ITZY's Lia announces temporary hiatus due to health reasons

Lia of K-pop girl group ITZY has announced her temporary hiatus from the band and its associated activities.

In a handwritten letter to their fans, which the group posted on Instagram on Monday, Sept. 18, the Korean idol opened up about needing to take some time off so she can put herself first for now.

"I felt like I needed to take some time off to love and fill myself first," she wrote, as translated by K-entertainment site Soompi.

"As I always say, I sincerely hope that MIDZY will be happy. I will work to return in good health in order to repay how much MIDZY wait and worry for me," she added.

ITZY's agency JYP Entertainment made a separate announcement about Lia's temporary hiatus later in the day, citing health concerns as her primary reason for it.

"Lia underwent consultation and examination as she is experiencing extreme tension and anxiety about carrying out her scheduled activities and received medical advice that she needs rest and treatment," it said.

"With the artist’s health as our top priority, after careful discussion with the members, we decided that Lia will not participate in scheduled activities starting from today and will take a break for the time being to focus on her treatment," it continued, adding that the date of her comeback "will be decided after sufficient discussion between Lia and the members."

ITZY is composed of five members, namely Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna. The girl group made their debut last 2019 with the track DALLA DALLA.

They released a mini album dubbed Kill My Doubt in July, which includes the lead single CAKE as well as other tracks like Bet on Me and None of My Business.

The group's scheduled performance at the KPOP LUX x SBS Super Concert in London, which was originally slated for Sept. 22 and 23, has been postponed to a later date.