
ILLIT showed an overwhelming presence by achieving a three-award sweep at a major Korean awards ceremony. At the “2026 K-WORLD DREAM AWARDS,” held on August 27 at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, ILLIT won three awards: the main award “K-WORLD DREAM Artist Award,” the “K-WORLD DREAM Best Stage Award,” and the “K-WORLD DREAM Group Popularity Award.” In particular, because the popularity award was decided 100% by fan voting, it clearly showed the interest from fans around the world in ILLIT. ILLIT said, “We are honored to receive three valuable awards. We are truly grateful to the members of GLLIT (the fandom name) who have supported us and walked with us since our debut,” and added, “We will continue to grow even more and show you many wonderful sides of ourselves.” On this day, ILLIT greatly enlivened the venue with the stage of “It’s Me,” which captivated fans around the world. Wearing outfits with veils as a point, they showed lovely visuals and delivered a powerful performance in line with the energetic, addictive beat. In particular, the well-synchronized group dance brought a refreshing thrill to the audience. In the chorus, explosive cheers erupted, proving the song’s high popularity. In the first half of this year, ILLIT’s international activities were remarkable. The title track “NOT CUTE ANYMORE” from their first single, released last November, re-entered the charts and recorded No. 7 on Billboard’s “Bubbling Under Hot 100,” and their 4th mini album “MAMIHLAPINATAPAI” ranked No. 26 on the U.S. “Billboard 200,” updating their own best record. In addition, the single “ICONIC BY MISTAKE,” a collaboration between ILLIT, LE SSERAFIM, and KATSEYE, recorded No. 38 on Billboard’s “Hot 100” and No. 22 on the UK “Official Singles Top 100,” once again confirming the high interest in them. The title track “It’s Me” from the 4th mini album continues to be a long-running hit. Released this April, the song dominated major domestic and international music charts at the time, and even now, more than four months later, it remains fixed near the top of the charts. Recently, promotional activities for ILLIT’s Japanese second single “I Got Your Back” have drawn attention in Japan, creating a synergy that has brought renewed spotlight even to their existing hit song “It’s Me.” Having successfully completed their first live tour, ILLIT is building excitement for their encore tour. “ILLIT LIVE ‘PRESS START♥’ ENCORE” will begin at Incheon Inspire Arena on October 17–18, and then performances will be held at LaLa arena TOKYO-BAY in Chiba on December 23–24 and 26–27.
Former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin won a damages lawsuit brought by BELIFT LAB creative director Huh over her 2024 claims that ILLIT copied NewJeans. The court dismissed the claims, saying the evidence did not show Shin, the former ADOR vice president, was involved, and that Huh was not clearly identified as the defamation victim. Huh later abandoned the appeal, making the ruling final and leaving court costs to him.
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.
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.'
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.
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