Illit
Illit is a South Korean girl group. It was formed by Belift Lab, a sub-label of Hybe, through the 2023 JTBC 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 Super Real Me.
Name
The name I'll-It 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", supposedly conveying the ability of the members to act and make decisions independently.Career
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, their first girl group, and the fourth girl group to debut under Hybe, after fromis 9, Le Sserafim and NewJeans. 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. The final lineup of Wonhee, Youngseo, Minju, Iroha, Moka, and Yunah, was unveiled at the end of the broadcast. 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 and leave the group before its debut.2024: Debut with ''Super Real Me'', ''I'll Like You''
On February 13, 2024, Belift Lab confirmed that Illit would be debuting in March. 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. 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, making them the first K-pop artist to appear at the event prior to their official debut. The tracklist of Super Real Me was revealed a week later on March 9, with "Magnetic" serving as the lead single. 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". The teaser for the music video of their upcoming debut single "Magnetic", was officially released on March 22.Eight days after the debut of Illit, "Magnetic" entered four U.S. Billboard charts. Illit became the first K-pop group to enter the UK Official Singles with their debut single, which peaked at number 80. On April 16, Illit became the fastest K-pop act to appear on the Billboard Hot 100, when "Magnetic" debuted at number 91. "Magnetic" also became the first debut song by a K-pop act to appear on the Hot 100. The music video for the track "Lucky Girl Syndrome" was released on April 17. 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. On June 28, Billboard named Illit as their first ever "K-Pop Rookie of the Month". 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.
On September 23, Belift Lab confirmed that the group would release their second extended play I'll Like You on October 21. A comeback album showcase took place two days after the album's official release date. The album debuted on the Billboard 200 chart and ranked 94th on the list. On November 22, Illit released the English version of "Tick-Tack", titled "Baby It's Both" featuring Ava Max.
2025–present: ''Bomb'', Japanese debut and ''Not Cute Anymore''
On February 14, 2025, Illit released their first original Japanese song "Almond Chocolate", which was 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. A Korean version of the song was later released on March 10. In May, Illit members Yunah and Minju were announced to be featured in the song "See U Tonight" by American singer Kylie Cantrall from her first extended play B.O.Y.On May 19, Belift Lab confirmed that the group would release their third extended play Bomb on June 16. The group held a showcase on the EP's release date, performing the lead single "Do the Dance" for the first time. A music video for "Jellyous" was released on July 6, which was followed by the release of a version of the song featuring Canadian singer Sophie Powers in August.
On July 14, Belift Lab announced that Illit would be releasing their first Japanese maxi single "Toki Yo Tomare" on September 1. The single consists of four songs: two new songs, "Toki Yo Tomare" and "Topping", alongside a Japanese version of "Do the Dance", and "Almond Chocolate" which was previously released in February. "Topping" was pre-released on August 11. On November 4, Illit released "Secret Quest", serving as the ending theme song for the animated series Pokémon Horizons – Rising Hope Their first single album, Not Cute Anymore, was released on November 24. On January 13, 2026, Illit released their second Japanese single "Sunday Morning", which serves as the opening theme for the Japanese animated series 'Tis Time for "Torture," Princess.
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.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.
Plagiarism allegations
In April 2024, Illit's management and producers were publicly accused of plagiarism by NewJeans' executive producer Min Hee-jin. Illit's management refuted the allegations and filed a complaint for defamation. Later in October, Belift Lab CEO Kim Tae-ho appeared at the National Assembly where he further refuted the claims.Endorsements
In March 2024, Illit was selected as the new face of Acne Studios' SS24 global campaign. On March 28, the group was selected as the new Y brand model of KT Y. Wonhee was announced as a new model for Japanese sports drink Pocari Sweat in April. On May 1, Illit became the new model for the French cosmetics brand Bioderma, and on May 28, the group was announced as the new model for the American footwear company Crocs.On February 10, 2025, Moka and Iroha were announced as new Tone Up UV ambassador for La Roche-Posay. On March 8, Illit was announced as the new brand ambassador for Lacoste Japan. On March 26, it was announced that Illit became the new face of Pocari Sweat. On July 3, it was announced that Illit became the official brand ambassador of Candy Magic, a contact lens brand from Japan. On July 10, it was announced that Illit became the new ambassador of M&M's in Asia, being the first K-pop group involved with the brand. On August 1, Superdry & Co announced that the group would be the new ambassador of the brand in Korea. On September 29, Uniqlo announced that the group would be the new ambassador of the brand in Japan. On October 22, Illit was appointed as the ambassador for Hoshino Resort.
Members
- Yunah
- Minju
- Moka
- Wonhee
- Iroha
Discography
- Super Real Me
- I'll Like You
- ''Bomb''
Videography