Yeji, the leader of K-pop girl group ITZY, is set to become the first member of the team to debut as a solo artist, with her first album, "AIR," slated for release on March 10.
JYP Entertainment, ITZY's agency, announced the news through the group's official social media channels on Monday, unveiling a teaser trailer for Yeji's new album and a promotional schedule leading up to its release.
According to the schedule, Yeji will begin promotions with an official trailer, followed by a tracklist reveal on Friday. Concept photos and short films will roll out on Feb. 24, 26 and 28. In March, additional teasers and promotional images will be unveiled ahead of a live countdown event at 5 p.m. on the day of the album's launch.
The 24-year-old singer demonstrated her potential as a solo artist with "Crown on My Head," a track from ITZY's 2024 album "BORN TO BE."
The song highlighted her commanding stage presence, showing what fans can expect from her upcoming project.
"Yeji has firmly established herself as a 'performance queen' — we encourage fans to witness the unique charm she will bring as a solo artist," JYP Entertainment said in a press release Monday.
ITZY, a five-member girl group, debuted in 2019 with the single "DALLA DALLA," instantly gaining a significant following for its powerful performance. The group has since delivered a string of hits, including "ICY," "WANNABE" and "Not Shy," solidifying its position as one of JYP's leading acts.
Last year, ITZY dropped its ninth mini-album, "GOLD," featuring the dual-title tracks "GOLD" and "Imaginary Friend." The contrasting aesthetics of the two lead singles showcased the group's versatility, proving its strength in a very competitive market.