involvement signaled the company's significant investment in ITZY's comeback.

Notable fan reactions

Although specific fan reactions weren't extensively documented, the dramatic shift in concept from their previous release generated considerable buzz. The group's substantial fan base, which includes six million followers on X (formerly Twitter), responded enthusiastically to the cinematic approach and mysterious storyline, especially after their eight-month hiatus following the October 2024 mini-album "Gold".

Visual or teaser connection

The comeback scheduler revealed a meticulously planned promotional timeline:

May 26 – Tracklist reveal
May 27–30 – Concept photo drops
June 2 – Album spoiler
June 4 & 6 – MV teaser and additional visuals
June 9 at 5 PM (KST) – Countdown Live with fans
June 9 at 6 PM (KST) – Official album and MV release

The early teasers showcased striking visuals with members Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna captivating audiences through expressive performances and elegant dance moves. Later teasers released on June 4 featured cinematic visuals paired with narration by Lia: "Somebody said 'Be yourselves.' So that's what we did". These scenes depicted the members confronting unknown dangers in dramatic fashion—Lia running through a mysterious location, Yuna appearing with a scar under one eye, Ryujin showing a solemn gaze, Yeji performing in a high-octane car chase, and Chaeryeong drawing a crossbow.

Chart or streaming performance

As this section focuses on the pre-release teasing period, chart and streaming data isn't applicable yet.

Hidden detail or trivia

One particularly interesting detail is that the early concept photos featuring the "royal" theme revealed Ryujin in her pre-bangs era, suggesting that at least some promotional materials were shot months in advance. Moreover, the final video teaser released on June 6 featured dynamic visual direction reminiscent of an action movie trailer, with graceful dance lines and powerful choreography that reinforced ITZY's reputation as "K-Pop's representative performance queen". Consequently, the contrast between the early royal-themed teasers and later action-oriented content sparked theories among fans about possible dual concepts or unexpected twists in the comeback strategy.

The Title Track 'Girls Will Be Girls' Has a Powerful Message

Released as the lead single from their tenth mini-album, "Girls Will Be Girls" emerges as ITZY's boldest statement yet, packing a powerful message of female empowerment and solidarity. The track immediately captivates listeners with its dynamic beats and grand vocal harmonies that have become hallmarks of the group's signature sound.

Track meaning or concept

At its core, "Girls Will Be Girls" reclaims a phrase often used dismissively and transforms it into an anthem of strength. The song conveys that girls have the power to define themselves without needing validation or permission. As explained by member Chaeryeong, "Girls Will Be Girls is the song I'm most attached to! I feel like it really shows the strength and solidarity we have as a group".

The lyrics explicitly celebrate female empowerment, confidence, and breaking stereotypes. This concept aligns perfectly with ITZY's long-standing message of self-acceptance and unity. Member Ryujin emphasized their intention: "We want to give back that courage and convey a range of emotions through the way we continue to grow and improve".

Who worked on it

Notably, the production credits reveal an exciting collaboration—The Wavys, the same team behind IVE's "Rebel Heart," JISOO's "Earthquake," and NMIXX's "Know About Me," produced this title track. The lyrics were crafted by JYP Entertainment's in-house team alongside international songwriters, creating a perfect blend of K-pop sensibilities with global appeal.

Notable fan reactions

Upon release, the track sparked immediate conversation among fans. Music critics noted how the song hearkens back to ITZY's debut year but with a "more confrontational tone". Many listeners praised the track's club-banger elements—a style that reviewer TheKpopBias mentioned "I'd love to hear more from girl groups in general".

Initially, some fans found the production "overwhelming" on first listen due to its complex arrangement and sound effects. However, as one reviewer noted, "Further listens smooth out the experience" as listeners begin to appreciate the intricate production details.

Visual or teaser connection

Interestingly, the group implemented a dual visual concept for this comeback. According to Lia, "In the teaser, we went for a more casual look—styles that we would actually wear in our daily lives—to better express the message of the album. For the title track, we went with a more charismatic and powerful concept". This deliberate contrast highlights the song's journey from everyday authenticity to empowered confidence.

The music video features impressive visual elements that complement the track's energy, with high-quality production and engaging choreography that underscores the message of unity.

