ILLIT Profile: Version 2.0 of NewJeans or Unique Individuality? (2025 Updated)

ILLIT (아일릿), a five-member girl group under Belift Lab, a subsidiary of the global entertainment powerhouse HYBE Corporation, stands as a prominent force within this burgeoning 5th generation. Formed through the rigorous JTBC survival competition show “R U Next?” in 2023 , ILLIT officially entered the music scene on March 25, 2024.

Their arrival represents a significant strategic move for HYBE, diversifying its girl group portfolio alongside established acts like LE SSERAFIM and NewJeans, and leveraging its multi-label system to capture distinct segments of the market.

Biography

Basic Information

• Group name: ILLIT (아일릿)
• Debut date: March 25, 2024
• Company: Belift Lab
• Number of members: 5
• Members: Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, Iroha
• Official color: Not officially designated
• Fandom name: GLLIT
• Lightstick: Not officially released

Official SNS

• Website: beliftlab.com/ILLIT
• Instagram: @ILLIT_official 
• X: @ILLIT_official / (Members): @ILLIT_twt / (Japan): @ILLITjpofficial 
• TikTok: @illit_official
• YouTube: ILLIT Official
• Facebook: ILLIT
• BiliBili: ILLIT
• Weverse: ILLIT
• Weibo: @ILLIT_BELIFTLAB

Members

• Yunah (윤아): Noh Yun-ah, January 15, 2004, in Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea. Position: Leader.
• Minju (민주): Park Min-ju, born May 11, 2004, in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
• Moka (모카): Sakai Moka, born October 8, 2004, in Fukuoka, Japan.
• Wonhee (원희): Lee Won-hee, born June 26, 2007, in Busan, South Korea.
• Iroha (이로하): Hokazono Iroha, born February 4, 2008, in Tokyo, Japan.

Fun Facts

• The dorm roommates are: Minju and Mocha / Wonhee and Iroha / Yoona.
• There are no members with blood type AB in the group: Blood type A: Yunah, Wonhee, Iroha; Blood type B: Moka; Blood type O: Minju.
• None of the members share the same birth month.
• ILLIT is the first girl group launched by Belift Lab through an audition survival program.
• There are no official positions such as main vocalist, main dancer, or main rapper, similar to their senior group ENHYPEN. However, unlike ENHYPEN, which has an official leader, ILLIT has chosen not to designate a leader and decided that all members should act with a leader’s mindset.
• None of the members have older sisters, and more than half of them have siblings who are brothers.
• The members are known for their great sense of humor and honest emotional expressions, making them very entertaining. Despite their pretty appearances, all the members have quirky and funny sides.
• ILLIT is the fastest female artist to enter the Billboard HOT 100 in South Korea since debut.
• Along with LE SSERAFIM, they are the only two HYBE-based domestic idols who have not appeared at the MBC Gayo Daejejeon as of 2025.
• All members have poor eyesight. They even got matching group glasses with the same design, as mentioned in the Weverse live on February 18, 2025.
• After visiting the LE SSERAFIM concert on April 20, 2025, Yunah revealed in a Weverse DM on April 22, 2025, that a KakaoTalk group chat called “Fimlit” was created.

Career

Formation Through “R U Next?” and Debut

ILLIT’s journey began on the set of JTBC’s reality competition “R U Next?”, which aired across ten episodes from June 30 to September 1, 2023. Co-produced by Belift Lab, HYBE, Studio JAMM (JTBC), and Mushroom Company, the show featured 22 female trainees vying for a spot in Belift Lab’s first-ever girl group. The competition assessed contestants across seven distinct rounds, evaluating criteria such as potential, expressiveness, genre versatility, professionalism, individuality, creativity, and star quality.  

The finale culminated in the selection of a six-member lineup: Wonhee and Youngseo were chosen through public votes, while Minju, Iroha, Moka, and Yunah were selected by the company’s producers. The group’s name, initially revealed as I’LL-IT, signifies the combination of “I will” (representing independence and adventurous will) and “It” (symbolizing something unique), conveying the members’ potential to be anything they aspire to be.  

However, the pre-debut period saw a significant change. On January 5, 2024, Belift Lab announced the departure of Youngseo from the group following mutual discussions and the termination of her contract. Consequently, ILLIT was confirmed to debut as a five-member act. This adjustment occurred roughly six months after the conclusion of “R U Next?”, a period during which the remaining members focused intensely on preparing for their debut. This pre-debut phase, though marked by anticipation and the unforeseen lineup change, also included strategic activities like a notable appearance at the Acne Studios show during Paris Fashion Week in February 2024, marking a high-profile introduction even before their official music release. This move signaled Belift Lab’s intention, following the successful blueprint established with their boy group ENHYPEN (also formed via a survival show, “I-LAND”), to build global recognition from the outset.  

