Illit
South Korean girl group From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Illit (/ˈaɪlɪt/; EYE-lit; Korean: 아일릿; RR: aillit; stylized in all caps) is a South Korean girl group formed by Belift Lab, a sub-label of Hybe, through the JTBC 2023 survival competition show R U Next?. The group consists of five members – Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha. The group debuted on March 25, 2024, with the extended play (EP) Super Real Me.
Career
Summarize
Perspective
Name
The name I'll-It (previously) was introduced during the live broadcast of the final episode of R U Next?. In the episode, it was explained that the name "represents choosing your own verb to put between I'll and It", conveying the ability of the members to act and make decisions independently.[2]
2023–2024: Pre-debut activities and formation through R U Next?
The JTBC series R U Next? aired for ten episodes from June 30, through September 1, 2023, in which 22 contestants competed to debut in a six-member girl group under Belift Lab,[3] their first girl group, and the third girl group to debut under Hybe, after Le Sserafim and NewJeans.[4] The final episode saw the formation of the group's six-member lineup, with two members being selected by the public, and four being selected by the company's producers.[5] The final lineup of Wonhee, Youngseo, Minju, Iroha, Moka, and Yunah, was unveiled at the end of the broadcast.[6] On January 5, 2024, Belift Lab announced Youngseo was leaving the group. Previously, Youngseo and Belift Lab had discussed the future activities of her and her group and had decided with mutual agreement to terminate her contract.[7]
2024: Debut with Super Real Me, I'll Like You
On February 13, 2024, Belift Lab confirmed that Illit would be debuting in March.[8] On February 21, it was confirmed again that Illit would debut on March 25 with their first extended play, with Hybe's chairman Bang Si-hyuk participating as producer of their album.[9] On February 26, the agency announced the name of Illit's first extended play Super Real Me, with pre-orders opening on the same day as the announcement. On February 28, Illit made their first public appearance as a group at the Acne Studios show during Paris Fashion Week,[10] making them the first K-pop artist to appear at the event prior to their official debut.[11] The tracklist of Super Real Me was revealed a week later on March 9, with "Magnetic" serving as the lead single.[12] A total of four tracks, including "Magnetic", would be released. The three other tracks on the album are "My World", "Midnight Fiction", and "Lucky Girl Syndrome".[13][14] The teaser for the music video of their upcoming debut single "Magnetic", was officially released on March 22.[15]
Eight days after the debut of Illit, "Magnetic" entered four U.S. Billboard charts.[16] Illit became the first K-pop group to enter the UK Official Singles with their debut single, which peaked at number 80.[17] On April 16, Illit became the fastest K-pop act to appear on the Billboard Hot 100, when "Magnetic" debuted at number 91.[18] "Magnetic" also became the first debut song by a K-pop act to appear on the Hot 100.[19][20] The music video for the track "Lucky Girl Syndrome" was released on April 17.[21] In May 2024, Super Real Me entered the Billboard 200 chart at number 93. Additionally, Illit also peaked at number 41 on the Billboard Artist 100 chart, and peaked at number two on the Emerging Artist chart.[22] On June 28, Billboard named Illit as their first ever "K-Pop Rookie of the Month".[23][24] On July 10, the music-themed Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, California announced that a special K-pop exhibit will take place in August 2024, displaying the accessories and performance gear worn by artists under Hybe, including Illit.[25]
