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 has raised anticipation for its comeback by unveiling additional concept photos for its new release. The group shared the GLLIT version of its 5th mini album BREAK EVEN concept photos on October 6, presenting a witty take on the youth trend “Admin Night” with colorful styling and quirky props. A teaser for the title track “You’re Under Arrest” also hinted at an addictive performance. BREAK EVEN is already ranking No. 3 on Spotify’s Pre-save Top 10, with more than 270,000 pre-saves. ILLIT will hold an encore tour in Korea on the 17th and 18th, and the album and music video will be released on the 26th at 6 p.m.
ILLIT’s Wonhee shone at Paris Fashion Week by attending Chanel’s 2027 S/S ready-to-wear show at the Grand Palais in Paris. After being invited to Chanel’s Seoul show in May, she strengthened her special ties with the brand. Media worldwide highlighted her style, while ILLIT prepares to return with its 5th mini album, BREAK EVEN, and the title track “You’re Under Arrest.”
ILLIT has begun the countdown to its comeback by releasing a teaser video for its 5th mini album, BREAK EVEN, on HYBE LABELS’ official YouTube channel. The video links the members’ shifting emotions in everyday frustration to the new songs, with the title track “You’re Under Arrest” drawing the most attention for its addictive electro-pop whistle sound and playful energy. The group will also hold a solo concert before the comeback.
ILLIT made a strong impression with the first concept photos for its new mini album BREAK EVEN. The “BURNING” version shows a cold, sharp image that captures the moment of anger after realizing the sunk cost of a one-sided relationship. The album, due on the 26th, expresses a firm decision to stop spending feelings and time on unrewarding love. Interest is rising fast, with BREAK EVEN ranking third in Spotify’s Pre-save Top 10 and surpassing 200,000 pre-saves in just eight days. Before the comeback, ILLIT will meet fans at an encore concert in Incheon on the 17th and 18th.
ILLIT departed through Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 3rd for overseas schedules. The text also notes that Iroha will appear on the October 9 two-hour special of "Sore Snow," and that ILLIT's debut song "Magnetic" has received Triple Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.
The October 9 two-hour special of So, Let Snow Man Do It features the popular dance-copy battle, where teams try to perfectly recreate famous choreography. Snow Man faces the all-star past MVP team and the STARTO dance selection team, with =LOVE appearing as guest performers.
ILLIT’s debut song “Magnetic” has become a long-running hit in Japan, surpassing 300 million streams and earning Triple Platinum certification. It is the fastest song by an overseas female artist to reach that mark. Other tracks have also been certified, and a new album is due on the 26th.
HYBE CINE FEST 2026 is a limited-time theater event featuring live films from TOMORROW X TOGETHER, ENHYPEN, and SEVENTEEN, plus a HYBE cheering party with music videos and performance clips. Advance tickets go on sale October 1, and a pop-up shop opens October 9 in Yurakucho Marui.
U-NEXT has decided to exclusively livestream MMA 2026, the 18th MelOn Music Awards, on November 14 and 15, 2026. The awards, based on MelOn data and voting, will be held at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome, with artists including ALPHA DRIVE ONE, ATEEZ, ILLIT, RIIZE, and more.
ILLIT announced its Oct. 26 comeback with the 5th mini album BREAK EVEN, which marks a shift from one-sided love to putting themselves first. The title track, You're Under Arrest, is a strong warning to someone who misled them. Teasers, concept photos, and an encore concert are scheduled before release.
