ILLIT Core refers to the unique sensibility and aesthetics of the group ILLIT. With outfits featuring balloon skirts, ribbons, and lace, they offer bright and lively music reminiscent of ‘magical girls,’ gaining popularity among global fans in their teens and twenties.
However, ILLIT chose not to follow a proven path to success, instead daring to try something new. With their recent single album ‘NOT CUTE ANYMORE,’ they declared they are “not just cute anymore,” rejecting societal views, stereotypes, and expectations, and singing about true self-awareness and growth beyond the ‘cute girl’ image.
Their musical style has transformed dramatically. Unlike their previous works characterized by danceable tempos and trap beats, the new title track is based on a relaxed reggae rhythm, maintaining its addictive quality with a cozy melody that suits winter well. The space in the music is filled with the pure vocals and delicate expressions of the five members.
The performance also showcased a different side of ILLIT. The simple choreography involving gentle nodding of the head and shoulders and restrained expressions conveyed the cool and chic message of the song, while their ‘quirky charm’ remained intact, highlighting the group’s paradoxical appeal.
ILLIT has consistently pursued narratives true to their emotions, expressing whimsical and lively imaginations that traverse reality and dreams through various themes. They have captured the hearts of their peer generation by using metaphors like magnets (‘Magnetic’) for attraction to a loved one, wisdom teeth (‘Cherish (My Love)’) for growing pains, and cats (‘Do the Dance’) for awkwardness in new relationships.
‘NOT CUTE ANYMORE’ focuses even more explicitly on individual emotions and preferences. The lyrics reflect their upbringing listening to rock band LPs like fairy tales, with lines in songs like “Linda Linda Lullaby,” and “Suede on my vinyl.” They express a desire to be a cool jellyfish, unconcerned with others’ views, rather than a cute puppy loved by everyone. This theme sets the tone for ‘NOT CUTE ANYMORE.’
This is seen as an ‘expansion of ILLIT Core.’ Global fans have responded enthusiastically. ‘NOT CUTE ANYMORE’ topped the Billboard Japan’s ‘Hot Shot Songs’ and also led the ‘Weekly Korean Chart’ on China’s largest music streaming platform QQ Music during the tracking period from November 28 to December 4. Initially entering Melon’s ‘Top 100’ at 100th, it rose to 34th as of December 10.
Through ‘NOT CUTE ANYMORE,’ ILLIT has proven themselves as a team with a broad musical spectrum and the ability to freely expand their diverse colors. This path is consistent with their name (ILLIT), combining ‘I will’ and ‘It.’ The group, full of potential and capable of becoming anything, raises expectations for their next steps.
Image source: Belif Lab
