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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Moka from ILLIT made her first public appearance since announcing a health-related hiatus at the Seoul Children's Grand Park Festival. She surprised fans with a performance, including the new song 'It's Me,' and showcased her recovery by dancing on stage, receiving a warm welcome from the audience.
ILLIT arrived at Gimpo International Airport in Korea on the afternoon of the 4th after their performance at JAPAN JAM 2026 in Chiba was canceled due to strong winds. They had left for Japan on the 3rd to participate in the music festival. Fans are excited for their comeback with a new song described as 'spicy like hot pot.'
ILLIT departed for Japan to perform at JAPAN JAM 2026, but the event was canceled due to strong winds making the venue unsafe and causing transportation issues. The organizers prioritized the safety of participants and expressed regret for the disappointment caused to attendees and artists alike. 28 acts were scheduled to perform, including ILLIT, ME:I, and Da-iCE.
Wonhee of ILLIT garnered attention on tvN's 'Surprising Saturday' as a special MC, discussing her recent weight loss. She humorously described her appearance as a 'foreign exchange student' and confirmed she has lost weight since turning 20, surprising the cast and expressing her determination to bring energy to the show.
ILLIT's 4th mini-album 'MAMIHLAPINATAPAI' sold 276,145 copies on its release day, topping the HANTEO chart and gaining global acclaim. The title track 'It's Me' charted in multiple countries, showcasing ILLIT's international appeal. Their performance on Mnet's 'M COUNTDOWN' received rave reviews, highlighting their captivating style and powerful dance moves.
ILLIT's 'Magnetic' surpasses 800 million streams on Spotify, setting a record for the fastest K-POP debut song to reach this milestone. The track, from their 1st mini-album 'SUPER REAL ME', features catchy lyrics and a danceable sound. They recently released their 4th mini-album and will host a festival to celebrate, offering fans an unforgettable experience.
HYBE announced record Q1 2026 earnings of 698.3 billion won, a 40% increase from last year. Key drivers included BTS's album sales and SEVENTEEN's success. Direct sales rose 25% to 403.7 billion won, with BTS's 'ARIRANG' selling 3.98 million copies on its first day. The company expects continued growth with upcoming album releases from various artists.
ILLIT has launched their new music video for 'It's Me' from their 4th mini-album, captivating fans with energetic performances and unique visuals. The song expresses the excitement of love and self-declaration, while their playful choreography and stylish outfits enhance their bold image. They will begin music show promotions and host a festival on May 5 to celebrate their album release.
Today, ILLIT releases their 4th mini-album "MAMIHLAPINATAPAI," which captures complex emotions and their intense energy. The title track "It's Me" is a techno hit that has already excited global fans, ranking high on Spotify's charts. The members express their anticipation for showcasing a new side of themselves and share insights on the album's unique title and their performances.
