ILLIT gains fame as a leading OST artist, releasing their 3rd digital single 'Bubee' and captivating anime and music fans alike.
April/15/2026 13:10
ILLIT has emerged as a top artist in the OST (insert song) scene. They are attracting attention on music charts and are shining as a blue chip that drives the buzz of their works. ILLIT released their 3rd digital single 'Bubee' in Japan on April 6, and surprised fans with the Korean version released on the 13th. The Japanese version has been chosen as the opening theme song for the currently airing TV anime 'Magical Sisters Lulut Lily', captivating both anime and music fans simultaneously. ILLIT expressed through their label BELIFT LAB, 'We are happy to deliver the refreshing charm of 'Bubee' in the Korean version as well,' and commented, 'During the recording, we worked hard to maintain the original song's bubbly atmosphere.' They further conveyed the charm of the song, saying, 'If you focus on the cute lyrics, I think you'll feel like you've become a 'magical girl'.' Upon its release on the 6th, the song entered the top ranks of the 'Oricon Daily Digital Single (Single Track) Ranking' (as of April 6) and achieved 1st place on the AWA Music real-time rising chart. This achievement was made solely through music, without separate music videos or promotional content. ILLIT's OST power was already proven last year. Their first original Japanese song 'Almond Chocolate', produced as the theme song for the movie 'I Won't Fall in Love Just Because of Looks', achieved long-term hits on major Japanese charts and accomplished the remarkable feat of winning the 'Excellence Award' at the 67th Japan Record Awards, the only song by an overseas artist to do so. In response to enthusiastic requests from overseas fans, not only was the Korean version of the song released, but they also continued activities on music programs. Moreover, ILLIT is receiving a flood of requests for various OSTs both domestically and internationally. They have contributed to global anime as the opening theme song for the TV anime 'Hime-sama 'Torture' no Jikan desu' Season 2 with 'Sunday Morning' and the ending theme song for 'Pocket Monsters: Mega Voltage' with 'Secret Quest'. Additionally, members YUNAH and MINJU worked on the OST for the KBS 2TV drama 'Last Summer: The Rebirth of First Love', while WONHEE contributed to the SBS drama 'Shiki no Haru ~Koi meguru Bokura no Kisetsu~', enhancing the immersion of the works. The reason ILLIT is gaining attention lies in their unique trendy sensibility and clear tone. They are highly regarded for how their voices enhance the atmosphere of youth romance films, dramas, and pop animations, which are particularly popular among teenagers and those in their twenties. Their combination of a solid global fan base and mass appeal is also an attractive element. ILLIT demonstrates a wide spectrum of activities beyond albums, creating positive synergy. They are set to showcase different charms through their 4th mini-album 'MAMIHLAPINATAPAI', which will be released on the 30th. This album depicts ILLIT's story of enjoying various emotions that arise as relationships deepen, focusing on their honest 'self', even embracing complex feelings. They will reveal the concept photo of the 'FREE RIDER' version at 8 PM on the 14th, heightening expectations for their comeback.
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