The group ILLIT challenged themselves with a shocking transformation featuring short hair, bleached color and an indifferent gaze.
ILLIT (YoonA, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, Iroha) keeps reinventing themselves and exuding unpredictable charm each time they reveal a new concept for their release. On the 14th, the mini album 4th release "MAMIHLAPINATAPAI"'s "FREE RIDER" version concept photos and film released on the official social account confirm this.
The "FREE RIDER" version was inspired by the theme of the title track of the album, "Mamihlapinatapai." Like the title, which means a game of chicken where no one takes the initiative even though it is needed by both parties, the song contains the story of a "lazy perfectionist" faced with the group project called the world. ILLIT sensually expresses a daring yet honest feeling of "I want to be free just for today" in the face of many choices and responsibilities.
Above all, what stood out was the five members' bold visual transformation. From chic short hair to flashy bleached hair and kitschy vintage-style items, they project an intense aura quite different from before. The members' seemingly indifferent gazes toward the world's eyes add to the immersion.
ILLIT's different side is maximized in the concept film. The film's camcorder-like coarse texture evokes a languid yet rebellious atmosphere. The narration—"Even if someone says I'm freely deviating or going off the radar, I don't care. Rather than keeping my eyes open worrying, I'll just close my eyes and enjoy this moment. Today I'm in 'free rider' mode. Please understand even if I disappear for a while. This is my cheat code for long-distance Race"—reveals ILLIT's confident stance of catching their breath at their own pace.
ILLIT has proven a wide concept spectrum by repeatedly defying expectations. If the previously released "PAW PAW" and "GRWM" versions respectively captured their cute and natural images, the "FREE RIDER" version offered fresh enjoyment with a clearly contrasting visual.
ILLIT's side said, "Expectations are rising for the upcoming release content as ILLIT's limitless versatility cannot be defined by just one thing."
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