ILLIT's new single 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' showcases their growth and maturity, breaking away from their cute image with a fresh sound.

ILLIT has made a comeback with a new song that includes a reversal that betrays everyone's expectations. On the 24th at 6 PM, ILLIT released their 1st single 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE'. This work contains ILLIT's ambition to show more than the cute charm they have shown so far. Through the title track 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' and the included song 'NOT CUTE', they boldly speak, 'No one can define me.' The more mature visuals and charming vocals of the members harmonize with their confident performance, showcasing a different side of ILLIT. ILLIT, which has expanded its musical spectrum with new attempts, conveyed the charm of the new song through interviews. -- What are your thoughts on making a comeback with 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE'? Yuna: I’m excited to show everyone the unique side of ILLIT that they may not have known through this single. Wonhee: I think some people will feel that everything from the concept to the song and performance is exceptional. I hope everyone enjoys each part. Iroha: I’m really happy to have the opportunity to show a more grown-up side. We will respond with even better performances for our fans who always wait for us. -- The title of the single is impressive. Iroha: It means that there are many different sides we haven't shown yet, not just 'not cute'. Minju: Especially the title track 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' is a pop genre based on reggae rhythm, which is quite different from the bright and bouncy music and concepts we have shown so far. I hope you feel cool seeing our 'NOT CUTE' transformation. -- What are the highlights of the title track 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE'? Minju: It’s a rhythmic song with a calm atmosphere, so we paid more attention to the vocals. It's a song where you can focus on the members' voices, and I liked the fresh recording process that included my true voice. Mocha: When I first heard the melody, and then when the lyrics were added, and finally when the choreography was completed, the atmosphere was completely different. Just looking at the title 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE', it seems like a strong song, but when you see the stage, it has a calm yet cool vibe. -- What should we pay attention to in the performance of the title track 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE'? Yuna: There’s a point dance where the members nod together. It’s filled with confident charm. Minju: I think the key to this performance is the expressions. If we had many bright and lovely expressions before, this time you can see ILLIT dancing with no expression. -- Please tell us if there was anything you particularly focused on during the preparation for the single. Mocha: It was about expressiveness. When we say 'NOT CUTE', you might think of a girl crush (a cool woman even from a woman's perspective), but we wanted to show our own color of 'NOT CUTE'. We paid attention to maintaining a cool attitude on stage. Wonhee: Since we are challenging a new genre, we thought a lot about how to express it. I sang while thinking about how to naturally express the unique and interesting lyrics with my voice during the recording process. Iroha: I wanted to express the calm atmosphere of the song well and paid attention to vocal expression. I hoped it would become a song that anyone could listen to easily. Above all, since it’s a different style from before, it seems like ILLIT's spectrum is expanding, and I’m looking forward to what’s next. -- The high level of participation from the members in the production stands out. Especially, Wonhee participated alone in the chorus of the title track 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE', and Yuna, Minju, and Mocha are credited in the included song 'NOT ME'. Mocha: The lyrics of 'NOT ME' include various names calling ILLIT and the members. We shared ideas together, and fortunately, some of them were reflected in the song. I think it’s meaningful to capture our true selves. Wonhee: I have also participated in the choruses of 'Magnetic' and 'Cherish (My Love)'. It was my first time doing the chorus alone, so it became an interesting and meaningful experience. Please pay attention to the chorus when you listen to 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE'. -- What kind of response do you want to achieve with this single, and what goals do you want to fulfill? Yuna: I think of 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' as a song like cold noodles. At first, it might seem boring, but as you eat it, it has a deep addictive taste, right? I want people to know that our song has a deep charm that gets better the more you listen to it. Minju: I want to be number one on music shows. It would be proof that many people love our music, and I would be really happy if we could be number one. Mocha: I want to hear the words 'not cute'. You can’t define ILLIT just by cuteness! -- This year, we released two albums in Korea and successfully debuted in Japan. Recently, we also completed the encore performance of our first fan concert '2025 ILLIT GLITTER DAY'. Looking back on the year, how do you feel? Yuna: I’ve been running hard since the beginning of this year, and I feel that ILLIT has grown a lot and has been able to be loved by more people. I felt it was strange and grateful that more people recognized us while walking around the city. Wonhee: 2025 was a special year that I can say we spent with GLLIT (the fandom name). It was a year where we connected more deeply with GLLIT, and I will continue to show better appearances with gratitude. Iroha: I learned and grew a lot while performing on various stages. I want to meet GLLIT more next year and create more memories together. -- Please say a word to GLLIT who has been waiting for this single. Yuna: We will show you the 'not cute' side of ILLIT, so please watch over us. Please love 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' a lot! Minju: Look forward to the cool ILLIT! Mocha: Enjoy our charm of being 'NOT CUTE' to the fullest. Wonhee: The word cute is now banned (laughs). Thinking about activities with GLLIT makes me excited. Let’s meet soon! Iroha: GLLIT! Are you ready to fall for ILLIT, who is not just cute?