ILLIT's single 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' transformed into festive remixes, gaining popularity and chart success ahead of year-end performances.
December/21/2025 18:11Related Groups & Members
ILLIT's 1st single 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' has been reborn into a colorful music filled with year-end sensibilities. According to their label BELIFT LAB, ILLIT released 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE (Holiday Remixes)' containing a total of 7 tracks on December 19 at 2 PM through various music distribution sites. Along with the original song, the 'Holiday Party ver.' and 'Holiday Night ver.' will captivate global music fans. Additionally, three 'Sped up ver.' versions with altered tempos and instrumentals have been added. The 'Holiday Party ver.' coexists with the excitement and warmth of a clear winter day with snow falling, contrasting with the original's calm atmosphere. The 'Holiday Night ver.' harmonizes beautiful piano melodies and bell sounds, evoking a warm feeling as if in a winter fairy tale. The three 'Sped up ver.' versions are expected to gain high popularity on global short-form platforms. The 1.3x speed version of the original song is being used as background music for the trending 'Food Job Shot' challenge among Gen Z, already receiving explosive feedback. The trendy and addictive melody of 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' synergizes with the latest memes, leading to expectations of popularity spread. This is also referred to overseas as the 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE Challenge,' drawing high interest in the source material. The sophisticated melody and repetitive rhythm create a strange addictiveness, while the paradoxical humor of the song title contrasted with the cute challenge piques interest. Thus, the original song is gaining attention globally, with 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' ranking 33rd on the US YouTube 'Daily Shorts Popular Songs' chart (as of December 16), rising 7 spots to 26th (as of December 17) within a day. On the music source chart, 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' achieved 1st place on the US Spotify 'Top Song Debut' chart (for the period November 28-30) and 2nd globally in its first week of release. It also charted for two consecutive weeks on the US Billboard 'Global 200' and 'Global (excluding the US).' Additionally, it reached 1st place for 11 consecutive days on Korea's Apple Music 'Today's Top 100' (as of December 17) and climbed to 21st on MelOn's 'Top 100' (as of December 18). Based on these achievements, ILLIT received the 1st place trophy on MBC's 'SHOW CHAMPION' on the 17th, achieving a double crown in music broadcasts. ILLIT's year-end stage is also noteworthy, as they will perform as a complete group at the '2025 SBS Song Festival' on the 25th, followed by appearances at Japan's TBS '67th Japan Record Awards' on the 30th and NHK's '76th Kohaku Uta Gassen' on the 31st, adding color to the year-end.
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On December 29, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, ILLIT, and CORTIS will perform at the '2025 Annual Music Awards' on NTV, featuring the year's most streamed songs. The event will include live performances from various artists, celebrating the top music of 2025 with a special collaboration by Hikawa Kiyoshi and Tetsuya Komuro.
Today, the 2025 MelOn Music Awards were held at the Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome, showcasing artists like EXO, BLACKPINK's Jennie, and IVE. This prestigious event, known for celebrating K-POP achievements through data and votes, has become a highly anticipated festival since its inception in 2005.
On the afternoon of the 20th, ILLIT graced the red carpet at the 'MMA 2025' held at the Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome. The MelOn Music Awards, known for being one of the largest K-POP award ceremonies, highlights artists' achievements through data, user votes, and expert reviews. Notable appearances include BLACKPINK's Jennie and aespa, with EXO returning after a six-year hiatus.
ILLIT will perform on the special music festival show 'Saku Saku Himu Himu' on December 27. The show features various artists, including Ayaka and Macaroni Enpitsu, discussing their music and experiences. ILLIT, a rising girl group, will showcase their unique charm and new song 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE.'
The 2025 MelOn Music Awards (MMA 2025) will feature a diverse lineup of celebrity presenters, including actors Park Eun-bin and Kim Min-ha, as well as popular YouTubers. The event, held at the Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome, promises exciting performances from top artists like G-DRAGON and BLACKPINK, under the slogan 'Play The Moment.'
The 2025 KBS Song Festival will feature a duet by 10CM and Minju, alongside 25 diverse artists. The event promises special stages, including a collaboration between IVE's Liz and LE SSERAFIM's Kim Chaewon, enhancing anticipation for this year-end festival.
ILLIT's new CM song 'The Brightest You' was released and aims to support youth education. Originally not planned for release, fan demand surged after its music video launch. The song's proceeds will be donated to the BTF Prunnam Foundation, aiding bullied youth with education and counseling. Megastudy hopes the song inspires students and brightens their futures.
The 2025 SBS歌謡大典 will feature a star-studded lineup of K-POP artists, including NCT's Taeyong returning from military service. Special performances include a collaboration between TOMORROW X TOGETHER's Yeonjun and KATSEYE's Yoonchae, as well as a unique stage by THE BOYZ's Sunwoo, TREASURE's Haruto, and ALLDAY PROJECT's Uchan. The event promises exciting surprises and will be broadcast live in Korea on December 25.
On the afternoon of the 16th, ILLIT arrived at Gimpo International Airport in Korea after finishing their schedule in Japan. They performed their hit song 'Almond Chocolate' on CDTV, showcasing their charm through diverse point dances. Additionally, a luxurious lineup for the '2025 MBC Song Festival' featuring artists from NCT to Stray Kids was announced.
ILLIT captivated audiences at the CDTV Christmas festival with their performance of 'Almond Chocolate,' a hit song that reflects the excitement of the season. Their all-white look and vibrant choreography enhanced the song's appeal. The group has achieved significant streaming success and recognition, including a 'Gold' certification and an award at the Japan Record Awards. Their upcoming single 'Sunday Morning' is set to release on January 13, 2026, and will serve as the opening theme for a new anime series.
