Encountered the audio “This time I want you” all over your TikTok FYP? These are catchy lyrics from the song Magnetic by ILLIT (previously stylised as I’LL-IT), the new K-pop rookie group in town. We’ve rounded up what you need to know about the members, their positions, the meaning behind their group’s name, and more.
Will they shake up the K-pop scene? (Photo from: @illit_official)
With their debut song Magnetic, ILLIT has broken FIFTY FIFTY’s record for the fastest K-pop group to enter the Billboard Hot 100. ILLIT’s song entered the chart just three weeks after their debut while FIFTY FIFTY’s Cupid took four months. Read on to learn more about them.
ILLIT: agency, meaning behind the name, and more
Did their debut song get stuck in your head too?
But first, let’s take a step back and look into how the group was formed.
ILLIT’s home agency is BELIFT LAB Inc. which was founded as a joint venture between Big Hit Entertainment (now HYBE) and CJ ENM. The K-pop boy group ENHYPEN is ILLIT’s sunbaenim (or seniors) under this agency.
ENHYPEN was formed through the Mnet survival show I-LAND. Similarly, ILLIT’s began through the JTBC survival show R U Next? which had Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung as its emcee and KARA’s Park Gyuri, 2AM’s Jo Kwon, dancer Aiki, and more as the judges.
When it comes to the group name, it comes from the phrase, “I will be it”. Will the girls live up to their message?
ILLIT: members, ages, debut date, and first album
The group is comprised of 20-year-old leader Yunah, Minju, Moka (both 19 years old), Wonhee, and maknae (meaning youngest member) Iroha (both 16 years old). Yunah, Minju, and Wonhee are Korean, while Moka and Iroha are Japanese. Originally, Youngseo was supposed to be part of the lineup, but she parted ways with the agency before they debuted.
The quintet debuted on 25 March 2024 with the mini album Super Real Me. At first glance (or first listen), it seems that the girls are similar to NewJeans, whose agency ADOR is also under HYBE. Netizens have also compared the group with LE SSERAFIM which is managed by Source Music under HYBE.
It might take time for them to break free from these comparisons, but the girls have shown that they’re just getting started. There’s plenty of time for them to develop their sound and try out new things.
ILLIT’s recent activities
Check out their new MV release.
Before they officially debuted, fashion company Acne Studios tapped the girls to be the faces for the brand's SS24 global campaign.
Yesterday, the group also unveiled the music video for their song Lucky Girl Syndrome.
Keep an eye out for more of their future endeavours!
(Cover photos from: @illit_official, beliftlab.com)
On the lookout for something fresh in the K-drama scene? Check out Blood Free starring Han Hyo Joo.
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