Motto is the 12th extended play (EP) by South Korean girl group Itzy, released on May 18, 2026, through JYP Entertainment and Republic Records. Conceptualized as a "direct love letter" to their fandom, the EP features eight tracks led by the single of the same name, including five solo tracks revealed during the Tunnel Vision World Tour (2026).
Background Itzy released their 11th extended play (EP) Tunnel Vision on November 10, 2025, to mixed critical and commercial reception. Collaborating with a team of producers including Dem Jointz and Kenzie, the EP explored themes of passion and focus while experimenting on genres like R&B and Afrobeats. In support of the EP, the group embarked on the Tunnel Vision World Tour (2026), where they debuted a number of solo songs they later confirmed to be part of their upcoming release. While on tour, album track "Thats a No No" from It'z Me (2020) experienced a surge in popularity and member Yuna made her solo debut with Ice Cream.
Music and lyrics
Motto has a runtime of 23 minutes and 38 seconds across eight tracks. Yeji described the EP as a "direct love letter" to their fans who had supported them throughout their career. Having explored "darker themes" in Girls Will Be Girls (2025) and Tunnel Vision (2025), she added that Motto aims to show a "brighter side of Itzy once again". Thematically, the EP continues exploring themes of "bold concepts and empowering messages" while emphasizing the members' individuality.
Songs Opening track "Motto" is conceptualized as a "vibrant pop anthem" that represents the bond between the group and their fandom.
Marketing On April 22, 2026, JYP Entertainment announced Motto as Itzy's 12th extended play through a trailer directed by Léa Esmaili, which features surrealist scenes in a pastel palette. A series of videos featuring brief interviews with the members titled "What's Your Motto" was released sequentially in the days leading up to the EP's release.
The EP was released on May 18, together with its lead single of the same name and its corresponding music video.
Track listing
Charts
Weekly charts + Chart (2026) Peakposition Japanese Digital Albums (Oricon) 15 Japanese Hot Albums (Billboard Japan) 97 South Korean Albums (Circle) 4
Monthly charts + Chart (2026) Peakposition South Korean Albums (Circle) 12
Certifications
Publication lists +Publication lists for "Motto" Critic/Publication List Rank Billboard The 25 Best K-Pop Albums of 2026 (So Far): Critic's Picks 25
Release history + Region Date Format Version Label Various May 18, 2026 Standard United States May 22, 2026 CD
References