K-Pop sensation ILLIT is set to make a return appearance at Japan's largest year-end music festival, 'Kohaku Uta Gassen,' for the second year in a row.
According to HYBE's music label BELIFT LAB, ILLIT members Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha have been confirmed as part of the lineup for the 76th NHK 'Kohaku Uta Gassen.'
ILLIT made waves last year by being invited to the program even before releasing an official album in Japan. They remain the only 5th generation K-Pop group to perform at 'Kohaku Uta Gassen' for two consecutive years.
'Kohaku Uta Gassen,' broadcast annually on December 31st by NHK, is a hallmark year-end special in Japan featuring artists who have made significant impacts throughout the year. The announcement of ILLIT's participation has already generated considerable buzz, reflecting their growing popularity in Japan.
Through their official social media, ILLIT expressed their excitement, stating, "We are truly delighted and honored to have this opportunity again this year. We promise to deliver a performance that will stay in your hearts for a long time." In addition to 'Kohaku Uta Gassen,' ILLIT is also scheduled to perform at Fuji TV's '2025 FNS Music Festival' on December 10th, further heating up Japan's year-end music scene.
ILLIT has achieved remarkable success in Japan this year. Their song 'Almond Chocolate,' the theme for the film 'It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love(顔だけじゃ好きになりません),' surpassed 50 million streams within five months of its release, earning a 'Gold' certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan. This achievement marks the fastest record for a foreign artist's song released this year.
In September, ILLIT made their official debut in Japan with their first single 'Toki Yo Tomare' (時よ止まれ), topping major music charts such as Oricon and Billboard Japan. Their fan concert '2025 ILLIT GLITTER DAY IN JAPAN,' held across four shows in Kanagawa and Osaka, sold out entirely. They have also received invitations to perform at major Japanese festivals, including the '41st Mynavi Tokyo Girls Collection 2025 AUTUMN/WINTER' and 'Rock in Japan Festival 2025.'
On November 24th, ILLIT will release their debut single album 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE,' featuring the title track of the same name and the song 'NOT ME.'
Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia one@tenasia.co.kr