On September 23, Belift Lab confirmed that the group would release their second extended play I'll Like You on October 21.[26] A comeback album showcase took place two days after the album's official release date.[27] The album debuted on the Billboard 200 chart and ranked 94th on the list.[28] On November 22, Illit released the English version of "Tick-Tack", titled "Baby It's Both" featuring Ava Max.[29]
2025–present: First Japanese single
On February 14, 2025, Illit released their first Japanese single "Almond Chocolate",[30] which will be included in the soundtrack of the Japanese live-action movie It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love, based on the manga of the same name.[31] On March 10, the Korean version of "Almond Chocolate" was released.[32]
Artistry
Illit debuted with a concept based on the "authentic feelings of teenage girls", differing from "complex" backstories often presented in previous K-pop acts.[33] Pop culture critic Kim Do-heon suggested that Illit's success can be attributed to their emphasis on the "theme of relatability," which contributed to the development of their musical identity.[34]
Controversy
In April 2024, Illit's management and producers were publicly accused of plagiarism by NewJeans' executive producer Min Hee-jin.[35][36] Illit's management refuted the allegations and filed a complaint for defamation.[37] Later in October, Belift Lab CEO Kim Tae-ho appeared at the National Assembly where he further refuted the claims.[38]
Endorsements
In March 2024, Illit was selected as the new face of Acne Studios' SS24 global campaign.[39] On March 28, the group was selected as the new Y brand model of KT Y.[40][41] Wonhee was announced as a new model for Japanese sports drink Pocari Sweat in April.[42] On May 1, Illit became the new model for the French cosmetics brand Bioderma,[43] and on May 28, the group was announced as the new model for the American footwear company Crocs.[44]
On February 10, 2025, Moka and Iroha were announced as new Tone Up UV ambassador for La Roche-Posay.[45] On March 8, Illit was announced as the new brand ambassor for Lacoste Japan.[46] On March 26, it was announced that Illit became the new face of Pocari Sweat.[47]
Members
- Yunah (윤아)
- Minju (민주)
- Moka (모카)
- Wonhee (원희)
- Iroha (이로하)
Discography
Extended plays
| Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Sales | Certifications | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [48] |
CRO [49] |
GRC [50] |
JPN [51] |
JPN Hot [52] |
UK Phy. [53] |
US [54] |
US World [55] | ||||
| Super Real Me |
|
3 | 5 | 43 | 3 | 3 | — | 93 | 2 | ||
| I'll Like You |
|
2 | — | 36 | 2 | 2 | 98 | 94 | 2 |
|
|
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | |||||||||||
Singles
Korean singles
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Sales | Certification | Album | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [62] |
AUS [63] |
CAN [64] |
JPN Hot [65] |
NZ [66] |
SGP [67] |
TWN [68] |
UK [69] |
US [70] |
WW [71] | |||||
| "Magnetic" | 2024 | 1 | 29 | 37 | 3 | 30 | 1 | 1 | 80 | 91 | 6 |
|
Super Real Me | |
| "Cherish (My Love)" | 22 | — | — | 35 | —[B] | 22 | 10 | — | — | 110 |
|
I'll Like You | ||
| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. | ||||||||||||||
Japanese singles
English singles
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Baby It's Both"[C] (featuring Ava Max) |
2024 | Non-album single |
Other charted songs
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR [62] |
JPN Hot [65] |
SGP Reg. [78] | |||
| "My World" | 2024 | 153 | — | — | Super Real Me |
| "Lucky Girl Syndrome" | 28 | 95 | — | ||
| "Midnight Fiction" | 173 | — | — | ||
| "I'll Like You" | —[D] | — | — | I'll Like You | |
| "IYKYK (If You Know You Know)" | —[E] | — | — | ||
| "Tick-Tack" | 140 | —[F] | 22 | ||
| "Pimple" | —[G] | — | — | ||
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region. | |||||
