Amid anticipation for ITZY's return to the K-pop scene, their concept film for their new song "CHECKMATE" is receiving divided reactions.
Here's why.
ITZY's 'CHECKMATE' Concept Film #1 Revealed: Why Is It Drawing Mixed Reactions?
As ITZY is making a comeback with their new album "CHECKMATE" in about 10 months, people are expressed split reviews.
On June 6, JYP Entertainment posted a video, titled "ITZY CONCEPT FILM #1," on its official YouTube channel and SNS. There, Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong and Yuna's elegant visual and individual charms were shown. The chess-inspired concept where the members digested black and white-themed outfits particularly attracted attention.
As soon as the video was uploaded, people conveyed their divided opinions on the newly-uploaded concept film.
ALSO READ: ITZY Announces July Comeback + Cities, Dates for 'CHECKMATE' World Tour
MIDZY (ITZY fans) praised the quintet and talked about how their new and unique concept suits them.
"They match the concept well."
"It's different because it feels very calm."
"All the members are so pretty."
"I've never seen this concept from ITZY."
Unlike the trendy and upbeat releases of the "WANNABE" singers, people emphasized that the feeling of "CHECKMATE" is more on the calmer side, arousing curiosity on what kind of music the group showcase this time.
However, some mentioned the past controversy of member Lia and raised their brows at her inclusion.
"I don't want to see Lia whose controversy over school violence has not been clearly concluded."
"Is Lia still in the group?"
ITZY Lia School Violence Issue Resurfaces Ahead of Comeback
People expressed their dissatisfaction over member Lia and compared her to LE SSERAFIM Kim Garam who was embroiled in school violence controversy.
In context, earlier in February last year, Lia was caught in school bullying controversy after an article claiming to have been assaulted by her while attending middle school surfaced.
At the time, the writer claimed that the "LOCO" singer borrowed money from the writer's friend A and did not pay it back and bullied another friend.
Since then, the writer has posted additional authentication photos, and although the writer did not directly mention her name, suspicions that Lia was the perpetrator of the school violence were made.
In response, JYP Entertainment sued the writer for defamation but was eventually acquitted in June last year.
However, the company has asked the police to reinvestigate the case to determine who is who. Even after the controversy, Lia is working on her schedule without interruption.
The incident has been re-examined following LESSERAFIM Kim Garam, who was embroiled in a controversy over school violence and suspended activities. Some people are upset that Lia can continue her activities when she still has an unresolved issue.
What are your thoughts on this?
READ MORE: ITZY Yuna Draws Attention for Hourglass Figure
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Written by Eunice Dawson