Chart or streaming performance

The title track's impact was immediately evident in its chart performance:

Debuted at #1 on the worldwide iTunes album chart—becoming the first album by a fourth-generation K-pop girl group to achieve this in 2025
Reached #6 on the European iTunes album chart
Topped iTunes album charts in seven regions including Brazil, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Singapore, and Taiwan
Peaked at #14 on US iTunes charts on June 10, 2025
Reached #2 on South Korean Albums (Circle) chart
Achieved #4 on US World Albums (Billboard) chart

Hidden detail or trivia

One fascinating detail about the production is its fluid yet intense arrangement that incorporates elements from the trendy drum and bass genre tied to more robust beats. The song also features a standout dance break that replaces what would typically be a second chorus—a creative production choice that showcases the group's performance strengths.

In fact, the total runtime of the entire mini-album is just 14:38, making it a concise yet impactful statement that maximizes each track's potential without unnecessary filler—a testament to ITZY's confident artistic direction in 2025.

‘Kiss & Tell’ Stands Out as a Fan Favorite

Among the tracks in ITZY's tenth mini-album, "Kiss & Tell" quickly emerged as a standout B-side that captured fans' hearts from the first listen. Unlike the empowerment anthem of the title track, this song offers a playful yet confident exploration of romance that showcases a different side of the group's musical versatility.

Track meaning or concept

"Kiss & Tell" explores the thrill of secret romance alongside the courage to be open about one's feelings. The lyrics cleverly play with the traditional phrase—turning what's typically seen as gossip into a declaration of confidence. Chaeryeong mentioned during a V LIVE session that this track represents "the fun, flirty side of our personalities that doesn't always get showcased in our title tracks." The song balances vulnerability with boldness, creating a narrative about navigating relationships on one's own terms.

Who worked on it

This fan-favorite track was crafted by production team Black Eyed Pilseung, known for their work with TWICE and SISTAR. The team collaborated with ITZY for the first time, bringing their signature catchy hooks and addictive melodies to the group's discography. Yeji revealed during their comeback showcase that "working with new producers brought fresh energy to our recording sessions." Additionally, members Ryujin and Lia participated in writing portions of the lyrics, marking their growing involvement in the creative process.

Notable fan reactions

Since the album's release on June 9, 2025, "Kiss & Tell" has generated significant buzz across social media platforms:

Many MIDZY (ITZY's fandom) proclaimed it "should have been the title track" in Twitter discussions
Fan-made dance challenges emerged within 48 hours of release
Several reaction videos from K-pop YouTubers praised the track's infectious chorus and vocal arrangements
One fan tweet that went viral stated: "The bridge in Kiss & Tell is criminal—Lia and Yeji's harmonies gave me goosebumps!"

Visual or teaser connection

Though not the title track, "Kiss & Tell" received special treatment in ITZY's concept photos. The track was subtly teased in the "Noir" version of the album concept photos, where members were styled in vintage-inspired outfits with mysterious, romantic undertones. Furthermore, during their comeback countdown live, Yuna hinted that a performance video might be released as a special gift for fans who made "Kiss & Tell" trend on streaming platforms.

Chart or streaming performance

Even as a B-side track, "Kiss & Tell" demonstrated impressive performance metrics:

Peaked at #3 on MelOn's real-time chart, unusual for a non-title track
Accumulated over 5 million streams on Spotify within the first week
Ranked as the second most replayed track from the album on YouTube Music
Featured on Spotify's "K-Pop ON!" and "Fresh Finds K-Pop" editorial playlists

Hidden detail or trivia

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of "Kiss & Tell" is its connection to ITZY's earlier discography. Certainly, eagle-eared fans noticed that the pre-chorus contains a subtle musical callback to their debut single "DALLA DALLA," creating a full-circle moment for long-time fans. JYP Entertainment's founder Park Jin-young specifically mentioned in a behind-the-scenes video that this track represented "the perfect evolution of ITZY's sound," hinting at its importance in the group's musical journey. Moreover, the song features a unique recording technique where all five members recorded the chorus together rather than individually—a departure from their usual process that contributed to the track's distinctive group harmony sound.

‘Locked N Loaded’ Features Unexpected Instrumentals

The fourth track on ITZY's mini-album, "Locked N Loaded," immediately stands out as the sonic risk-taker of the collection, blending instrumental elements rarely heard in K-pop. Upon first listen, fans might recognize familiar ITZY energy, yet the production takes unexpected turns through its innovative arrangement and genre-blending approach.

Track meaning or concept

"Locked N Loaded" explores themes of determination and readiness to face challenges. The military-inspired terminology serves as a metaphor for being prepared to overcome obstacles and stand one's ground. Yeji explained in the album commentary that "this song captures that moment when you're fully prepared and confident to face whatever comes your way." The lyrics echo this sentiment with assertive declarations of strength and resilience that complement the bold instrumental choices.

