In a debut that has set new data for the Ok-pop trade, ILLIT emerged as a brand new pop titan upon its March begin this 12 months, incomes its place as an plain new artist to look at — and as Billboard‘s first-ever Ok-Pop Rookie of the Month, for June 2024. The five-member act of Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee and Iroha fashioned by HYBE’s actuality present R U Subsequent? has rewritten Ok-pop’s international expectations with an explosive, addictive entrance into the worldwide music scene.
ILLIT’s debut single “Magnetic” made chart historical past by getting into the Billboard Scorching 100 at No. 91, a feat unprecedented for a Ok-pop group’s first track. Their Tremendous Actual Me EP additionally impacted the Billboard 200, with a No. 93 debut, and hasn’t left the World Albums chart because it first entered the itemizing, notching 13 weeks thus far. The group’s worldwide enchantment was additional cemented as “Magnetic” secured spots within the prime 10 of the International 200 and International 200 Excl US charts, and nonetheless stays on each tallies as of the chart dated June 29.
“We couldn’t consider our eyes,” Wonhee says. “We’ve by no means dreamt of seeing ‘Magnetic’ on the Billboard chart.”
Shifting from actuality present contestants to chart-topping artists has been a whirlwind. Whereas ILLIT’s highway to debut wasn’t with out some minor challenges (a last-minute lineup change noticed the departure of Youngseo, initially slated to be the sixth member), the quintet dove into dance rehearsals, vocal coaching, language classes and health routines, with Yunah mentioning {that a} pre-debut look at Paris Trend Week in February for Pimples Studios additionally required follow to make sure their chicest walks and poses. Initially introduced to the world with the title I’ll-It, altering to ILLIT was not solely extra visually pleasing and accessible, however was designed to higher “emphasize the which means behind the title of ‘I Will ( ) It,’ to signify the potential for infinite prospects,” its administration dwelling HYBE shared.
Whereas partially attributed to its affiliation with an trade powerhouse like HYBE, their label BELIFT LAB (which additionally homes ENHYPEN) and the visibility from R U Subsequent?, ILLIT’s breakthrough goes past mere circumstance. An addictive mix of sugary-sweet vocals, ready-to-go-viral choreography, and, effectively, magnetic personalities that viewers fell in love with throughout their present all struck a chord with a worldwide viewers, one hungry for the subsequent Ok-pop breakout.
With an all-star group together with HYBE chairman Bang Si-Hyuk, longtime BTS and TXT producer Gradual Rabbit and singer-songwriter Salem Ilese all aiding on Tremendous Actual Me, the set’s 4 tracks level to ILLIT’s promising vary, demonstrating the place the 5 members might take their future pop stylings.
Get to know Billboard‘s Ok-Pop Rookie of the Month higher beneath, with the ILLIT members sharing most of their private and group tales, and previewing what’s to come back subsequent.
Congratulations in your debut, ILLIT! You’ve began so sturdy with each your debut single and EP getting into excessive on Korea’s charts, in addition to on Billboard‘s U.S. and international charts. How did it really feel to earn such a robust response?
MOKA: It was mind-blowing how so many individuals cherished “Magnetic.” We’re very joyful that it’s loved and cherished by quite a few listeners. We’ll strive our greatest to point out a greater model of ourselves. Thanks!
WONHEE: We couldn’t consider our eyes! We’ve by no means dreamt of seeing “Magnetic” on the Billboard chart. We’re tremendous joyful that so many individuals are loving “Magnetic.”
Whereas R U Subsequent? and coming from a beloved firm will help, do you could have any theories as to why your debut resonated so strongly with followers worldwide?
YUNAH: I feel the lovable, bubbly and hip vibe of our songs represents the charms of Ok-pop and pop mixed effectively, capturing the viewers’s ears and hearts.
MINJU: I can’t consider all of the love our international followers are exhibiting us and I’m very grateful. I feel they acknowledge and respect the efforts we put into the performances.
Are you able to clarify the which means of ILLIT to you, and your first reactions to the distinctive group title?
IROHA: Once I first heard the title, I assumed the which means behind it was great. It means “we might be something,” and that we have now infinite potential to change into no matter we need to be as a group.
WONHEE: What I cherished was the way it has such a stupendous which means to the title. I used to be so joyful to know that we’ve bought a reputation that’s solely ours.
What had been the months between the finale of R U Subsequent? and debut like?
IROHA: After R U Subsequent? we moved into the dormitory collectively and took dance, vocal and language classes.
YUNAH: Sure! We’re dorming collectively proper now. Instantly after the present, I frolicked taking classes and exercising, getting ready for the debut. As for the style week, we targeted on training strolling and posing in entrance of the press wall.
When did you discover out that “Magnetic” was your debut single and what was your response?
MOKA: I feel we discovered someday within the winter!! I keep in mind how everybody was excited in regards to the track, and I personally thought the track can be excellent for ILLIT.
WONHEE: I vividly keep in mind how all of us had been in awe and shouted “Woah!” As a result of it was that good!
What different songs are your favorites on the album?
WONHEE: I like “Midnight Fiction” essentially the most, as a result of it has its personal aura of heat that’s delivered with cute and kooky lyrics.
IROHA: I like all of our tracks, however I’ve to say it’s “Fortunate Lady Syndrome” as a result of my coronary heart will get stuffed with happiness and I actually really feel like a fortunate woman each time I carry out for it.
Are all or any of you interested by songwriting, composing or manufacturing?
MOKA: We truly haven’t tried [those] but, however our imagined desires had been mirrored in “Midnight Fiction.” It was very fascinating to see our tales flip into the lyrics. I’d like to work on lyric writing each time I’ve the prospect.
Can U.S. followers count on to see you anytime quickly?
IROHA: I’ve by no means been to the U.S. earlier than, however I can’t wait to go to and meet our followers there!
There may be inevitable strain and scrutiny that comes being a public determine. How are you remaining mentally and emotionally sturdy? Do you could have recommendation or suggestions for many who may additionally be going by difficult instances?
MOKA: I image myself attaining my aim, which I discover very comforting and nurturing. So I’d suggest this technique.
WONHEE: I nonetheless typically have some difficulties controlling my nervousness, however my tip is to take a deep breath proper earlier than I say one thing. This helps me calm down a bit.
Wanting forward, what’s subsequent for ILLIT? Any likelihood you’re already planning your first comeback?
YUNAH: We’re all working laborious for what’s to come back — which I need to spoil so badly, however I shouldn’t! [Laughs.]
IROHA: Like YUNAH mentioned, we’re working very laborious on it, so please keep tuned!
Anything you’d like so as to add at the moment?
MINJU: I’m eternally grateful for all of the love we obtained for our debut observe “Magnetic.” We’re working laborious to come back again with higher music and performances, so please keep tuned!
YUNAH: I can’t start to precise how grateful I’m for the love our followers have been exhibiting us. And thanks Billboard for letting us share our tales!
