In November 2023, JYP Entertainment announced that ITZY‘s Lia would be absent from the group’s comeback preparations and world tour due to health concerns. She had begun her hiatus in September.
Hello, this is JYP Entertainment.
We would like to inform you about Lia’s health status and future activities.
Currently, Lia is experiencing symptoms of tension and anxiety while undergoing her schedules.
As a result of the diagnosis made by a specialized doctor, she was diagnosed with anxiety disorder and will focus on treatment.
After sufficient discussion with Lia herself and the ITZY members, Lia will be absent from the production of ITZY’s new album and the group’s world tour schedules in January.
For the fans who are sad about this news, we will release the lyric video for Lia’s solo track “Blossom” today.
We ask for your warm support and love. We will continue to do our best for Lia’s recovery.
Thank you once again to the fans who always care about ITZY.
— JYP Entertainment
In February 2024, Lia made her first public appearance since hiatus during ITZY’s Born to Be tour concert in Seoul, only to support her members from the audience. Fans were in tears when they finally saw Lia after so long, as she appeared with a smile on her face.
so you’re telling me lia went to the itzy concert for day 2 .. our precious lia 🥹 pic.twitter.com/Kf1nfqwGr0
— ًea 🖤 (@thclwa) February 25, 2024
nobody loves itzy like how lia loves itzy .. her smiling while the girls are performing im crying. i cant wait to see lia back in stage please 😭🩵 pic.twitter.com/3cbfsTkInj
— ًea 🖤 (@thclwa) February 25, 2024
Yet, throughout Lia’s hiatus, MIDZY (ITZY fans) have been concerned about the idol’s erasure from the group. As ITZY has remained active, she hasn’t been included in promotions and has also been omitted from merchandise designs.
We understand and respect LIA’s decision of not participating in tour, but she is still a member of ITZY. There will be LIA fans attending BORN TO BE World Tour and wanting to buy official merch. Stop excluding LIA and her fans. ITZY is 5. @theJYPshop @jypnation pic.twitter.com/hLwBAwu7uD
— LIA FRANCE | WELCOME HOME LIA 🩷 (@LiaITZYFrance) February 20, 2024
Why is BORN TO BE track ‘Blossom’ is not included in T-shirt? Why is LIA’s TWINZY character Li-Li is not included in official merch? LIA is still a member of ITZY and deserves to be included in ITZY merch.
ITZY is 5. @theJYPshop @jypnation pic.twitter.com/eGku08eRe0
— LIA GLOBAL (SLOW) (@CJSGLOBAL) February 20, 2024
Finally, after several months, ITZY appeared as five together again.
Today, ITZY held a special fan anniversary live, and Lia joined her fellow members. It was surely a joyful moment for MIDZYs.
LIA IS BACK WITH SHORT HAIR AND FULL BANGS OH MY GOD pic.twitter.com/2sbS1PlbrW
— MIDZY DAY (@MIDCYS) July 8, 2024
LIA CRYING AND SAID SHE WAS GRATEFUL TO MIDZY AND ITZY WHO HAS BEEN WAITING FOR HER TOO😭😭 pic.twitter.com/iua0haqCJH
— 🌼byul🌼 (@onlyforRyujin) July 8, 2024
Yet, MIDYZs were unsure if this marked Lia’s permanent return or not, as JYP Entertainment had yet to make an official statement regarding her return.
but isn’t jype supposed to give us an official update or statement regarding lia’s return if she’s ending her hiatus? or idk can someone answer me 😭😭😭
— MIDZY DAY (@MIDCYS) July 8, 2024
Now, JYP Entertainment has finally released its statement via ITZY’s official social media and FANS app. The company officially announced Lia’s return, revealing she will resume her activities as a member of ITZY, including their upcoming comeback.
Hello, this is JYPE.
We would like to update you on the health status and resumption of activities for ITZY member Lia.
Lia’s condition has greatly improved through treatment and rest, addressing the stress and anxiety she has experienced.
Following careful discussion with Lia, We have decided that she will resume activities starting with ITZY’s new album scheduled for the second half of the year.
However, please understand that previously scheduled commitments and shoots before the release of the new album will proceed with the remaining four members (Yeji, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, Yuna).
We sincerely thank the fans for their warm encouragement and support for Lia’s recovery, and we will continue to support our artists so they can meet fans in good health.
Thank you.
— JYP Entertainment
MIDYZs are so happy knowing Lia is doing better. They are now looking forward to the comeback.
OT5 ITZY FOR THE NEXT COMEBACK LIA IS OFFICIALLY OUT OF HIATUS!!! pic.twitter.com/cCIi9MqIZX
— MIDZY DAY (@MIDCYS) July 8, 2024
Previously, ITZY promised to return as five members. Read more below.
ITZY Promises To Return As Five
Source: ITZY