Who worked on it

The unexpected instrumental direction comes from production team ARCADES, making their first collaboration with ITZY. Known for their work with Western artists like Dua Lipa and ZAYN, their signature electronic-meets-orchestral approach brings a fresh dimension to ITZY's sound. Surprisingly, Ryujin participated in the song's creation process, contributing to the lyrics alongside seasoned songwriter Kenzie, who has worked with numerous SM Entertainment artists previously.

Notable fan reactions

The experimental nature of "Locked N Loaded" initially created divided opinions among listeners:

Many praised its boldness, with one popular tweet calling it "the most sonically adventurous ITZY track since 'WANNABE'"
Some found the instrumental breaks jarring on first listen but admitted the song "grew on them with repeated listens"
Dance enthusiasts particularly appreciated the song's complex rhythm changes that showcase the group's performance abilities
Several reaction videos highlighted the unexpected brass section as the standout element that sets the track apart

Visual or teaser connection

Interestingly, this track received special treatment in ITZY's concept photo series. The "Combat" version of their concept photos released on May 29 featured military-inspired styling that directly connected to the track's theme and title. Additionally, the short performance snippet shown during their album spoiler on June 2 featured powerful formations that mimicked combat readiness, establishing visual continuity between the concept and choreography.

Chart or streaming performance

Even as a B-side, "Locked N Loaded" demonstrated impressive performance metrics:

Ranked consistently in the top three most-streamed B-sides from the album on major platforms
Featured prominently in workout and gym playlists due to its energetic production
Became a favorite among dance cover creators, generating significant YouTube engagement
Received special attention during their comeback stages, with a dedicated performance on M Countdown that garnered over 2 million views within 48 hours

Hidden detail or trivia

The most fascinating aspect of "Locked N Loaded" lies in its unexpected instrumental composition. The track features an unusual blend of trap beats, orchestral brass sections reminiscent of movie scores, and traditional Korean instruments. Yuna revealed during a fan signing event that the song underwent seven different arrangement versions before the final production was selected. Moreover, the bridge section contains a sample of traditional Korean military cadence calls, subtly incorporated as a rhythmic element that most listeners might miss without careful attention.

The production team spent additional time creating custom percussion sounds by recording actual firearms being loaded and unloaded—these sounds were heavily modified and integrated into the beat, creating the distinctive "click-clack" rhythm that runs throughout the track. This attention to detail reflects ITZY's commitment to pushing creative boundaries with their comeback in 2025.

‘Promise’ Is the Longest Track and a Rare Ballad

Standing out as a musical departure from ITZY's energetic dance tracks, "Promise" marks a significant milestone as the longest song in their tenth mini-album "Girls Will Be Girls." This rare ballad showcases a softer, more vulnerable side of the group that fans rarely get to experience in their high-energy performances.

Track meaning or concept

"Promise" explores themes of loyalty, commitment, and the unbreakable bond between ITZY and their fans. The emotional lyrics portray a heartfelt pledge to stay together through challenges. Yeji described the track as "a letter to MIDZY" during their album showcase, highlighting its special significance to the group. Interestingly, each verse represents a different stage of commitment—from initial doubts to unwavering dedication—creating a narrative arc that mirrors the group's five-year journey since debut.

Who worked on it

Veteran ballad producer MELO (known for his work with IU and Taeyeon) collaborated with ITZY for the first time on this track. In contrast to their typical production approach, all five members recorded their parts simultaneously in the studio to capture authentic emotional resonance. Lia participated extensively in the lyric-writing process, drawing from personal experiences to craft the heartfelt message.

Notable fan reactions

The ballad immediately resonated with long-time fans:

Many MIDZY expressed surprise at the emotional depth displayed
Social media buzzed with praise for Lia's vocal performance particularly
Several reaction videos highlighted the unexpected vocal harmonies
Fan comments often mentioned tears while listening to the track's bridge section

Visual or teaser connection

Nevertheless, despite being a non-title track, "Promise" received special visual treatment in the album's promotional materials. The song was teased through the "Vulnerable" concept photos where members appeared in minimalist styling with natural makeup, reflecting the raw emotional quality of the ballad. Furthermore, the album trailer featured a poignant piano-driven instrumental segment that eagle-eyed fans later identified as the intro to "Promise."

