"Not Shy" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group Itzy for their third extended play of the same name. It was released as the EP's lead single through JYP Entertainment and Republic on August 17, 2020. It is a song that blends R&B and trap-dance, driven by rapid beats and 'intense' saxophone sounds. With a mix of hip-hop, pop, and Caribbean influences, featuring lyrics by J.Y. Park. The song encourages confident expression of love without hesitation, reflecting a notable shift in the group's style with its upbeat tempo and empowering message.
Commercially, "Not Shy" peaked at number nine on the Gaon Digital Chart and at number four on the BillboardK-pop Hot 100, earning Itzy their fourth top-ten hit on both charts. The song won five music program awards in South Korea and has since been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ). An accompanying music video was uploaded onto JYP's YouTube channel simultaneously with the single's release and has surpassed 200 million views on the platform.
Background
On June 22, 2020, it was reported that Itzy is preparing for a comeback at the end of July.[3] On January 22, 2021 an English version of "Not Shy" was released on Itzy's English debut extended play Not Shy (English Ver.). It was accompanied by a music video featuring 3-DZepeto avatars of the members. A Japanese version of "Not Shy" was also included on Itzy's first compilation album It'z Itzy, which was released on December 22, 2021. The Japanese lyrics were written by Yohei.[4]
Composition and lyrics
"Not Shy" composed by Kobee and Charlotte Wilson and it was written by JYP founder JY Park “The Asiansoul” who also handled the arrangement alongside Kobee and earattack.[5] The song is an up-tempo R&Btrap-dance piece, led by rapid beats and 'intense' saxophone sounds.[1][2] It seamlessly blends hip-hop and pop elements[6] with Caribbean influences, exuding a distinct 'reggae feel.'[7] In terms of musical notation, the song is written in the key of D minor, with a tempo of 101 beats per minute.[8]
The title song “Not Shy” delivers the message that you should express yourself confidently and be fearless in love. I think this song will encourage many people. I am most proud of this song too, as I like the message of this song very much.
— Chaeryeong on the meaning behind the song via Elle.[9]
Lyrically, it was described as Itzy's first "love-themed song," a departure from their previous style.[10][11] The song's storyline emphasizes empowering one's voice, in the context of the protagonist declaring her love to her crush—a "confession often marked by hesitancy".[12] Through its verses, the group advocates for confident self-expression, urging listeners to convey their feelings openly and without reservation. Lines like "Why wait, what are you doing?" and "Why can't I tell you my heart?" highlight the singers' unwavering courage and honesty in love, promoting a message of authenticity and fearlessness. Additionally, phrases such as "Not shy, Not me / I tell you what I want quickly / What if I can't have it? 'Why can’t you say yeah'" serve as a source of encouragement for those grappling with expressing their emotions, inspiring them to bravely pursue their romantic desires.[13][14][15][16][2]
Release and promotion
Release
Before the release on August 17, the group conducted a live stream titled "Countdown Spot Live" via their social media platforms to engage with their fans. On the same day, they hosted another live stream named "ITZY 'Not Shy' Live Premiere" on their official YouTube channel, airing an hour and a half prior to the release. During this broadcast, the members introduced the new album, discussed the songs and choreography, and offered sneak peeks of the music video and behind-the-scenes preparations. Concurrently, the song was released on various streaming platforms.[17][18]
Promotion
Itzy commenced their promotional activities on August 18, starting with appearances on South Korean radio shows like SBS's Choi Hwa-jung's Power Time and MBC's Idol Radio.[19][20][21] Throughout the week, they graced various South Korean music programs including Mnet's M Countdown, KBS2's Music Bank, MBC's Show! Music Core, and SBS's Inkigayo, marking a successful comeback.[22][23][24] On 25th, they appeared as a guest on MBC' FM4U's "Song of Hope at Noon, Kim Shin-young."[25] On August 29, they performed on the American TV show MTV Fresh Out Live and later shared a full performance on their YouTube channel.[26][27] On September 8, Itzy engaged with their fans in a special event called "Rooftop Live," where they performed "Not Shy" and other tracks.[28] Their 4-week promotional schedule concluded on September 13 with another appearance on Inkigayo.[29]
Reception
Time called "Not Shy" one of the songs that defined 2020, praising its usage of the saxophone tunes, urgent percussion and "the group’s sassy utterance", as well as how the group's established their "repertoire of self-empowering anthems in the short period since it debuted in 2019."[12] It was included in CNN Philippines' list of best K-pop songs of 2020.[30] "Not Shy" won five music program awards, including a triple crown (or three wins) on M Countdown. It received nominations for Artist of the Year – Digital Music (August) at the 10th Gaon Chart Music Awards[31] and Best Lyrics – Foreign at the Hong Kong Asian Pop Music Awards.[32]
^ abcLee, Nam-kyung (August 24, 2020). "ITZY, 사랑도 당당하게…'Not Shy'에 있지스러움이 있지 [M+가요진단]" [ITZY, love confidently... 'Not Shy' has itzy [M+Gayo Diagnosis]]. MBN New (in Korean). Retrieved March 15, 2023.
