ITZY's Yeji to limit concert movements after herniated disc diagnosis

ITZY member Yeji has been diagnosed with a herniated disc, as confirmed by her entertainment agency.

In a statement obtained by Soompi on May 5, JYP Entertainment disclosed that the singer had a medical checkup after experiencing lower back pain. 

"Through a thorough medical examination, she was diagnosed with a herniated disc and received a specialist’s opinion that she should minimize back-straining movements," the agency said, as translated in English.

However, JYP clarified that Yeji will still participate in the group's third world tour, Tunnel Vision, in Japan on May 9 and 10, but on a limited capacity.

Despite this, the agency said Yeji promised to perform "as much as possible and meet the fans."

"We sincerely apologize for causing concern to the fans who may have been waiting for her stage and performance. We will do our best to ensure sufficient treatment and recovery, considering the health of our artist as our top priority," the statement concluded. 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a herniated disk "occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a disk in your spine pushes against and leaks out of its outer ring." It causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the neck, back, or legs, and usually heals on its own within four to six weeks.

ITZY's third world tour, Tunnel Vision, kicked off in Seoul in February and will cover seven more international cities until April. The Manila stop will be on July 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The group, consisting of Ryujin, Chaeryeong, Yuna, Lia, and Yeji, debuted in 2019. Some of their hit songs include WANNABE, Cake, Not Shy, Dalla Dalla, and Untouchable.