[Review] Itzy (Teaser)

Didn't think a Thought Corner post for this would be appropriate so here we are. Itzy is the new girl group that will be the headliner for JYP and the rest of Kpop in early 2019. Their group name is...questionable at best. While it's nothing terrible, they certainly won't be winning any awards, and especially not for creativity. There will certainly be "itsy bitsy spider" jokes but things could always be worse. In Korean it makes more sense since it's like "got it" and the title of the prologue video proves that.

Kinda crazy that it's already been three years since Twice debuted. They've definitely accomplished a fuckton since 2015 and with Stray Kids taking flight last year, it's time for another girl group to add to the roster. Itzy will be to Twice what miss A were to Wonder Girls, though hopefully with better treatment (and success). The only thing I know about this group is Ryujin because she was hailed as the next group star - and was supposed to be a lethal combo with Somi before she left for greener pastures. Other members may have Produce roots?

As with any new group, one immediately makes visual comparisons and connections. Lia to Jenny, Yeji to Yeeun, etc. Ryujin makes the most impact off a first glance, she seemed the most confident and comfortable but the others weren't bad either. If the audio is any indication, Itzy should bring a more serious and girl crush-esque sound which is the logical choice given Twice's monopoly on the cutesy dance pop style. Rather than shake up the Twice formula, give a new formula to the new girl group instead. Consider me intrigued, but that usually means I'm set for disappointment. Perhaps Itzy will receive enough JYP magic so they can keep the early strong start of Kpop in 2019 going.