ILLIT's original song 'Toki yo Tomare' is the theme for ABEMA's new show 'Popteen vs egg MODELS CRUSH' starting October 28.
October/3/2025 17:25
ILLIT's original Japanese song 'Toki yo Tomare' has been decided as the theme song for ABEMA's new program 'Popteen vs egg MODELS CRUSH'. According to the announcement made by ABEMA today (the 3rd), the title track 'Toki yo Tomare' from ILLIT's first Japanese single has been used as the theme song for the model battle program 'Popteen vs egg MODELS CRUSH'. The program will start broadcasting on October 28 at 8 PM. 'Popteen vs egg MODELS CRUSH' is a collaboration between 'Popteen', which has been delivering teen culture for many years, and 'egg', commemorating the publication of a one-time collaboration magazine, depicting a battle among models for the magazine's cover and pages. The program's MCs are former top model of Popteen, now a successful talent, Nicole Fujita, and Yuuchami, a charismatic figure of Generation Z who has overwhelming support from young people as a symbol of 'egg'. Regarding the decision of the theme song, ILLIT stated, 'We are very honored that ILLIT's song will serve as the theme song. 'Toki yo Tomare' is a song that allows you to feel youth, and I hope many people can relate to it. I would be happy if you could enjoy the song along with the program.' Attention is rising for the synergy of ILLIT, which leads real teen culture and trends of the same generation. The first Japanese single 'Toki yo Tomare' is a work that incorporates the sparkle and fleeting youth of straightforward and honest girls, and it has attracted attention among teenagers through collaboration with Care Bears™. The title track 'Toki yo Tomare' is a disco pop genre song that captures the sparkle and transience of girls, as well as the dazzling moments of midsummer, like a treasure box. It straightforwardly reflects feelings of wanting to transform into an ideal self and the sentiment that 'we are strongest together with friends', gaining empathy from a wide range of generations. The included song 'Topping' has also been used in a web commercial for the new collection of the Lacoste 2025 domestic sneaker campaign, where ILLIT serves as an ambassador, and ILLIT's songs are attracting attention as advertisements and program theme songs. The first Japanese single 'Toki yo Tomare' has swept major charts in Japan. It debuted at number 2 on the Oricon 'Weekly Single Ranking' (as of September 15) and on Billboard JAPAN 'Top Singles Sales' (aggregation period: September 1 to September 7, 2025). It recorded initial sales surpassing the previous work, the Korean 3rd mini-album 'bomb', and also rose to the highest position for overseas artists at number 4 on the Billboard JAPAN 'Hot 100' (aggregation period: September 1 to September 7, 2025). Furthermore, during the same aggregation period, it achieved the only TOP 10 entry for a K-POP girl group on the 'Artist 100'. Since their Japanese debut on September 1, ILLIT continues to attract attention with good news. - ILLIT's Minju and Mocha appear in the new Haagen-Dazs web commercial! They showcase a 'melting dance' as devils and angels (video available) - ILLIT confirmed to appear on Nippon TV's 'Kintore' airing on October 18! They will take on the 'Shin-Okubo Quiz'. ■ Program Overview ABEMA's new program 'Popteen vs egg MODELS CRUSH' First broadcast date: October 28, 2025 (Tuesday) at 8 PM (8 episodes total) Cast: Nicole Fujita, Yuuchami, and others 'Popteen vs egg MODELS CRUSH' preview video ■ Related site 'Popteen vs egg MODELS CRUSH' program page
Related Articles
ILLIT's first Japanese single 'Toki yo Tomare' has achieved gold certification from the Japan Record Association, marking a major milestone for the group. The single features four tracks, including 'Topping' and 'Almond Chocolate,' and has topped various Japanese music charts. Their new songs continue to gain attention, including 'Bubee,' the opening theme for the upcoming anime 'Mahou no Shimai Lulut Lily.'
ABEMA will launch 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' on February 24, 2026, an audition show by HYBE and Geffen Records to discover talent for a new girl group. The show features notable cast members and aims to find one standout artist from Japan, showcasing the intersection of top talent and production.
ILLIT's first single "NOT CUTE ANYMORE" has surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify, marking a significant milestone in just two months. The reggae-influenced pop song expresses a desire to be seen beyond just cuteness. With a cool vibe, it has gained popularity among fans and is trending on social media. ILLIT will embark on their first live tour across seven cities, starting in Seoul.
ILLIT has unexpectedly released the music video for their first single 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE,' featuring the track 'NOT ME.' The video captures the members' everyday life with a paparazzi-style approach, highlighting their stylish outfits and lively personalities. The song, characterized by its catchy rhythm and chic vocals, boldly discusses self-identity with the addictive phrase 'That's not my name.'
Wongi from ILLIT has been chosen as the first idol model for the popular Korean cosmetics brand rom&nd. This collaboration, starting February 23, reflects the brand's commitment to consumer involvement. Known for her love of makeup, especially rom&nd products, Wongi's selection follows her previous engagement with the brand, including participating in color gloss creation. The first product from this collaboration will be new shades of the bestselling 'Glasting Color Gloss', launching in Japan on March 3.
ILLIT has been chosen as the theme song artist for the upcoming anime "Magical Sisters Lulut Lily," airing in April 2026. The song, titled "Bubee," is a dance-pop track blending Shibuya subculture and J-POP. ILLIT has previously achieved success with their songs in other anime and is gaining popularity rapidly.
Minju from ILLIT has graduated from her role as MC of KBS 2TV's Music Bank after 1 year and 3 months. She expressed gratitude for the experience and support received, promising to continue her activities with ILLIT. The group will embark on their first live tour in March 2024, covering multiple cities in Korea and abroad.
On the afternoon of the 30th, ILLIT departed through Incheon International Airport after completing their overseas schedule. They will appear in a JACQUEMUS fashion show showcasing elegant red outfits. Additionally, details for their first live tour, 'ILLIT LIVE 'PRESS START︎❤',' have been announced, featuring 11 performances across 5 cities starting June 13.
ILLIT's inaugural live tour 'PRESS START❤' kicks off in Seoul on March 14-15, 2026, and visits five cities in Japan from June 13, including Aichi, Osaka, Fukuoka, Hyogo, and Tokyo, before concluding in Hong Kong on August 22. This tour marks their first solo performances in several cities, following a successful fan concert in Japan last year.
ILLIT showcased their presence at Paris Fashion Week by participating in the JACQUEMUS F/W Le Palmier collection show. They were the first K-POP group invited, wearing red outfits chosen by designer Simon Porte Jacquemus. Their popularity continues with their single 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' ranking on Spotify's global chart for 8 weeks.
