
ILLIT will release their 4th mini-album "MAMIHLAPINATAPAI" today (30th) at 6 PM. This work is an album filled with their intense energy that exposes their most transparent and straightforward inner selves at moments when complex emotions intersect. The addictive techno genre title track "It's Me" has been announced, and the members are boldly and fearlessly challenging the position of "everyone's favorite" like never before. Global music fans are already excited. ILLIT's new release has ranked high on Spotify's "Countdown Chart Global" (as of April 29). This chart is a measure of the top 10 pre-saved albums and singles by Spotify users worldwide, indicating overwhelming interest from listeners in ILLIT. -- Please tell us your thoughts on coming back with "MAMIHLAPINATAPAI." Minju: I'm very excited to show GLLIT (the fandom name) a new side of us that they've never seen before. We've worked hard to deliver a fresh stage that everyone has never experienced, so please look forward to ILLIT's unpredictable charm! -- Is there a meaning behind the unique album name? Wonhee: The album name "MAMIHLAPINATAPAI" is a word from the Yaghan people of South America. It means "the moment when we desire each other but can't say it out loud, feeling each other out." In this mini-album, it is used to express the excitement and tension felt after a first date, as well as the complex emotions that sway in between. -- What was your first impression of the title track "It's Me"? Yuna: From the intro, I was really pumped up, and we all headbanged to the rhythm (laughs). The more you listen, the more addictive it is, and I think everyone can easily hum along to it. Mocha: "It's Me" was a fresh techno genre that I didn't expect at all. The straightforward lyrics, which express the struggles of a relationship with someone you like, shouting "You are definitely my favorite!" felt refreshing to listen to. Wonhee: It was very intense and different from the ILLIT songs we've shown so far, so I was surprised. I feel like our range of expression has expanded once again, and I'm really looking forward to it. -- What are the highlights of the title track "It's Me"? Yuna: It features an addictive hook and playful lyrics. Unique lyrics are one of the characteristics of ILLIT's music, so I hope you pay attention to that this time as well. Mocha: I thought it was like a spicy hot pot that you can't stop once you start eating. I hope you enjoy the vocals that utilize the stimulating atmosphere along with the performance. Iroha: It's a song that makes your body move naturally as soon as you hear it, so please get excited together! -- What should we pay attention to in the performance? Minju: The killing part combines our signature dance, the "magical girl" hand movements, with rhythmic steps. If you watch our facial expressions on stage, dopamine will surely overflow! Iroha: The performance is of unprecedented difficulty. We packed our energy tightly into it. We have to dance powerfully from start to finish, and there are many jumping movements to match the beat. We had to practice a lot to align the angles of all our movements accurately. -- What are your thoughts on the shocking visual changes? Yuna: Those who see the concept photos will be surprised, thinking, "ILLIT has this side too!" We challenged various stylings, and I felt that all of them suited the members, and our concept absorption ability has improved. Mocha: I challenged myself with a short haircut! I originally liked bold styles, so it was really fun. Surprisingly, I thought to myself, "I'm pretty handsome" (laughs). Wonhee: Personally, I think Yuna's bob hairstyle really suits her. There are many new styles appearing not only in the concept photos but also in the music video, so I think fans will be pleased. -- Please introduce the songs that shine with member participation. Iroha: I participated in writing the lyrics for "paw, paw!" for the first time. It's a song filled with love for my precious pet. I wrote it thinking of the cat that my family has had since before I was born. I can't forget the cute little paws, so I included that content. Minju: All members' names are credited in "Love, older you." It's a song like a gentle letter from the now stronger ILLIT to the childhood self who wanted to give up during tough times. I wrote a letter to my past self while listening to the demo, and that content is reflected in the entire lyrics. -- What was the most important point in preparing for this album? Yuna: Everything was a challenge, from dance to vocals to concept, so I thought a lot about "how can we express it well." We all worked hard to perfectly synchronize so that we could leave a strong impression on those who watch our stage. Minju: I particularly focused on vocals. I changed my attitude while singing in each section to convey the diversity of the songs to the fullest. Please watch over us as we change from being dignified, to cool, and sometimes alluring. -- What words do you want to hear or what goals do you want to achieve through this activity? Wonhee: I want to win first place on music programs. It would be proof that many people love our music, and I would be really happy if that happens. If we win first place, I want to do an encore stage while eating flounder dishes! Mocha: I want to be told, "No matter what color you paint, you can wear it as your own group." Iroha: Since the title track "It's Me" is a song that shouts, "You are definitely my favorite!", I want to literally become "everyone's favorite" through this activity. -- Please give a message to GLLIT who has been waiting for your comeback. Yuna: Through the previous work "NOT CUTE ANYMORE," which announced the beginning of change, I felt a lot of love from many people. I think this time we can show a different side with "It's Me." I hope you expect a lot and enjoy the dopamine-filled stage. Minju: Thank you for waiting for us as always. I will repay GLLIT, who supports and loves us anytime and anywhere, with the best stage. I will do my best in this activity, so let's enjoy it together! Mocha: I'm really happy to finally unveil our 4th mini-album. Please love the new color of ILLIT as well. Wonhee: I'm looking forward to what fun memories we can create with GLLIT through this activity. I would be happy if I could become a big source of energy and joy for GLLIT. I will do my best to meet everyone's support and expectations. Iroha: I prepared hard with the desire to surprise GLLIT, so I hope you enjoy it!
EVAN, formerly Heeseung of ENHYPEN, appeared on the blue carpet at the 2026 K-WORLD DREAM AWARDS held at KINTEX Exhibition Hall 2 in Ilsan, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on the afternoon of the 27th. The event featured many K-pop artists, including ATEEZ, RIIZE, LE SSERAFIM, and GOT7's JAY B. It also noted his September 7 comeback with the first mini-album 'DEATH OF ME' and his cover of Kenshi Yonezu's 'Haiiro to Ao.'
P1Harmony, AMPERS&ONE, xikers, QWER, IDID, NOWZ, Kim Sung-ryul from RAINZ, See Ya, and Park Ji-hyun appeared on the blue carpet at the 2026 K-WORLD DREAM Awards in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. The ceremony also featured many K-pop artists, including ATEEZ, RIIZE, &TEAM, LE SSERAFIM, and more.
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