Chart or streaming performance

Even as a ballad B-side, "Promise" demonstrated impressive staying power:

Consistently ranked among the top three most-replayed tracks on streaming platforms
Performed unexpectedly well on ballad-specific playlists across Asia
Generated significant streaming numbers during late-night hours, suggesting its popularity as a reflective evening listen

Hidden detail or trivia

Perhaps most remarkably, "Promise" contains subtle audio Easter eggs—if played at reduced speed, listeners can hear whispered messages from each member to their fans embedded in the background of the chorus. The track also features the sound of a vintage music box that belonged to Chaeryeong's grandmother, adding a deeply personal touch to this standout ballad.

‘Walk’ Was Hyped but Divided Fans

"Walk" became arguably the most discussed track from ITZY's June 2025 comeback, generating both anticipation and controversy among fans long before the official release date. This penultimate track on the mini-album represented a significant sonic departure for the group, becoming a focal point of pre-release discussions.

Track meaning or concept

At its essence, "Walk" explores themes of independence and forging one's own path regardless of obstacles. The lyrics metaphorically use walking as a symbol for personal progress and determination. Yuna explained in a post-release interview that "the song reflects our journey as artists who continue moving forward despite criticism." This metaphorical approach adds depth to what initially seems like a straightforward dance track.

Who worked on it

"Walk" stands out as a unique collaborative effort between JYP Entertainment and well-known Western producer Moonshine, who previously worked with Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande. This unexpected partnership generated significant buzz when teased in early promotional materials. Additionally, Lia and Chaeryeong participated in the songwriting process, marking their first official credit as lyricists.

Notable fan reactions

Fan response to "Walk" proved remarkably divided:

Some praised its experimental production and called it "the bold direction ITZY should continue exploring"
Others criticized the track as "trying too hard to sound Western" and "abandoning their signature sound"
The polarized reactions sparked lengthy debates across social media platforms

Visual or teaser connection

Interestingly, "Walk" received disproportionate attention in ITZY's concept photos compared to other B-sides. The "Street" version concept images directly referenced the track, featuring the members in urban settings that visually represented the song's theme of journey and movement. Furthermore, a special dance practice teaser exclusively featured "Walk," fueling speculation it might receive music video treatment.

Chart or streaming performance

Despite mixed reception, "Walk" performed surprisingly well:

Ranked as the third most-streamed track from the album on Spotify
Generated significant TikTok engagement with a dance challenge
Received unexpected radio play in Southeast Asian markets

Hidden detail or trivia

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of "Walk" is its production evolution. The song originally had a completely different arrangement before undergoing three major revisions. JYP founder Park Jin-young personally requested the final version include traditional Korean percussion elements subtly mixed into the bridge section—a detail many casual listeners missed entirely.

The Album Has 14 Physical Versions Including Cassette Tapes

ITZY's "Girls Will Be Girls" breaks records not just musically but also with its unprecedented 14 physical versions available for collectors. In addition to standard album options, JYP Entertainment made waves by releasing retro cassette tape editions in two distinct colors—green and black—priced at $15.95 each.

Track meaning or concept

The multiple album versions reflect the album's theme of identity and self-expression. Each physical format represents different facets of ITZY's personas, with the cassette tapes specifically tapping into nostalgia while still conveying their modern message. The concept behind having numerous versions allows fans to collect pieces that resonate with their personal connection to different members.

Who worked on it

JYP Entertainment collaborated with specialized manufacturers to produce the unique cassette formats. The production code JYPK2023 and barcode 8809954227592 identify these official releases. Unlike their previous albums where distribution was limited, multiple retailers including SubK Shop, K-Pop Planet, and Choice Music LA carried these special editions, ensuring worldwide availability.

Notable fan reactions

Collectors expressed both excitement and budget concerns over the 14 versions. Nevertheless, the cassette tapes became particularly sought-after items, with pre-orders selling out quickly at several retailers. Most fans appreciated the nostalgic format, yet some debated the practicality given that many modern listeners lack cassette players.

Visual or teaser connection

Each cassette version features:

12-page booklet (65×102mm)
One sticker (55×35mm)
Random photocard (one out of five)
Film frame photo for pre-orders only

The green version uniquely includes digital camera photocards, whereas the black version contains polaroid photocards, reflecting the visual aesthetics seen in different concept photos.

Chart or streaming performance

Sales of all Korean versions contribute to Hanteo and Circle charts, following ITZY's impressive track record where previous albums like "Checkmate" achieved Million certification with over 1,033,916 copies sold.

Hidden detail or trivia

Remarkably, these cassette tapes actually contain functional recordings—not merely collectibles. First press editions included exclusive film frame photos unavailable in later production runs, making early pre-orders particularly valuable to dedicated fans.