When it was revealed that Lia of ITZY would not continue with the group, fans were confused and alarmed but mostly concerned.
After all, what went so wrong that the charismatic group member seemingly called it quits? Well, there’s one specific reason behind it.
On September 18, 2023, JYP Entertainment revealed that Lia of ITZY was taking a break because she was struggling with tension and anxiety following her demanding schedule. This break was decided by the management after extensive medical consultation and keeping her mental and physical welfare in mind. Her return hasn’t been announced yet.
Why Is Lia From ITZY Taking A Break? What Is Her Health Issue?
JYP Entertainment revealed that Lia of ITZY has been grappling with tension and anxiety due to her demanding schedule. She hasn’t retired from the group.
In response, she sought medical advice and underwent a comprehensive examination. Doctors recommended stability and treatment for her well-being.
Consequently, Lia, along with the management and fellow group members, has made the collective decision to prioritize her health.
She will temporarily step away from her scheduled activities to concentrate on her treatment, following careful deliberation among all parties involved.
On September 18, 2023, the company shared the following announcement on ITZY’s official fan community:
“Lia underwent consultation and examination as she is experiencing extreme tension and anxiety about carrying out her scheduled activities and received medical advice that she needs rest and treatment.”
They further wrote:
“With the artist’s health as our top priority, after careful discussion with the members, we decided that Lia will not participate in scheduled activities starting from today and will take a break for the time being to focus on her treatment.”
That same day, Lia also posted a handwritten letter to her fans on the K-pop group ITZY’s Instagram account.
It said:
“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… I felt like I needed to take some time off to love and fill myself first. As I always say, I sincerely hope that MIDZY will be happy. I will work to return in good health in order to repay how much MIDZY wait and worry for me.”
So when will she return? That hasn’t been revealed at the time of writing, and it looks like it will be decided after sufficient discussion between her, the member of ITZY, and the management company.
But fans think a mid-2024 return is possible if she recovers well. Lia’s abrupt break has also ignited debates about the mental pressure put on K-pop performers by their teams.
Fans are now pushing the management teams to better care for their client’s mental wellbeing. It remains to be seen if that happens widely in the K-pop world.
Should Lia have gone on a break earlier? When do you think Lia will return? Is a mid-2024 return possible?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