Videography
Music videos
Filmography
Television shows
Web shows
| Year | Title | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | I'll Like It! | Pre-debut reality show; 6 episodes | [88] |
| 2024 | Illit Ready | Pre-debut reality show; 4 episodes | [89] |
| Super Real Illit | Documentary of the group's debut preparations; 3 episodes | [90] | |
| 2024–present | Super Illit | Weekly variety shows; premiered on July 1, 2024 | [91] |
| The Night of Illit | Weekly variety shows; premiered on July 5, 2024 | [92] | |
| 2025 | I'll Like It! 2 | Reality show; 4 episodes | [93] |
Live performances
Concerts
| Event name | Date | City | Country | Venue | Attendance | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glitter Day | June 7, 2025 | Seoul | South Korea | Olympic Hall | TBA | [94] |
| June 8, 2025 | ||||||
| August 10, 2025 | Yokohama | Japan | Pia Arena MM | |||
| August 11, 2025 | ||||||
| September 3, 2025 | Osaka | Osaka-jo Hall | ||||
| September 4, 2025 |
Other performances
| Date | Event | City | Country | Performed song(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 3, 2024 | Rakuten GirlsAward 2024 | Shibuya | Japan | "My World", "Magnetic", and "Lucky Girl Syndrome" | [95][96][97] |
| May 12, 2024 | KCON Japan 2024 | Chiba | "Magnetic", "Lucky Girl Syndrome", and "What Is Love?" (orig. Twice) | [98] | |
| June 2, 2024 | K-Wave Concert Inkigayo | Incheon | South Korea | "Magnetic", and "Lucky Girl Syndrome" | [99] |
| June 15, 2024 | Weverse Con Festival 2024 | "Magnetic", "Midnight Fiction", "Lucky Girl Syndrome", and "When We Disco" with J. Y. Park (orig. J. Y. Park and Sunmi) | [100] | ||
| June 29 to 30, 2024 | Show! Music Core In Japan 2024 | Tokorozawa, Saitama | Japan | "Magnetic", and "Lucky Girl Syndrome" | [101] |
| July 6, 2024 | The Music Day 2024 | Chiba | "Magnetic" | [102] | |
| July 19, 2024 | 2024 TMEA 5th Tencent Music Entertainment Awards | Cotai, Macau | China | "My World", "Lucky Girl Syndrome", "Midnight Fiction", and "Magnetic" | [103][104] |
| July 21, 2024 | 2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon Summer | Incheon | South Korea | "Lucky Girl Syndrome", "Magnetic" (festival version), and "Plot Twist" (orig. TWS) | [105] |
| August 12, 2024 | 2024 Ulsan Summer Festival X MBC Show! | Ulsan | "Magnetic", and "Lucky Girl Syndrome" | [106] | |
| August 22, 2024 | 2024 K World Dream Awards | Seoul | "Magnetic (Starlight Remix)" | [107] | |
| August 22, 2024 | NHK Music Expo 2024 | Shibuya | Japan | "Magnetic" | [108] |
| September 22, 2024 | Korea-Japan Festival 2024 | Seoul | South Korea | "Magnetic", "Lucky Girl Syndrome", "My World", and "Midnight Fiction" | [109] |
| September 28, 2024 | KCON Germany 2024 | Frankfurt | Germany | "Lucky Girl Syndrome" (Special KCON Germany version), "My World", and "Magnetic" (Special KCON Germany Dream Stage version with GLLITz (fans)) | [110] |
| October 12, 2024 | SBS Inkigayo Live in Tokyo 2024 | Chūō-ku, Saitama | Japan | "Magnetic", "My World", and "Lucky Girl Syndrome" | [111] |
| October 25, 2024 | K-pop World Festival 2024 | Changwon | South Korea | "Cherish (My Love)", and "IYKYK (If You Know You Know)" | [112] |
| November 21, 2024 | 2024 MAMA Awards | Los Angeles | United States | "Heart Shaker" (orig. Twice), "Magnetic", and "Cherish (My Love)" | [113] |
| December 15, 2024 | Music Bank Global Festival in Japan 2024 | Fukuoka | Japan | "Tick-Tack", and "Magnetic (Starlight Remix)" | [114] |
| December 25, 2024 | 2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon Winter | Incheon | South Korea | "IYKYK (If You Know You Know)", and "Magnetic (Holiday ver.)" | [115][unreliable source?] |
| December 31, 2024 | 75th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen | Shibuya | Japan | "Magnetic" | [116] |
Accolades
Awards and nominations
| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asian Pop Music Awards | 2024 | Top 20 Songs of the Year (Overseas) | "Magnetic" | Won | [117] |
| Best Dance Performance (Overseas) | Nominated | [118] | |||
| Best New Artist (Overseas) | Super Real Me | Nominated | |||
| Billboard Music Awards | 2024 | Top Global K-Pop Song | "Magnetic" | Nominated | [119] |
| D Awards | 2025 | Delights Blue Label | Illit | Won | [120] |
| Dreams Silver Label | Won | ||||
| Best Choreography | Won | ||||
| Best Girl Group Popularity Award | Nominated | [121] | |||
| Golden Disc Awards | 2024 | Best Digital Song (Bonsang) | "Magnetic" | Won | [122][123] |
| Rookie Artist of the Year | Illit | Won | |||
| Song of the Year (Daesang) | "Magnetic" | Nominated | [124][125] | ||
| Most Popular Artist – Female | Illit | Nominated | |||
| Hanteo Music Awards | 2025 | Rookie of the Year – Female | Won | [126] | |
| Artist of the Year (Bonsang) | Nominated | [127] | |||
| Global Artist – Africa | Nominated | [128] | |||
| Global Artist – Asia | Nominated | ||||
| Global Artist – Europe | Nominated | ||||
| Global Artist – North America | Nominated | ||||
| Global Artist – Oceania | Nominated | ||||
| Global Artist – South America | Nominated | ||||
| WhosFandom Award – Female | Nominated | ||||
| iHeartRadio Music Awards | 2025 | Best New Artist (K-pop) | Won | [129][130] | |
| K-pop Song of the Year | "Magnetic" | Nominated | |||
| Favorite K-pop Dance Challenge | Nominated | ||||
| Japan Gold Disc Award | 2025 | Song of the Year by Download (Asia) | Won | [131] | |
| Song of the Year by Streaming (Asia) | Won | ||||
| Best 5 Songs by Streaming | Won | ||||
| Japan Record Awards | 2024 | New Artist Award | Illit | Won | [132] |
| Korea Grand Music Awards | 2024 | Best 10 Artists | Nominated | [133] | |
| Best 10 Songs | "Magnetic" | Nominated | |||
| Best Rookie – Artist | Illit | Nominated | |||
| Best Rookie – Song | "Magnetic" | Nominated | |||
| Trend of the Year | Illit | Nominated | [134] | ||
| Korean Music Awards | 2025 | Rookie of the Year | Nominated | [135] | |
| Best K-pop Song | "Magnetic" | Nominated | |||
| MAMA Awards | 2024 | Best New Artist – Female | Illit | Won | [136] |
| Artist of the Year | Nominated | [137] | |||
| Best Choreography | "Magnetic" | Nominated | |||
| Best Dance Performance – Female | Nominated | ||||
| Fan's Choice of the Year – Female | Illit | Nominated | |||
| Fans' Choice of the Year | Nominated | ||||
| Song of the Year | "Magnetic" | Nominated | |||
| Melon Music Awards | 2024 | New Artist of the Year | Illit | Won | [138] |
| Album of the Year | Super Real Me | Nominated | [139] | ||
| Best Group – Female | Illit | Nominated | |||
| Song of the Year | "Magnetic" | Nominated | |||
| MTV Europe Music Awards | 2024 | Best Asia Act | Illit | Nominated | [140] |
| TikTok Awards Korea | 2024 | Best Viral Song | "Magnetic" | Won | [141] |
Listicles
| Publisher | Year | Listicle | Placement | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teen Vogue | 2024 | 12 Girl Groups to Watch in 2024 | Placed | [142] |
Notes
- Certification for streaming[73]
- "Cherish (My Love)" did not enter the NZ Top 40 Singles Chart, but peaked at number 28 on the NZ Hot Singles Chart.[75]
- "Baby It's Both" serves as the English version of "Tick-Tack" from Illit's second EP I'll Like You.
- "I'll Like You" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but it peaked at number 43 on the component download chart.[79]
- "IYKYK (If You Know You Know)" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but it peaked at number 49 on the component download chart.[79]
- "Tick-Tack" did not enter the Billboard Japan Hot 100, but it peaked at number 99 on the Download Songs.[80]
- "Pimple" did not enter the Circle Digital Chart, but it peaked at number 61 on the component download chart.[79]
References
External links
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