ITZY’s Yuna Sweetens the K-Pop Scene with Solo Debut: A Look at the Rising Trend of Group Member Solo Activities
ITZY’s Yuna officially embarked on her solo journey today, March 23, 2026, with the release of her debut mini-album, Ice Cream. This marks a significant moment not just for Yuna, but also for the broader K-Pop landscape, where solo endeavors by group members are becoming increasingly common and strategically important.
The Growing Appeal of Solo Debuts in K-Pop
Yuna’s debut follows ITZY member Yeji’s successful solo release, and highlights a growing trend within the industry. Groups like ITZY, known for their cohesive teamwork, are now leveraging the individual talents and established fanbases of their members through solo projects. This strategy allows agencies to maintain momentum and cater to diverse fan preferences.
Yuna expressed both excitement and pressure surrounding her solo debut, stating she wants to showcase her individual color and energy. She emphasized the support from her ITZY sisters, who provided encouragement and positive feedback on her title track, “Ice Cream.”
“Ice Cream”: A Burst of Bubblegum Pop
The title track, “Ice Cream,” is described as a bubblegum pop song, aiming to capture a feeling of sweet, fleeting joy. Yuna likened the song to the happiness of eating a “gu슬 아이스크림” (spherical ice cream) at an amusement park. The music video was directed by Yoon Seung-rim of Legend Film, known for visually striking productions.
The album also includes tracks like “B-Boy,” “Blue Maze,” and “Hyper Dream,” offering a variety of sounds and showcasing Yuna’s versatility as an artist.
The Influence of Senior Artists and Agency Support
Yuna acknowledged the support of both her ITZY members and JYP Entertainment’s founder, Park Jin-young, during the album preparation process. Park Jin-young reportedly encouraged her to prioritize her health and well-being throughout the project. This highlights the crucial role agencies play in facilitating and supporting these solo ventures.
Navigating the “Visual Line” and Maintaining Authenticity
Yuna addressed her inclusion in the popular “장카설유” (Jang Ka Seol Yu) quartet – a grouping of highly-regarded visuals in K-Pop. She expressed gratitude for the recognition and shared a glimpse into her dedication to self-care, even admitting to resisting a late-night craving for potato chips to maintain her appearance.
This anecdote reveals the pressures faced by idols to maintain a certain image, while also showcasing Yuna’s relatable personality.
Riding the Wave of “THAT’S A NO NO”
The timing of Yuna’s solo debut coincides with the unexpected resurgence in popularity of ITZY’s 2020 track, “THAT’S A NO NO,” which gained traction through a recent world tour. Yuna expressed confidence that she can capitalize on this momentum and extend the group’s success with her solo operate.
FAQ
Q: What genre is Yuna’s debut song, “Ice Cream”?
A: “Ice Cream” is a bubblegum pop song.
Q: Who directed Yuna’s “Ice Cream” music video?
A: Yoon Seung-rim of Legend Film directed the music video.
Q: What other songs are included on the Ice Cream album?
A: The album includes “B-Boy,” “Blue Maze,” and “Hyper Dream.”
Q: What did Yuna compare her song “Ice Cream” to?
A: She compared it to the feeling of eating spherical ice cream at an amusement park.
Did you know? Yuna’s solo debut is the second from ITZY, following Yeji’s successful solo release.
Pro Tip: Retain an eye on K-Pop agencies as they continue to explore solo projects for group members – it’s a strategy that’s likely to become even more prevalent in the future.
Explore more about ITZY and their music here.
