The group ILLIT returns with a thrilling twist in their new release that defies everyone's expectations.
Today (24th) at 6 p.m. KST, ILLIT (Yoonah, Minju, Moca, Wonhee, Iroha) will release their first single album NOT CUTE ANYMORE, which expresses ILLIT's aspiration to show more than the cute charm they've shown so far. Through the title track "NOT CUTE ANYMORE" and the included track "NOT CUTE," they confidently say that no one can define them.
The two title track music video teasers, released sequentially on the 21st and 23rd, included parts of the new song and performances, raising anticipation for the comeback to a peak. The members' more mature visuals, attractive vocals and a haughty performance combined to preview a different side of ILLIT than before.
ILLIT, who will present a broadened musical spectrum through new attempts, answered questions one by one through their agency Belift Lab Inc.
Q. feelings about coming back with "NOT CUTE ANYMORE"
Yoonah: Through this single, I'm excited to show you a different side of ILLIT that many of you may not know.
Wonhee: Some people may feel that everything from the concept to the song and performance is shocking. I hope everyone enjoys each part playfully.
Iroha: I'm really happy to have the opportunity to show a more grown-up side. We will repay the fans who always wait for us with even better performances.
Q. the single's name is striking
Iroha: It doesn't simply mean "not cute"; it means there are many aspects we haven't shown yet beyond our cute side.
Minju: Especially the title track "NOT CUTE ANYMORE" is a pop genre based on a reggae rhythm, and it differs in many ways from the bright, bouncy music and concepts we have shown before. I hope people see our "not cute" change and think it's cool.
Q. listening points for the title track "NOT CUTE ANYMORE"
Minju: It's a calm yet rhythmic song, so we paid more delicate attention to the vocals. It's a song that lets you focus on the members' pure voices, so I liked it. The recording process, where I relaxed and captured my real voice, felt different.
Moca: The feeling changed when you heard just the melody, when lyrics were added, and when the choreography was completed. From the title alone, "NOT CUTE ANYMORE" might sound like a strong song, but when you see the stage, it will give off a calm yet cool vibe.
Q. what part of the performance for the title track "NOT CUTE ANYMORE" should be watched closely?
Yoonah: There is a point choreography where the members all nod their heads to the side. It is full of haughty charm.
Minju: I think the core of this performance is expression. If before we often had bright and lovely expressions, this time you will see ILLIT dancing with blank expressions.
Q. was there anything you paid special attention to during preparation for the single?
Moca: Expressiveness. Because it's "NOT CUTE," people might imagine girl-crush, but we wanted to show "NOT CUTE" in our own color. I worked on maintaining a cool attitude on stage.
Wonhee: Since we were challenging a new genre, I worried a lot about how to pull it off. I sang while thinking about how to naturally express the unique and fun lyrics with my voice during the recording process.
Iroha: I focused on vocal expression to convey the song's calm atmosphere well. I wanted it to be a song anyone could listen to comfortably. Above all, it's a different style from before, so it feels like ILLIT's spectrum is widening, and I'm looking forward to what's next.
Q. the members' participation in the work stands out. In particular, Wonhee participated solo in the chorus of the title track "NOT CUTE ANYMORE," and Yoonah, Minju and Moca are credited on the included track "NOT ME,"
Moca: The lyrics of "NOT ME" include various names calling ILLIT and the members. We shared ideas together, and thankfully some of them were reflected in the song. It was more meaningful because we could capture our true selves.
Wonhee: I had participated in the chorus on Magnetic (mini 1) and Cherish (My Love) (mini 2) before, but this is my first time doing the chorus solo, so it was a fun and meaningful experience. Please pay attention to the chorus when you listen to "NOT CUTE ANYMORE."
Q. what reaction do you most want to hear from this single and what goal do you want to achieve?
Yoonah: I think of "NOT CUTE ANYMORE" as a song like Pyongyang cold noodles. At first it may feel bland, but as you eat it you find a deep, addictive taste. I hope people realize our song has that deep charm that draws you in the more you listen.
Minju: I want to win first place on music shows. It's proof that many people love our music, and winning would make us really happy.
Moca: I want to hear people say "not cute." ILLIT cannot be defined by cuteness alone!
Q. this year you released two albums in Korea and also completed your official debut in Japan successfully. You recently finished the encore performance of the fan concert "2025 ILLIT GLITTER DAY" safely; looking back on the year, how do you feel?
Yoonah: We've been working hard since early this year, and ILLIT has grown a lot and been loved by more people. It was amazing and I was grateful that more people recognized us when we walked the streets.
Wonhee: 2025 was a special year to the extent that we can say we spent it with GLLIT (Glit, the fandom name). It was a year of growing closer to Glit, and we will always be grateful and work to show better sides of ourselves.
Iroha: Performing in many countries taught us a lot and helped us grow. Next year I want to meet Glit often and make more memories.
Q. a message to Glit who waited for this single
Yoonah: We'll show you ILLIT's not-cute side, so please watch and give lots of love to "NOT CUTE ANYMORE"!
Minju: Wait just a little for a cooler ILLIT!
Moca: Please fully feel our "NOT CUTE" charm.
Wonhee: From now on, saying we're cute is banned. (laughs) Thinking about activities with Glit already makes me excited. See you soon.
Iroha: Glit! Are you ready to fall for an ILLIT that's more than just cute? Please show lots of interest in this promotion.
[Photo] provided by Belift Lab Inc.
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