ILLIT will release its 5th mini album BREAK EVEN on October 26, signaling a bold new stance after its hit song It's Me.
September/14/2026 15:46Related Groups & Members
ILLIT will release its 5th mini album, "BREAK EVEN," on October 26. Expectations are rising to see what kind of image they will show next, after their previous work "It's Me" captured both popularity and buzz. The album title, derived from the economic term "break-even point," which means a state in which there is neither loss nor profit, is eye-catching. According to their label BELIFT LAB, "BREAK EVEN" is an album that contains ILLIT's frank declaration that they will no longer spend their feelings or time on an unrewarding relationship. Having so far moved straight toward "you," ILLIT is boldly issuing a warning to the other party who continues to maintain an ambiguous attitude, and is foretelling a turning point in a new relationship. Attention is focused on whether ILLIT, who led this year's K-pop trend with the title track "It's Me" from their 4th mini album, can achieve another consecutive hit with this comeback as well. The song, released this April, instantly captivated people's eyes and ears with its intense sound that stimulates dopamine and its unique performance. There were also a series of praises for the members, who retained their distinctive cuteness while becoming even more daring and powerful. Due to its high addictiveness, word of mouth spread rapidly, and it became one of the representative hit songs of the first half of the year, being played at university festivals and everywhere in the city. This year, ILLIT has broadened its musical spectrum by challenging various concepts and genres. The techno genre song "It's Me" swept major global music charts and, even now, about four months after its release, remains established near the top of the charts. The single "ICONIC BY MISTAKE," a collaboration with LE SSERAFIM and KATSEYE, was also praised for harmoniously blending each group's individuality, and achieved the feat of ranking 38th on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and 22nd on the U.K. Official Singles Top 100. Their popularity in Japan is also growing stronger. The title track of their Japanese 2nd single, "I Got Your Back (Feat. JISOO, MOMOKA of HANA)," was selected as the opening song for the ABEMA original drama "The Law of Vacation," and also recorded their highest-ever position of No. 2 on Billboard JAPAN's comprehensive song chart "JAPAN HOT 100," showing an overwhelming presence. Their solo performances are also receiving great love from global fans. Tickets for all performances of ILLIT's first live tour, "ILLIT LIVE PRESS START❤," in Seoul, five cities in Japan, and Hong Kong sold out very quickly. Supported by such passionate encouragement, ILLIT plans to hold encore tours in Incheon in October and in Chiba in December, further heating up the excitement.
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ILLIT’s Minju won fans over with a cover of Lee Hyori’s classic “10 Minutes,” released on the group’s official YouTube channel. She reinterpreted the song in an R&B style, adding delicate vocals, expressive groove, and Y2K-inspired visuals. BELIFT LAB said she also took part in vocal direction and chorus recording. Minju said she wanted to sing a song she loves in her own voice. ILLIT will hold an encore concert in Incheon next month after sold-out tour stops in Seoul, five Japanese cities, and Hong Kong.
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