ILLIT officially debuted on March 25, 2024, with the release of their first mini-album, Super Real Me.

Debut EP: Super Real Me (March 25, 2024)

ILLIT’s entry into the K-pop scene was spearheaded by their debut EP, Super Real Me. Produced with the involvement of HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk and other notable producers like Slow Rabbit and Stint , the four-track EP aimed to capture the “authentic feelings of teenage girls” with a focus on relatable emotions rather than complex narratives. The tracklist included “My World,” the title track “Magnetic,” “Midnight Fiction,” and “Lucky Girl Syndrome”.  

Commercially, Super Real Me was an immediate success. It sold over 380,000 copies in its first week and surpassed 500,000 sales by the end of April 2024. The EP peaked at number 3 on South Korea’s Circle Album Chart and number 2 on the US Billboard World Albums chart, also entering the main Billboard 200 chart at number 93. Its success earned it a Platinum certification from the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA).  

Breakout Hit: “Magnetic”

The lead single, “Magnetic,” became a viral sensation and defined ILLIT’s debut. Described as a dance track blending pluggnB and house genres with “arpeggio synths and dynamic bass,” the song lyrically compares the feeling of being irresistibly drawn to someone to a magnet. Written and produced by a team including Slow Rabbit, Bang Si-hyuk, Martin, and Salem Ilese , the track achieved unprecedented success for a K-pop debut song.  

“Magnetic” made history by becoming the first K-pop debut song ever to enter both the US Billboard Hot 100 (peaking at #91) and the UK Official Singles Chart (peaking at #80). It also reached number 1 on South Korea’s Circle Digital Chart, number 6 on the Billboard Global 200, and performed strongly across various international charts including Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and Singapore. The song amassed numerous accolades, including 12 wins on South Korean music shows, securing triple crowns on Inkigayo and Show! Music Core. It also set records for streaming, becoming the fastest song by a female group to surpass 100 million streams on Oricon (Japan) and achieving 100 million YouTube views for its music video in just 85 days. Several remixes of “Magnetic” were also released to capitalize on its popularity.  

Second EP: I’ll Like You (October 21, 2024)

ILLIT returned approximately seven months after their debut with their second mini-album, I’ll Like You. This EP expanded on their exploration of self, focusing on the ‘self’ immersed in encounters with ‘you’. The five-track album included “I’ll Like You,” the lead single “Cherish (My Love),” “IYKYK (If You Know You Know),” “Pimple,” and “Tick-Tack”.  

I’ll Like You continued ILLIT’s commercial success, debuting at number 2 on the Circle Album Chart and number 94 on the Billboard 200, while also reaching number 2 on the Billboard World Albums chart. It quickly surpassed 330,000 sales on the Hanteo chart within two days and has sold over 598,000 copies in Korea, earning another Platinum certification from the KMCA.

ILLIT has continued to release music, including the digital single “Almond Chocolate (Korean Ver.)” in early 2025, which charted on the Circle Chart , and a collaboration single, “Baby It’s Both (Tick-Tack English Ver.)” featuring American pop artist Ava Max.  

Awards and Recognition

ILLIT’s impactful debut year garnered significant recognition. They were named Billboard’s first-ever “K-Pop Rookie of the Month” in June 2024. They also secured several major Rookie of the Year awards at prominent year-end ceremonies, reflecting their status as one of the standout new acts of 2024. Their overall performance placed them high on charts like the Billboard Artist 100 (#41 peak) and Emerging Artists (#2 peak).  

Controversies and Public Perception

The Plagiarism Allegations (ILLIT vs. NewJeans)

The most prominent issue has been the accusation leveled by Min Hee-jin that Belift Lab and HYBE intentionally copied the successful formula and concept of NewJeans to create ILLIT. These claims emerged publicly in April 2024, coinciding with HYBE launching an audit into ADOR and accusing Min Hee-jin of attempting to seize control of the subsidiary. Min Hee0jin contended that her internal complaints about the perceived plagiarism of NewJeans by ILLIT were ignored and ultimately led to HYBE’s actions against her.  

Min Hee-jin’s legal team presented evidence, including alleged testimony from an internal HYBE whistleblower, claiming that ILLIT’s creative director had requested and used NewJeans’ project plans as a reference, resulting in concepts deemed “identical”. Comparisons were drawn by Min Hee-jin and subsequently by netizens regarding visual styles, choreography, promotional strategies, and even specific aesthetics like long, straight hair.  

