MUSIC
ILLIT Returns with Bold New Single 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE'
Set to release on the 24th at 6 PM, ILLIT's (Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha) first single album 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' aims to showcase more than just their cute charm. Through the title track 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' and the accompanying song 'NOT CUTE,' they confidently declare that no one can define them.
The anticipation for their comeback reached its peak with the release of two music video teasers for the title track on the 21st and 23rd, featuring snippets of the new song and performance. The teasers highlighted the members' matured visuals, captivating vocals, and a chic performance, hinting at a new side of ILLIT.
ILLIT shared their thoughts through a Q&A session with their agency, BELIFT LAB, about their broadened musical spectrum.
Q. How do you feel about your comeback with 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE'?
Yunah: I'm excited to show a different side of ILLIT that fans might not be familiar with through this single.
Wonhee: Some might find the concept, song, and performance quite shocking. I hope everyone enjoys it.
Iroha: I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase our growth. We'll repay our fans with even more impressive performances.
Q. The single's title is quite striking.
Iroha: It's not just about 'not being cute.' It signifies that we have many sides yet to be revealed beyond our cute image.
Minju: The title track 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' is a pop genre with a reggae rhythm, which is quite different from our previous bright and bubbly music and concepts. I hope people find our transformation cool.
Q. What should listeners focus on in the title track 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE'?
Minju: It's a static yet rhythmic song, so we paid extra attention to the vocals. It's a track where you can focus on the pure voices of the members, and I really liked that. The recording process was unique as I relaxed and captured my true voice.
Moka: The feeling changes when you hear just the melody, with the lyrics, and when the choreography is complete. The title 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' might suggest a strong song, but the stage will have a calm yet cool vibe.
Yunah: There's a point choreography where all the members nod sideways, filled with chic charm.
Minju: I think the key to this performance is the expressions. While we've shown bright and lovely expressions before, this time you'll see ILLIT dancing with a blank expression.
Q. Was there anything you paid special attention to during the preparation of the single?
Moka: Expression. While 'NOT CUTE' might bring to mind a girl crush image, we wanted to show 'NOT CUTE' in our own color. We focused on maintaining a cool attitude on stage.
Wonhee: Since we were challenging a new genre, I was concerned about how we could pull it off. I pondered a lot during the recording process to naturally incorporate the unique and fun lyrics into my voice.
Iroha: I wanted to express the calm atmosphere of the song well, so I focused on vocal expression. I hoped it would be a song anyone could listen to comfortably. Above all, it's a different style from before, so it feels like ILLIT's spectrum is expanding, and I'm looking forward to the future.
Q. The members' involvement in the work is impressive. Especially Wonhee participated solo in the chorus of the title track 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE,' and Yunah, Minju, and Moka were credited in the song 'NOT ME.'
Moka: The lyrics of 'NOT ME' include various names that refer to ILLIT and the members. We shared ideas together, and thankfully, some of them were reflected in the song. It was more meaningful to capture our true selves.
Wonhee: I had participated in the chorus for 'Magnetic' (Mini 1st album) and 'Cherish (My Love)' (Mini 2nd album) before. It was my first time doing the chorus solo, so it was a fun and meaningful experience. Please pay extra attention to the chorus when you listen to 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE.'
Yunah: I think of 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' as a song like Pyongyang cold noodles. It might seem bland at first, but as you eat, it has a deep and addictive taste. I hope people recognize that our song has that kind of deep charm that grows on you.
Minju: I want to achieve first place on music shows. It would be proof that many people love our music, and I would be really happy if we achieve that.
Moka: I want to hear people say 'not cute.' ILLIT can't be defined by cuteness alone!
Q. This year, you released two albums in Korea and successfully debuted in Japan. You also completed the encore performance of the recent fan concert '2025 ILLIT GLITTER DAY.' How do you reflect on the year?
Yunah: We've been working hard since the beginning of the year, and ILLIT has grown significantly and received more love from many people. It was amazing and grateful to see more people recognizing us on the streets.
Wonhee: 2025 was a special year with GLLIT (fan club name). It was a year where we became closer to GLLIT, and I'm always grateful. I'll strive to show even better sides of us.
Iroha: Performing on stages in various countries taught me a lot and helped me grow. I want to meet GLLIT more often next year and create more memories.
Q. A message for GLLIT who have been waiting for this single.
Yunah: We'll show you the not-cute side of ILLIT, so please watch over us and give lots of love to 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE'!
Minju: Just wait a little longer for the cool ILLIT!
Moka: Enjoy our 'NOT CUTE' charm to the fullest.
Wonhee: Saying we're cute is now banned. (laughs) I'm already excited thinking about activities with GLLIT. See you soon.
Iroha: GLLIT! Are you ready to fall for the not-just-cute ILLIT? Please give lots of attention to this activity as well.
Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr
