From being one of the most hated pre-debut groups, ILLIT officially debuted at #10 on the Top World 200.
ILLIT is a South Korean girl group under Belift Lab, a sub-label of Hybe. The group is composed of five-members: Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha.
Formed through the JTBC reality show “R U Next?” and originally as six, they released their mini album, Super Real Me, on March 25, 2024.
Before their debut, controversy sparked due to the final line-up. I, and many fans, had mixed feelings about this line-up since we saw trainees (people who train to become a kpop idol, and known as this before they debut as an idol), such as Chanelle Moon and Son Ji-woo who clearly demonstrated the characteristics of an idol and have shown the world they are read.
This resulted in many blacklashes from different people to not support them in their debut and many would leave hate comments on their lives and posts. Dictating the members as they shouldn’t have debuted and it should have been others, who showed a better performance.
With much negativity surrounding this group, it felt as if they wouldn’t do good even if they are under one of the big three companies (Hybe). So, I was a bit shocked when I heard their teasers for their mini album.
I didn’t expect to like their songs, especially since I wanted Chanelle and Jiwoo to debut in this group, and was simply not going to support them since the people I rooted for didn’t make it. But I eventually stopped riding this “hate-train” and actually listened to the album and really enjoyed it.
Super Real Me is a dance, pluggnb, house, pop, modern pop mini album. Consisting of 4 tracks – My World, Magnetic (title track), Midnight Fiction, and Lucky Girl Syndrome. It’s a very bubbly and light hearted album and just makes you want to dance. The songs make you feel like you’re in a dream and they’re magical girls.
As for most kpop songs they consist of both English and Korean lyrics, and the same applies to the album. Most songs have more English than Korean, with just Midnight Fiction mostly consisting of Korean. Even with the language barrier, I feel like most would enjoy these songs, with their rhythms and catchy beats.
Magnetic
The title track for this album explores the sensation of being irresistibly drawn to someone you have feelings for, “My heart feels like a giant magnet, Everything about you sticks to my heart, boy, We’re magnetized, I admit it.” Through a dance-hybrid, and Pluggnb, the group portrays the experience of being magnetically attracted to a crush, with catchy rhythms, enhancing the portrayal of the emotions involved. “Baby, I’m just trying to play it cool, But I just can’t hide that, I want you.” The lyrics emphasize the internal conflict between trying to play it cool and the overwhelming desire to be honest about their feelings, symbolizing the intense pull of emotions when being magnetically drawn to someone. Therefore, “Magnetic” captures the excitement, energy, and vulnerability of falling in love and a really great listen for when you like someone or just like the rhythms of love songs.
My World
Being the first song on the mini album this introduces ILLIT’s concept. “Do you want to come in and see my universe? Yeah, so cool.” It celebrates individuality and self-expression, inviting listeners into ILLIT’s unique universe. “This is my world,
This is truly the real me, This is my world.” The song’s lyrics express a sense of pride and confidence in being different and embracing one’s true self without conforming to societal norms. The key lyrics in the song highlight various elements that make up the artist’s world, such as “magic”, “unicorns”, “summer moons”, and their own personal quirks. These references reflect a fantastical imagery that symbolizes ILLITs unique perspective and imagination. Overall, “My World” shows a message of self-acceptance, celebrating the beauty in being different and embracing one’s true self.
Midnight Fiction
Now with Midnight Fiction we dive into the idea of escaping the imprisonment of reality and indulging in the enchanting world of dreams and imagination. “Wishing for wishes, I want my Genie (Fly away), … Everything is my own teenage dream.” The lyrics paint a whimsical picture of a nighttime adventure filled with mystery, romance, and fantasy. The song celebrates the power of storytelling and the endless possibilities that exist within our minds. It encourages listeners to embrace their inner fantasies and find beauty in the ordinary moments of life. So, “Midnight Fiction” invites us to explore the magic that lies within our dreams and to celebrate in the joy of creating our own fantastical narratives.
Lucky Girl Syndrome
The last track appears to be an upbeat and empowering anthem that celebrates gratitude, positivity, and self-belief. “A playlist that fits just right, Today’s selfie, I say I’m lucky.” The song’s lyrics show the idea of feeling lucky and appreciative of the small joys in life, such as perfect weather, a great playlist, and moments of laughter. The emphasis on self-belief and positivity as key factors in shaping one’s experiences and manifesting one’s desires adds depth to the theme of embracing luck and celebrating life’s blessings. Ultimately, the song serves as a reminder to focus on the positives, believe in oneself, and approach each day with a hopeful and grateful attitude and a great listen to just enjoy everything you have.
Based on the concept of the group, some similar girl groups that you might enjoy listening to are Newjeans, Loona, STAYC, Cherry Bullet, and Triple S.
Super Real Me is an 8/10. It was a great way to start their career and I can’t wait to see the journey of this group.
