<Interview> ”ILLIT”, what they thought and felt on their first debut anniversary

"ILLIT has made history with their K-pop debut song. The most surprising thing is that this group has only just started." (US music media "Consequence")
The girl group ILLIT, which has been breaking records with overwhelming results since its debut, has celebrated its first anniversary since its debut.
It was the first and fastest song from View to rank in the US Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Chart Top 100, and also swept all global charts.
ILLIT has won 13 awards, including seven New Artist Awards, at major music awards both at home and abroad. It can be said that the whole world is "super-attracted" to ILLIT.
This is why people are looking forward to the future of ILLIT, who are forging their own path with their quirky, bright teenage sensibility and bold charm.
The members, who are expanding their influence on the stage, shared their thoughts through management office BELIFT LAB. Q. How do you feel about your first anniversary since your debut?
Yuna: It's already been a year since our debut. When I think about the days that will be even more exciting from now on, it feels like "just" or "only" one year.
It's only been a year, but for some reason I don't want to put it down. There were a lot of great things, and it was a year I was able to spend with GLLIT (ILLIT fans), so it feels really precious.
MINJOO: I'm really thankful for a lot of things this year, I learned a lot, and it was a year where I was able to grow. MOKA: It was a very intense year. I've dreamed of becoming a singer for a long time, and I'm on stage.
I was happy to be able to stand on the stage. I also became stronger as I experienced many things with the other members. Wonhee: I was excited and nervous while preparing for my debut album.
It feels like just yesterday that I was working on this project, and it's amazing how much time has passed. I've received much more love than I expected, and I feel a greater sense of responsibility as a member of ILLIT.
Iroha: It feels like the year has passed faster than I thought it would. Since my debut, it's been a year where I've been able to experience, see and learn a lot.
It was a year where I got on planes a lot and was able to perform on many stages. Above all, it was a happy year because I got to meet GLLIT. Q. What is the most memorable moment since your debut?
Yuna: I remember when "Magnetic" topped the Melon charts. It was our first time to top any chart or music show, so it was a sudden experience.
So I didn't have time to really celebrate. As I gained more and more experience and grew, I realized once again how amazing the love and support we received was.
MINJOO: I remember the fan showcase. It was a much more fun time because it was just GLLIT and ILLIT. They all shouted our names in unison.
I was really touched to see GLLIT cheering for us. Mocha: For me, the debut showcase was the most memorable. We recorded our debut album with the members.
It was the day I had been dreaming of while preparing for the album. It was the first time we announced ILLIT to the world, so I was really nervous.
Wonhee: My first music show performance was also the most memorable.
It was really strange to see myself performing on the stage that I had seen on TV. There were many things I was experiencing for the first time and I was nervous, but I was able to do it well because I was with the other members.
Iroha: I remember every moment, but I remember our comeback showcase. When we debuted, everything was new to us so it was hectic, but when we came back,
While performing, we played new songs for them and it was the warmest moment of my heart to meet GLLIT again after such a long time.
Q. You’ve had an unforgettable year, setting various new records and sweeping all the rookie awards.
What do the members think is the reason why ILLIT is so loved? Yuna: It's the charm that the members have. Also, the good songs and concept are fresh and people love it.
MINJOO: Thankfully, I think it's because the song and performance are good. In particular, the lyrics that people of our generation can relate to seem to be loved by many people.
The finger-based choreography is also easy to imitate, so it was widely used on short-form platforms.
Mocha: Since our debut song "Magnetic," fans from not only Korea but also various countries have been sending us a lot of love.
I was surprised to see "ILLIT" songs on various charts throughout the year.
Wonhee: It's the songs, performances, and styling that create an atmosphere unique to ILLIT.
Thanks to all of you who love and support "ILLIT", it has become even more shining and loved. Iroha: We, the members, the staff around us, and GLLIT are the ones who made "ILLIT" possible.
I think it's all thanks to everyone who worked hard and supported me. Q. What was the thing you put the most effort and care into in order to grow?
Yuna: Whenever I prepare an album, I refer to the demo recordings and pay attention to the tone and pronunciation.
I frequently monitor my performance and try to improve my personal weaknesses through individual practice. I also ask the performance director for help with difficult parts.
We are upgrading. MINJOO: We are repeatedly practicing the parts that we are not good at. We are using the method of recording and monitoring the footage the most.
Mocha: I try to perform 100% on stage without getting nervous. When I get nervous, I make mistakes that I don't normally make, so I try to perform perfectly so that my body remembers them.
I want to become more familiar with it. I am practicing more and more every day. Wonhee: We are constantly practicing so that we can perform well. In order to get the five members to work together,
We also discuss a lot about the performance. Also, since "ILLIT" has a lot of detailed choreography, we pay close attention to each and every movement.
Iroha: I want to do well in both vocals and performance. I want to perform well on stage and even make my facial expressions natural.
I practice until I find what I'm lacking and am satisfied with it. Q. What are your goals and dreams for this year? Yuna: I want to be able to work hard without getting sick or injured this year, and I want to improve as much as I can.
I hope we can live up to LLIT's expectations. MINJOO: I want to be loved by GLLIT and the public again with the song "ILLIT".
Mocha: Our goal is to have an exclusive concert. We are happy to be able to perform the songs we have released so far to GLLIT.
Wonhee: I want to see more of GLLIT this year. Iroha: I want to hold a solo concert at the Dome and have the audience cheer for GLLIT and ILLIT.
I want to see the scenery filled with people. Q. Anything you want to say to the members who spent a year together? Yuna: Thank you all for your hard work this year. There were many rewarding things.
Right? Let's keep working hard like this and show ourselves to as many people as possible. Let's work hard again this year. I love you!
MINJOO: Thank you so much. I was really happy.
There were many things we couldn't have done if we hadn't done them all, but we were able to do it all because of the members. Many more days are waiting for us, so let's support each other and work hard.
Mocha: Thank you for your hard work this year. This is just the beginning, so let's work harder and show a better performance. Wonhee: Thank you so much to all the members.
I'm doing well. Let's keep going! Iroha: There were a lot of fun and difficult times, but I think I was able to endure it all because I was with the other members. Thank you.
Let's continue to take care of ourselves and do our best! Q. Anything to say to GLLIT who will continue to be with us? Yuna: GLLIT shines brighter than anyone else and is precious to us. They have worked harder than us.
I'm always grateful to GLLIT for being so patient and I feel so sorry. Please take care of yourself and eat well. I love you!
MINJOO: I'm always grateful to GLLIT and feel very sorry. I hope that we receive as much love and affection from them as we do from them.
I will give you positive energy and give back to you, so let's be happy together for the rest of our lives. I love you more than anyone else.
Mocha: I'll be showing you a lot more in the future, so please look forward to it.
Wonhee: GLLIT is a blessing. I will never forget the love and support you have given us. Let's continue to spend time together!
Iroha: I'm really happy to be able to spend our first debut anniversary with GLLIT. I'm glad that GLLIT always thinks of us and loves us.
Thanks to all of you, I was able to work happily. I will do my best to give you even more love than the love that GLLIT gives us.