"ILLIT made history with its K-pop debut song. The most amazing thing is that this group has only just begun." (U.S. music media Consequence of Sound)
ILLIT, which is setting various records with overwhelming achievements since its debut, celebrated its first anniversary on the 25th. Their debut song "Magnetic" entered the U.S. Billboard 'Hot 100' and the U.K. Official 'Singles Top 100' as the first and fastest K-pop debut song, sweeping various global charts. Encouraged by this, ILLIT achieved 13 awards including seven rookie awards at major music awards in Korea and abroad. The whole world has truly been 'super attracted' to ILLIT.
This is why expectations for ILLIT, who are drawing their own path with quirky teenage sensibilities and bold charms, are even higher. They shared their feelings through their agency Belift Lab while continuously growing and expanding their influence to larger stages.
Q. Thoughts on the first anniversary of debut
Yunah: I can't believe it's already been a year since our debut. Thinking about the days ahead will be 'just' and 'only' one year, but I don't want to downplay it. There have been many great events, and this year with GLLIT has felt truly valuable.
Minju: I am really grateful for so many things over the past year, and I learned a lot, which allowed me to grow.
Moka: It has been an intensely felt year. I was happy to become the singer I dreamed of for a long time and stand on stage. Moreover, I became closer and stronger while experiencing many things with my members.
Wonhee: It feels like just yesterday that I was excited and anxious preparing for our debut album, and now time has flown by. Receiving love greater than I expected was a meaningful year, as I felt a big responsibility as a member of ILLIT.
Iroha: It seems like a year has passed faster than I expected. After debuting, I had a year filled with many experiences to see and learn. It was the year I took the most flights in my life, and I was able to stand on many stages. Above all, it was a happy year to meet our GLLIT.
Q. Most memorable moment after debut
Yunah: I remember the time when 'Magnetic' topped the Melon chart. It was all new to us at that moment, and it was so sudden that I didn't have time to truly celebrate. As I have slowly gained experience and grown, I am realizing just how great the love and support we received was.
Minju: I remember the fan showcase. It was a more enjoyable time because it was just our GLLIT and ILLIT. It was truly enchanting to see GLLIT calling out our name and cheering for us in unison.
Moka: I also remember the debut showcase the most. It was the day I dreamed of while preparing the debut album with the members. It was the first moment introducing ILLIT to the world, and I was really nervous.
Wonhee: The first music broadcast stage is also the most memorable. It was amazing to step onto a stage I had watched since I was young. I was nervous as I was experiencing many new things, but I was able to do well because I was with my members.
Iroha: Although every moment is memorable to me, I remember the comeback showcase. Everything was new during our debut, so I was overwhelmed, but during the comeback, I was able to share a new song and see GLLIT after a long time, which made my heart feel the warmest in that moment.
Q. After a year of setting various new records and sweeping rookie awards, why do the members think ILLIT is loved?
Yunah: It's the charm that the members possess. Also, I think the good songs and concepts felt fresh, which contributed to being loved.
Minju: I am grateful that our songs and performances are good. Especially, I think the lyrics resonated a lot with people in our age group and gained much love. The finger-point dance is also easy to follow, which helped us on short-form platforms.
Moka: Since our debut song 'Magnetic,' fans from various countries, not just Korea, have shown great love. I feel that good songs resonate everywhere. I was surprised to see ILLIT's songs on various charts throughout the year.
Wonhee: It's the songs, performances, and styling that exude ILLIT's unique atmosphere. And thanks to those who love and support ILLIT, we are able to shine even more and be loved.
Iroha: I believe it's thanks to our members, staff around us, and GLLIT who have worked hard and supported ILLIT.
Q. What is the area you personally work hardest on to grow?
Yunah: When I prepare an album, I tend to pay attention to the tone and pronunciation by referring to demo recordings. I also frequently do performance monitoring, and for personal shortcomings, I try to correct them through personal practice. For difficult sections, I seek help from the performance director to upgrade.
Minju: I practice repeatedly on areas that I find difficult. I most often utilize filming and monitoring methods.
Moka: I am working hard to show 100% without getting nervous on stage. If I get nervous, I might make mistakes I don't usually make, so I try to practice perfectly to make my body remember. I am increasing my practice time day by day.
Wonhee: I am constantly practicing to showcase the performance well. We often discuss how to harmonize the performance of the five members. Additionally, ILLIT has many detailed choreographies, so I pay attention to every single movement.
Iroha: I want to do well in both vocals and performance. I strive to catch the areas I'm lacking so that I can perform live well and express emotions naturally, practicing until I am satisfied.
Q. What are your goals for this year and dreams you want to achieve?
Yunah: I hope to stay healthy and active this year without getting sick, and to meet the expectations of GLLIT based on my efforts.
Minju: I want to be loved by GLLIT and the public once again with ILLIT's song.
Moka: My goal is to hold a solo concert. I want to show GLLIT the stages of the songs we've released and create happy memories.
Wonhee: This year, I want to meet more GLLIT.
Iroha: I want to hold a solo concert in a dome venue and see it filled with GLLIT and ILLIT's light sticks.
Q. If there is anything you want to say to your fellow members after a year together
Yunah: Everyone, you have all worked so hard over the past year. There have been many fulfilling moments as well. Let's continue to work hard like this and show ourselves to many people. Let's stay healthy this year too. I love you!
Minju: Thank you for all the hard work; it has made me happy. There were many things I couldn't accomplish alone, but I was able to achieve them because of my members. Since more days await us, let's rely on each other and keep active!
Moka: You really worked hard for a year. This is just the beginning, so let's keep striving and show good results.
Wonhee: Thank you so much for all your efforts, my members. You are always doing well. Let's keep fighting!
Iroha: Although there were a lot of fun and tough times, I think I was able to endure it all because I was with the members. Thank you. Let's stay healthy and keep fighting!
Q. What would you like to say to GLLIT, who will continue with you?
Yunah: GLLIT is a shining and precious presence more than anyone else. I am always grateful and sorry to GLLIT for enduring and supporting us more than we have. Please don't get sick and make sure you take care of yourself. I love you!
Minju: I feel very grateful and sorry toward GLLIT. We will deliver positive energy and repay the love GLLIT has given us, so let's be happy together forever. I cherish and love you more than anyone.
Moka: We will show you more in the future, so please look forward to it!
Wonhee: GLLIT is a grateful presence. I never forget the love and support you give us. Let's stay together!
Iroha: I'm really happy to celebrate the first anniversary of our debut with our GLLIT. Thanks to GLLIT always thinking of us and loving us, I have been able to happily carry out my activities. I will strive to give even more love than GLLIT has given us.
[Photo] Provided by Belift Lab.
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