MUSIC
ILLIT Celebrates 2nd Anniversary with Expanding Global Influence and Upcoming Album Release
From their debut release to last year's mini-album 'bomb', ILLIT has impressively landed three consecutive albums on the US Billboard 200 chart. Their debut single 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' reached 7th on the 'Bubbling Under Hot 100', following the success of their debut track 'Magnetic'.
The scale of their solo performances has also grown significantly. Following the sold-out fan concert '2025 ILLIT GLITTER DAY' in Korea and Japan, ILLIT is set to perform their first tour 'ILLIT LIVE 'PRESS START♥'' across 14 shows in 7 cities worldwide.
With their growing global influence, ILLIT is set to release their 4th mini-album 'MAMIHLAPINATAPAI' on April 30. Fans eagerly anticipate what unique music and concepts they will bring to lead the trends of the younger generation. Below is an interview with ILLIT shared through their agency, Belief Lab.
Q. How do you feel about reaching your 2nd anniversary?
Yuna: It's amazing to think it's already been two years since our debut. Memories of our debut and first anniversary come flooding back. I'm excited for all the experiences we'll share as ILLIT.
Minju: Looking back, we've achieved so much. I'm grateful to everyone who has been with us, especially our fans, GLLIT. Thank you and I love you all.
Moka: When we debuted, the 2nd anniversary seemed so far away. We've been working hard, and now it's here. I'll keep striving for more diverse and impressive activities.
Wonhee: It's incredible that ILLIT is celebrating its second birthday. The happy memories with GLLIT over the past two years are a huge source of strength. I'm excited for the joyful days ahead with GLLIT.
Iroha: We've had so many precious moments. Meeting more GLLIT last year was wonderful, and I hope for more opportunities like that. Please keep watching as we work hard.
Yuna: It was our first solo tour, and while there were some shortcomings, it was rewarding to complete the performance we prepared with GLLIT in mind.
Minju: It still feels like a dream that we went on tour. The stage was so much fun, and it left a lasting impression. We'll continue to grow and show diverse sides, so please look forward to the remaining 'PRESS START' tour.
Moka: I was more nervous than expected, but I enjoyed it more with each performance. Seeing GLLIT up close was a highlight.
Wonhee: I was nervous as it marked the start of ILLIT's first tour. Despite some regrets, every moment was happy. I'm thrilled at the thought of seeing GLLIT in more places.
Iroha: Seeing the venue filled with GLLIT was touching. I'm sincerely grateful to the staff and members who worked hard to ensure the Seoul concert went smoothly.
Q. ILLIT is known for expanding its spectrum with each new release. Is there a challenge or change you feel you embodied the most?
Yuna: Every album was a new challenge and meaningful. Breaking away from ILLIT's cute image with the single 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' was particularly interesting.
Minju: I think every ILLIT song has a different vibe. From the genre to expressions and outfits, each has ILLIT's unique color.
Moka: We always strive to show fresh sides, but I worked especially hard to embody 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE'. We're also preparing diligently for the mini 4th album's title track 'It's Me', so please look forward to it.
Wonhee: ILLIT has always been true to itself, thanks to our members and staff. We'll continue to walk our own path.
Iroha: We always aim to show new sides, but I'm particularly excited about the mini 4th album. I've focused a lot on expressions and performance. I hope GLLIT and the public will be surprised by what we can do.
Q. You've achieved your goal of a solo concert and gained love from global fans. When did you feel you've grown the most?
Yuna: Looking back at last year's fan concert 'GLITTER DAY' and 'PRESS START', we've grown a lot in a year. Our ability to handle unexpected situations on stage has improved, and we're learning a lot through performances.
Minju: A solo concert was a goal from our debut anniversary and a big dream since I aspired to be an idol. 'PRESS START' was significant and a growth milestone for me.
Moka: I think my mental strength has improved. I used to feel anxious or nervous on stage, but now I can control it.
Wonhee: Preparing for our first tour, I felt our growth. It's fulfilling to be an artist capable of solo concerts.
Iroha: I used to worry about making mistakes on stage, but now I enjoy it. I try different things, thinking, 'How about doing this on stage this time?'.
Yuna: Our goal is for many GLLIT to love ILLIT's songs this year. We want to create opportunities for more people to like ILLIT.
Minju: Last year, GLLIT from various countries supported us, so I want to visit as many as possible. I also want to challenge more genres and expand our musical spectrum.
Moka: My goal is to keep showing new charms of ILLIT so GLLIT won't get bored. I'll strive to show an even better side.
Wonhee: With our first tour underway, our goal is to present great performances to GLLIT worldwide.
Iroha: I want to showcase ILLIT's diverse charms through 'MAMIHLAPINATAPAI' on April 30. 'PRESS START' continues until August, and my goal is to complete it successfully while learning and growing.
Q. What would you like to say to your members who have been with you for the past two years?
Yuna: Thank you for believing in and supporting each other through tough times.
Minju: Let's continue to enjoy our time together as five. I hope we remain supportive and helpful to each other. Thank you always.
Moka: We've been running non-stop for two years. Let's keep going for 5, 10 more years together.
Wonhee: To my closest companions who support and grow with me, thank you. I'm your biggest fan. Let's keep fighting this year!
Iroha: I'm so grateful to my members for always trying and running together, no matter what. Let's stay healthy and happy.
Q. What would you like to say to GLLIT, with whom you'll create more memories?
Yuna: To current and future GLLIT! We'll do our best to show great songs and performances, so please love us a lot. Thank you always.
Minju: We have many more days to meet. We'll make GLLIT happier and create fun memories together.
Moka: Achieving my goals each year is all thanks to GLLIT. I promise to show a side that makes GLLIT proud.
Wonhee: Thank you for making me shine as ILLIT's Wonhee. The strength I receive from GLLIT is immense, and I hope to be a source of strength for you too. I'll work hard to be that, so please watch over me.
Iroha: Thank you for being with us for our 2nd anniversary. We'll continue to make GLLIT happy and give you good energy. I love you!
Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr
