The group ILLIT has added significant achievements ahead of their debut in Japan.
According to the Japan Record Association on the 28th, ILLIT (Yoona, Minju, Mocha, Wonhee, Iroha)'s first Japanese original song 'Almond Chocolate' surpassed 50 million cumulative streams as of July, obtaining a 'Gold' certification in the streaming institutional sector. This came about five months after the release of the single, making it the fastest record among foreign artist songs released this year.
The Japan Record Association classifies songs based on cumulative streaming numbers (institutional sector) and grants certifications monthly, such as Gold (more than 50 million streams), Platinum (more than 100 million streams), and Diamond (more than 500 million streams).
'Almond Chocolate' is a song made as the theme song for the movie 'I Don't Like You Just for Your Face', expressing sweet yet bittersweet confessions of feelings towards someone one likes. The melody that stimulates a nostalgic sentiment and the members' clear vocal tones combined in this song created a buzz among Japanese fans, triggering a resurgence.
In fact, 'Almond Chocolate' surpassed 50 million cumulative streams on Oricon (as of July 7), setting the highest streaming record among foreign female artist songs released in the first half of the year. Additionally, it was the only K-pop group song to rank in the 'Top 50 Comprehensive Chart of the First Half' on Amazon Music Japan.
ILLIT's streaming certification from the Japan Record Association marks the second time. Previously, their debut song 'Magnetic' received 'Double Platinum' certification (with 200 million cumulative streams) just 10 months after its release. This was the fastest record for a female group song, including local artists.
Meanwhile, ILLIT will announce their first Japanese single 'Toki Yo Tomare' (original title 時よ止まれ) on the 1st of next month, making their official debut. They will hold a fan concert '2025 ILLIT GLITTER DAY IN JAPAN' in Osaka Castle Hall on September 3-4 to meet with fans. They will also appear in the '41st Mynavi Tokyo Girls Collection 2025 AUTUMN/WINTER' on September 6 and take the stage at the large music festival 'Rock in Japan Festival 2025' on September 14.
[OSEN]