^Hwang, Hye-jin (August 17, 2020). ""어차피 내거" 첫사랑에 빠진 ITZY, 러브송도 당당하게 'Not Shy'[들어보고서]" [“It’s mine anyway” ITZY who fell in love for the first time, confidently even sings love songs, ‘Not Shy’ [Listening]]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved March 15, 2023.
^Jeong, Ga-young (August 16, 2020). "ITZY '낫 샤이', 이번에도 명곡 예감" [ITZY 'Not Shy', a premonition of a masterpiece again this time]. Sports World (in Korean). Retrieved March 15, 2023.
^Jeon, Ah-ram (August 17, 2020). ""너를 원해 뭐 어때"…ITZY, 최강 비주얼+첫 ♥ 노래 'Not Shy' [쥬크박스]" ["I want you, how are you?"... ITZY, the best visual + first love song 'Not Shy' [Jukebox]]. Xports News (in Korean). Retrieved March 15, 2023.
^Gayoung, Jeong (August 17, 2020). ""내 맘은 내 거"…ITZY의 솔직당당 러브송 'Not Shy' [SW신곡]" ["My heart is mine"... ITZY's candid love song 'Not Shy' [SW new song]]. Sports World (in Korean). Retrieved March 15, 2023.
^Hwang, Ji-young (August 14, 2020). "ITZY, 17일 '낫 샤이' 컴백 기념 올데이 릴레이 라이브" [ITZY, all-day relay live to commemorate the comeback of 'Not Shy' on the 17th]. Ilgan Sports (in Korean). Retrieved August 10, 2023.
^Lee, Si-yeon (August 26, 2020). "'쇼챔피언' ITZY, 8월 마지막주 1위 "믿지, 감사합니다"[★밤TView]" ['Show Champion' ITZY, No. 1 in the last week of August "Thank you for believing" [Night TView]]. Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 17, 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
^Bae, Hyo-joo (August 28, 2020). ‘뮤직뱅크’ ITZY, 컴백 하자마자 1위 우뚝‥볼터치하고 앵콜송 ['Music Bank' ITZY, as soon as they comeback, topped the top... Ball touch and encore song]. Newsen (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 3, 2020. Retrieved December 3, 2020 – via Naver.
^Su-rin, Noh (September 3, 2019). '엠카' 있지(ITZY), 9월 첫째 주 1위...DAY6(Even of Day)·러블리즈·CLC 컴백 [종합] ['M-Countdown' Not Shy (ITZY), ranked #1 in the first week of September... DAY6 (Even of Day), Lovelyz and CLC comeback]. X Sport News (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 28, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2020.
^Hee-jae, Choi (September 10, 2020). '엠카' ITZY(있지), 데이식스 이븐오브데이 꺾고 1위…김남주·유아·원호 솔로 데뷔 [종합] ['M-Countdown' ITZY, beat Day6 "Even of Day" and placed 1st… Kim Nam-joo, Yoo-ah and Won-ho's solo debut]. X Sport News (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 28, 2020. Retrieved November 7, 2020 – via Naver.
^Kim, Nara (September 17, 2020). '엠카' 있지(ITZY), 오마이걸 유아 꺾고 1위 '3주 연속' 기염 [종합] ['M-Countdown' Izzi (ITZY) beat Oh My Girl's YooA and won first place '3 weeks in a row']. My Daily (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 28, 2020. Retrieved December 28, 2020 – via Naver.
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