ITZY’s Yuna Makes Solo Debut With First EP, ‘Ice Cream’

ITZY’s youngest member, Yuna, is stepping out on her own seven years after debuting with the group, unveiling her first solo EP, “Ice Cream.”

A release news conference was held Monday afternoon at the Pullman Ambassador Seoul East Pole in Seoul’s Gwangjin district.

Yuna debuted with ITZY in 2019 and becomes the group’s second member to launch a solo project, following Yeji.

“It’s my first solo album in seven years, so I feel a lot of pressure, and I really want to do well,” Yuna said. She added that Yeji’s solo work “influenced me in a good way” and helped her prepare.  
Yuna said she wrestled with doubts during production, asking herself whether she could carry a project alone, but said the process ultimately gave her confidence.

“While preparing the album, I discovered sides of myself I didn’t know and gained courage,” she said, crediting support from staff, her bandmates and the group’s fan community, known as MIDZY. “It wasn’t easy to fill a song in diverse ways with only my voice. I studied a lot at home and in the studio, and I think that process gave me another chance to grow.”

She said the solo project also pushed her to be more assertive than she typically is in group work. “In group activities, the five of us have to bring our opinions together and compromise, so I tended to follow,” she said. “For this album, I shared my opinions first and acted more proactively.”  
The title track, “Ice Cream,” is a bubblegum pop song with a bouncy, addictive hook. It carries a message about savoring the moment “as sweetly as ice cream melting,” she said.

“I was hooked the first time I heard ‘Ice Cream,’” Yuna said. “As soon as I heard it, I could picture the stage, the performance and the visuals, and I thought I wanted to show my charm with this song.” She said she hoped the choreography would be something “anyone would want to follow,” and that she prepared a performance that suits her.

The EP also includes “B-Boy,” described as having a freer mood; “Blue Maze,” which depicts a soft, dreamy moment of love; and “Hyper Dream,” built on layered sound.

“I think my strength is bright, natural energy,” Yuna said, calling the release a good fit for spring and recommending it for commutes.

She said ITZY members encouraged her after hearing the songs, and that Yeji visited the music video set. “When I saw her, I teared up,” Yuna said, adding that a snack truck sent by the members — with bungeoppang and fish cake — was “really delicious” and moving.

Yuna also recalled encouragement from Park Jin-young, whom she referred to as PD. “He told me, ‘Yuna, I’m really looking forward to it. Don’t get hurt, and finish it well in good health,’” she said, adding that his support meant more because he has watched her grow since she was young.
Yuna said she hopes the promotions help establish her beyond her role as the group’s youngest member.

“I want to be recognized as Yuna, and I want to receive a lot of love,” she said. “I’ll do my best so that when you see the stage, you’ll say Yuna has grown up well.”

“Ice Cream” will be released at 6 p.m. Monday on major music streaming platforms.