On January 5, 2025, the rising K-pop girl group ILLIT showcased their achievements as they returned to South Korea after participating in the prestigious 39th Golden Disc Awards held at PayPay Dome in Fukuoka, Japan. The group, consisting of five talented members—Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha—celebrated significant milestones including their recent awards.
ILLIT debuted on March 25, 2024, launching their career with their first mini-album, SUPER REAL ME. Their debut track, “Magnetic,” became immensely popular, breaking records by reaching 500 million streams on Spotify, marking them as one of the fastest K-pop groups to achieve this feat. This achievement indicated their strong foothold in the industry, capturing the attention of music charts both domestically and internationally.
During their participation at the Golden Disc Awards, ILLIT was not only nominated but also managed to walk away with the New Artist of the Year award, a highly sought-after title recognized for outstanding contributions to the music industry. This accolade was celebrated among fans and marked just one highlight of ILLIT’s incredible year.
ILLIT's success did not stop there. Throughout December, they gained more recognition by earning the New Artist Award at the 66th Japan Record Awards, followed by their first appearance at the 75th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, one of the most-watched music programs in Japan. These appearances solidified their place as one of the industry’s most promising new artists.
Yunah, known as the group's mood maker, reflected on the year, saying, “2024 was a year of gratitude and emotion for us.” Her words encapsulated the sentiments of the entire group, emphasizing their appreciation for the support from fans and the incredible experiences they shared throughout the year.
The rising star group also recently shared their admiration for international superstars. A heartfelt message was sent to BTS's j-hope, which read: “Hello, BTS Sunbaenim! This is ILLIT. We are excited to announce our first comeback with our second album. We always gain strength from listening to your songs and learn from watching your performances.” The heartfelt note was shared by j-hope on his Instagram, which quickly went viral, showcasing the camaraderie and support among K-pop artists.
The group's second mini-album, I’LL LIKE YOU, is set to exhibit their evolution as artists, with promises of varying musical styles and concepts compared to their debut. The anticipation for its release reflects their consistent growth and the expectations placed on them by both fans and critics alike.
Moving forward, ILLIT expressed their aspirations for 2025. During various interviews, members highlighted their commitment to putting on stellar performances and connecting more deeply with their fans. “We hope to have more opportunities to connect with GLLIT, our fandom,” Minju mentioned, referring to their dedicated supporters who have made significant contributions to their success.
Despite their rapid rise to fame, ILLIT remains grounded, eager to continue developing their craft and nurturing their creative identities. Wonhee explained how the experience has shaped them, stating, “We've learned so much about ourselves and how every performance can connect with audiences on various levels.”
This enthusiasm to grow and perform is what sets ILLIT apart. Their constant strive for excellence paired with innovative concepts has gained them numerous accolades and endless appreciation from fans. With the musical horizon bright before them, and new works on the way, ILLIT is optimistic about what the future holds.
With fame achieved at such speed, ILLIT looks to make waves internationally, collaborating with established artists, and continuing their musical pursuits beyond K-pop. “What lies for us is beyond our imaginations, and we aspire to show our fans something even more spectacular as we grow,” Iroha concluded, encapsulating the spirit of their ambitious goals.
2024 was undeniably memorable for ILLIT, as they closed out the year with spectacular performances and heartwarming recognition at the Golden Disc Awards. The anticipation and excitement for what 2025 will bring for this vibrant girl group only continues to grow.