ILLIT successfully wrapped up its first live tour in Hong Kong and will continue the momentum with encore concerts in Incheon and Chiba.
August/24/2026 15:21
ILLIT successfully finished its first live tour, “PRESS START❤,” with even greater growth. They swept Seoul, five cities in Japan, and Hong Kong into a frenzy, and will continue that momentum with an encore tour in October. ILLIT held “ILLIT LIVE ‘PRESS START❤' in HONG KONG” on August 22–23 at AsiaWorld-Expo Hall 10 in Hong Kong. This was the final performance of the tour, which had been held 15 times in total across seven cities in Korea and overseas since March. In particular, because it was ILLIT’s first solo performance in Hong Kong, the local fans’ reaction was hotter than ever. A rich set list that allowed the audience to look back on ILLIT’s path of growth made the audience’s hearts flutter even more. They colored the stage with songs that have been loved by fans around the world, from their debut song “Magnetic” to the new song “I Got Your Back (Feat. JISOO, MOMOKA of HANA).” Then, when “It’s Me,” which swept global music charts, played, a powerful “chorus in unison” rose from the seats, and fans stood up from their seats and imitated the dance challenge, greatly energizing the venue. Also impressive was the deep interaction with the audience. The members spoke to fans in a friendly way in the local language, and the fans responded by calling the members’ nicknames. Yuna and Minju surprised the audience by covering local hit songs such as “Dream Lover” (夢中人), and Wonhee and Iroha covered “Next Stop: Tin Hau” (下一站天后), and they also tried dance challenges that are trending on Chinese-language social media, enjoying deep interaction with the audience. ILLIT said, “Thanks to GLLIT (the fandom name), who excited the venue passionately, we were very happy. Because GLLIT sang together with us throughout the performance and cheered us on earnestly, it seems like it will become an unforgettable time,” and added, “This time is ending, but our story will continue from here, so please stay with us from now on as you did today. We will always keep growing and keep working hard.” Having successfully completed their first live tour, ILLIT will interact with even more global fans through the encore tour. “ILLIT LIVE ‘PRESS START❤' ENCORE” will begin with performances at Incheon Inspire Arena on October 17 and 18, and performances are also scheduled for December 23–24 and 26–27 at LaLa arena TOKYO-BAY in Chiba. Since ILLIT sold out every show on their first live tour and proved their overwhelming ticket power, their hot popularity is expected to continue on the encore tour.
Related Articles
ILLIT will release its 5th mini album BREAK EVEN on October 26. The album title, from the economic term break-even point, reflects a firm declaration to stop investing feelings and time in an unrewarding relationship. After major hits in Korea and Japan, the group is set for an encore tour.
ILLIT’s Minju won fans over with a cover of Lee Hyori’s classic “10 Minutes,” released on the group’s official YouTube channel. She reinterpreted the song in an R&B style, adding delicate vocals, expressive groove, and Y2K-inspired visuals. BELIFT LAB said she also took part in vocal direction and chorus recording. Minju said she wanted to sing a song she loves in her own voice. ILLIT will hold an encore concert in Incheon next month after sold-out tour stops in Seoul, five Japanese cities, and Hong Kong.
Dwango will exclusively livestream the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS from Busan, South Korea, on Niconico on September 19, 2026. The red carpet is free, while the awards ceremony and live performances require a net ticket. Buyers also get access to past TMA shows from 2019 to 2025.
ILLIT’s Japanese 4th digital single, “Swingin’ Magic,” will be released on September 21 and serve as the opening theme for the second cour of the TV anime Magical Sisters Lulutto Lily. The release includes a Korean version, and the song features a New Jack Swing sound.
ILLIT won three awards at the 2026 K-WORLD DREAM AWARDS, including a fan-voted popularity prize, showing their strong global support. They also energized the crowd with “It’s Me,” while their recent chart success and upcoming encore tour highlight their rising international presence.
Actor Kim Soo-hyun will serve as a presenter at the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS, to be held on September 19 at Busan Asiad Main Stadium. The event will feature a larger stage and performances by 17 acts, while Kim’s appearance marks a return to a Korean awards show after some time.
EVAN, formerly Heeseung of ENHYPEN, appeared on the blue carpet at the 2026 K-WORLD DREAM AWARDS held at KINTEX Exhibition Hall 2 in Ilsan, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on the afternoon of the 27th. The event featured many K-pop artists, including ATEEZ, RIIZE, LE SSERAFIM, and GOT7's JAY B. It also noted his September 7 comeback with the first mini-album 'DEATH OF ME' and his cover of Kenshi Yonezu's 'Haiiro to Ao.'
GOT7’s JAY B, AHOF, Hi-Fi Un!corn, and 82MAJOR appeared on the blue carpet at the 2026 K-WORLD DREAM AWARDS held at KINTEX in Ilsan, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on the 27th afternoon. The event featured many K-pop artists, including ATEEZ, RIIZE, &TEAM, LE SSERAFIM, and more.
P1Harmony, AMPERS&ONE, xikers, QWER, IDID, NOWZ, Kim Sung-ryul from RAINZ, See Ya, and Park Ji-hyun appeared on the blue carpet at the 2026 K-WORLD DREAM Awards in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. The ceremony also featured many K-pop artists, including ATEEZ, RIIZE, &TEAM, LE SSERAFIM, and more.
ILLIT appeared on the blue carpet at the 2026 K-WORLD DREAM AWARDS held at KINTEX in Ilsan, Goyang, on the afternoon of the 27th. The event featured many leading K-pop artists, including ATEEZ, RIIZE, LE SSERAFIM, MEOVV, GOT7’s JAY B, and others.
