“ICY” is a highly popular and significant song by the South Korean girl group ITZY, released on July 29, 2019. It served as the title track for their first mini-album, “IT’z ICY,” and marked their highly anticipated first comeback after their incredibly successful debut with “DALLA DALLA.”
Here’s a breakdown of what makes “ICY” so notable:
1. Concept & Message
- Self-Love & Confidence: “ICY” embodies ITZY’s core message of self-love, individuality, and confidence. The lyrics are about being true to oneself, not caring about what others think, and shining brightly despite external judgments. The repeated line, “I’m ICY, I see that I’m ICY,” is a playful declaration of their cool, self-assured identity.
- “Teen Crush” Identity: The song further solidified ITZY’s “teen crush” concept, appealing to a young audience with its empowering and relatable message about embracing one’s unique colors.
2. Music & Production
- Producer: “ICY” was notably produced and written by J.Y. Park (JYP), the founder of JYP Entertainment. This was the first time J.Y. Park directly wrote and composed for ITZY, adding a distinctive flavor to their sound.
- Sound: It’s an upbeat, energetic dance-pop track with strong hip-hop influences. It features a funky bassline, vibrant synth melodies, and powerful beat drops, creating a perfect summer anthem vibe. The song is known for its catchy chorus and dynamic arrangement.
3. Music Video & Choreography
- Music Video: The music video for “ICY” was filmed in Los Angeles and is visually vibrant and colorful, matching the song’s energetic mood. It features the members in various stylish outfits, performing powerful choreography against diverse urban backdrops. The video perfectly captures the “cool,” confident, and playful essence of the song.
- Choreography: As with all ITZY songs, the choreography for “ICY” is incredibly sharp, intricate, and high-energy. It’s known for its memorable point moves, powerful formations, and the members’ synchronized precision, showcasing their exceptional performance skills.
4. Reception & Impact
- Commercial Success: “ICY” was a massive commercial success, topping various domestic charts and selling well digitally and physically.
- First Music Show Win: This was a huge milestone for ITZY. “ICY” earned the group their first-ever music show win on Mnet’s M Countdown on August 8, 2019, just over a week after its release. They went on to win a total of 12 music show awards with “ICY,” demonstrating their strong impact as a rookie group.
- International Recognition: The song further expanded ITZY’s global fanbase and cemented their reputation as a “monster rookie” group, showcasing their ability to deliver consistent hits.
- Critically Acclaimed: Critics and fans alike praised “ICY” for building upon the success of “DALLA DALLA” while presenting a slightly different, more mature yet still youthful, sound and concept.
In summary, “ICY” is a quintessential ITZY song that perfectly encapsulates their message of self-love and confidence, backed by J.Y. Park’s production, a high-energy sound, and captivating performances. It was a crucial step in solidifying ITZY’s identity and proving their staying power in the competitive K-pop industry.