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ILLIT drops new album 'bomb,' aims to surpass debut success
K-pop girl group ILLIT performs "Do the Dance," the group's new single, during a media showcase at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul's Gwangjin District, Monday. Yonhap
By Pyo Kyung-min
ILLIT — one of K-pop mogul Bang Si-hyuk's most beloved girl groups — is back with a burst of magic.
The five-member act under Belift Lab, a HYBE Labels subsidiary, released its third mini-album "bomb," Monday, aiming to surpass the viral success of their debut single "Magnetic."
In "bomb," ILLIT embraces the concept of "magical girls," delivering a message of positivity to anyone who carries untapped magic within. At a media showcase at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul, Monday, just hours ahead of the album's release, the members spoke about their own transformation.
From left, K-pop girl group ILLIT members Yoona, Wonhee, Minju, Iroha and Moka pose during a media showcase at YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
"It's been eight months since our last release and we're so grateful to our fans who waited," Moka said. "We worked extra hard because we couldn't wait to share this with everyone. This album is packed with songs we're confident in."
The new concept takes inspiration from anime-style magical girls but with a twist.
"The magical girl we envision is someone any ordinary girl can become once she recognizes her own potential," Iroha explained. "The message this time is about overcoming negativity — anyone can become a magical girl."
Thematically, "bomb" captures the emotional shift from self-discovery to the beginnings of romance. While ILLIT's previous albums centered on exploring one's own feelings, this new release marks the start of a romantic exchange with a significant other.
Members of K-pop girl group ILLIT perform "Do the Dance," the group's new single, during a media showcase at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul's Gwangjin District, Monday. Yonhap
The lead single "Do the Dance" is a direct reflection of this turning point. The track paints the scene of a nerve-wracking first date, where one suggests to "do the dance" to break the ice.
With its catchy hooks, dreamy beats and playful lyrics reminiscent of a cat's meow, the track continues ILLIT's streak of short-form-friendly hits following "Magnetic" and "Tick-Tack."
True to its Korean title, which translates roughly to "Borrowed Cat," the five members explained that feline imagery is woven throughout the track.
"The magical girl and cat concepts reflect our desire to try a variety of styles," Wonhee explained.
Yoona added, "We hope people look forward to the shy, quirky and playful cat-like side of us."
HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, known for his close support of ILLIT, also participated in the production of "Do the Dance."
"We're really thankful that Bang took time from his busy schedule to write for us," Minju said. "He praised the choreography and advised us to really bring out the cat-like quality in our performance."
ILLIT performs "Do the Dance," the group's new single, during a media showcase at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul's Gwangjin District, Monday. Yonhap
The song's dreamy and romantic vibe, according to the members, was amplified by sampling the soundtrack of the 1989 Japanese sci-fi anime "The Five Star Stories."
"We were honored to incorporate a theme from such a famous work," Moka said. "It added a romantic and ethereal atmosphere to the track."
The five-track mini-album also includes "little monster," "jellyous," "oops!" and "bamsopoong," each contributing to the album's blend of emotional depth and playfulness.
Wrapping up the event, Minju described "bomb" with one word: "growth."
"We want to show a more upgraded version of ourselves through this album," she said.
Wonhee shared a similar vision. "Our goal is to be a team that's unpredictable, full of potential. We hope people continue to look forward to seeing the many sides of ILLIT."