While public sympathy often goes to Yunah for being underutilized in ILLIT’s debut, a growing number of fans believe the most regrettable case is actually Iroha. Known for her strong background in hip-hop dance and freestyling, Iroha entered R U Next? with performance skills that set her apart. Yet in the group’s official debut with the ultra-cute concept of “Magnetic”, many feel her true potential is being wasted.
Iroha has proven herself capable of handling a wide range of styles, but fans argue that her versatility is being misused. Rather than showcasing her raw talent, ILLIT’s current image leans heavily into bright and bubbly aesthetics—an area where members like Wonhee and Moka naturally thrive. As a result, Iroha’s core strength in hip-hop-based choreography remains in the background.
Before debuting:
After debuting:
Some fans defend the group’s concept, saying it’s “charming” to see someone with a cool edge performing in a cute theme. But others strongly disagree, arguing that the real charm lies in letting idols shine by doing what they excel at.
In online discussions, fans have been vocal about how a different concept could have changed everything—not just for Iroha, but for several other members whose skills seem mismatched with the current direction:
- Honestly, if you take Wonhee out of ILLIT, the rest could totally pull off a hip-hop or strong concept—that’s what’s so regrettable.
- It would’ve been better if they made one ILLIT-style group centered on Wonhee and another girl crush-style group with members like Yunah, Bang Jeemin, etc.
- To be honest, aside from Wonhee, everyone else is a waste. Minju was a YG trainee for 3 years, and her vocal tone suits strong songs. It just can’t be helped. I guess they’ll do something like a hip-hop concept someday.
- Honestly, it feels like everything was tailored to fit Wonhee. No matter what, it feels like the rest don’t match and it’s just a waste.
- If you watch R U Next?, Moka was amazing at hip-hop and dark concepts. Anyway, they can’t keep doing the magical girl concept as they get older, so they’ll probably change once Wonhee matures.
- Why do they always style Iroha’s hair like such a dork?
As ILLIT grows, fans are hoping for a shift—a hip-hop or performance-focused concept that allows members like Iroha, Yunah, Minju, and Moka to tap into their full potential. Until then, frustration continues to build over what many view as a concept built for one member, leaving the rest confined to roles that don’t reflect their strengths.
