ITZY’s Motto arrives at a fascinating point in the group’s career: nearly seven years after debut, the quintet is still experimenting with structure, tone, and identity without fully abandoning the bright confidence that first defined them. Released on May 18, 2026, the group’s 12th mini album balances explosive group tracks with individual spotlights, creating a project that feels less like a tightly unified EP and more like a curated showcase of where each member stands artistically in 2026.
The record opens with its title track, immediately reestablishing ITZY’s trademark energy. Built around punchy production and an uplifting hook, the song reinforces the group’s long-running reputation for motivational pop while subtly softening the sharper EDM edge that dominated earlier eras like Guess Who and Crazy in Love.
What separates Motto from previous releases, however, is its decision to dedicate more than half of the tracklist to solo material. Rather than functioning as filler between group songs, the individual tracks become the emotional and stylistic backbone of the EP.
YEJI’s “Pocket” injects adrenaline into the middle of the project with aggressive performance energy and tightly controlled vocals that feel tailor-made for the stage. The production leans rhythmic and kinetic, giving her room to fully embrace the charisma that has anchored ITZY performances for years.
LIA takes the opposite approach on “Asylum,” stripping things back almost entirely. Instead of chasing dramatic production twists, the track relies on atmosphere and vocal control, resulting in one of the EP’s most emotionally grounded tracks. Her restrained delivery ends up becoming the song’s greatest strength.
RYUJIN’s “Look” pushes furthest into electro-pop territory, layering hip-hop textures over sleek synth production.
CHAERYEONG delivers one of the smoother entries with “Undefined,” embracing a softer R&B direction that contrasts sharply with the project’s louder moments.
Closing the EP, YUNA’s “Tangerine” leans into bright pop melodies and youthful energy. Although catchy, the track struggles to leave the same lasting impression as the stronger solo efforts before it.
Scroll down to see InMusic’s full ranking of every song on Motto.
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