HYBE and Belift Lab vehemently denied all plagiarism allegations, deeming them baseless attempts to smear a new artist. Belift Lab conducted its own internal investigation, concluded there was no imitation, and filed lawsuits against Min Hee-jin for defamation and obstruction of business. The situation became further complicated when a court, ruling on Min Hee-jin’s injunction request to prevent her dismissal from ADOR’s board, acknowledged that her concerns about plagiarism were potentially “legitimate” and “not completely groundless,” even while finding her actions did not constitute a breach of trust against ADOR.  

This controversy sparked intense online debate, with many netizens siding with Min Hee-jin and agreeing that the similarities were undeniable. Conversely, others defended ILLIT, attributing similarities to broader trends or agency influence. The debate also brought forth counter-claims examining NewJeans’ own alleged similarities to a Mexican girl group from the 1990s called “Jeans,” leading to accusations of double standards against Min Hee-jin.  

Being embroiled in such a significant plagiarism controversy, fueled by a major corporate power struggle between HYBE and ADOR, placed ILLIT in an exceptionally challenging position immediately after their debut. Instead of solely celebrating their record-breaking success, the group and their agency were forced onto the defensive, potentially polarizing public opinion and creating friction between fandoms that overshadowed their musical achievements.  

Alleged Incident with NewJeans’ Hanni

Adding to the tensions, claims surfaced, reportedly originating from NewJeans’ parents via Min Hee-jin, alleging that ILLIT’s manager had ignored NewJeans member Hanni in the HYBE building. Belift Lab swiftly refuted this accusation, stating they had reviewed CCTV footage from the relevant timeframe (May-June 2024) which showed ILLIT members encountering Hanni on May 27 and bowing respectfully.  

Vocal Performance Discussions

Like many rookie groups facing intense scrutiny, ILLIT encountered online discussions regarding their live vocal stability, particularly during encore stages after music show wins. Some criticisms pointed towards perceived weaknesses, while fan analyses often highlighted Minju’s relative stability and acknowledged that other members were still developing their skills, especially given the demanding choreography. These discussions mirrored challenges faced by other successful groups in their early careers, such as TWICE.  

Impact on the Group

The confluence of these controversies, especially the plagiarism debate occurring simultaneously with their debut promotions, inevitably impacted ILLIT’s public perception. The narrative surrounding the group became intertwined with the larger HYBE-ADOR conflict, diverting focus from their music and performances. Furthermore, Belift Lab claimed that these controversies had tangible negative consequences, alleging that major advertising deals with brands like KT and Pocari Sweat were cancelled or put on hold due to the plagiarism accusations, directly impacting the group’s potential revenue and growth trajectory.

Media

Variety and Web Shows

To connect with fans and showcase their personalities, ILLIT has participated in numerous web-based reality and variety shows produced by Belift Lab. These include pre-debut series like “I’ll Like It!” and “Illit Ready,” documentary-style shows like “Super Real Illit” detailing their debut preparations, and ongoing content series such as “Behind-It” (behind-the-scenes), “Beside-It” (vlog shorts), “Log-It” (vlogs), and weekly variety shows “Super Illit” and “The Night of Illit”. They have also made guest appearances on established television programs, such as JTBC’s “Knowing Bros”.  

Major Performances

ILLIT quickly established themselves on the live performance circuit, appearing at major domestic and international events beyond standard music show promotions.

Endorsements and Brand Collaborations

Remarkably early in their career, ILLIT secured numerous endorsements with high-profile brands across various sectors. This rapid acquisition highlights a deliberate strategy by HYBE and Belift Lab to position them as commercially influential figures, or ‘teen icons,’ from their inception. Notable deals include:  

• Acne Studios: Selected as the face of the SS24 global campaign even before debut, attending Paris Fashion Week.
• Pocari Sweat: Initially, member Wonhee was selected as the 29th model (a role often seen as a ‘gateway to stardom’), followed by the entire group being named the 30th model for 2025, a rare group contract for the brand. This deal faced turbulence due to the controversies.
• KT: Became models for the telecom giant’s Y brand.
• Bioderma: Named new models for the French cosmetics brand.
• Crocs: Announced as new models for the American footwear company.
• Lacoste: Selected as ambassadors for Lacoste Japan.
• La Roche-Posay: Moka and Iroha became ambassadors for the Tone Up UV line.

As a leading group in K-pop’s 5th generation , ILLIT has made an undeniable impact in a short period. Their debut was marked by record-breaking achievements and widespread recognition, establishing a strong foundation built on catchy music, relatable themes, and distinct aesthetics. They successfully carved out a niche with their “Magnetic” sound, navigating the initial comparisons while building their own identity.