ILLIT’s latest release is gaining momentum across Asia. Following strong domestic reactions, the group’s new single is now making waves in Japan, proving their rising global appeal.
A Strong Debut in Japan
According to Japan’s Oricon chart (Nov. 25), I’LL-IT’s first single album ‘NOT CUTE ANYMORE’ debuted at No. 3 on the Daily Single Ranking. Securing such a high position while competing with Japan’s top acts like Nogizaka46 and MAZZEL highlights the powerful presence the rookie group is building especially noteworthy as they only debuted in Japan three months ago.
The title track is also gaining traction on major Japanese streaming platforms. Upon release, ‘NOT CUTE ANYMORE’ claimed No. 1 on AWA’s real-time rising chart, and entered the upper ranks on Line Music and iTunes Japan. The trend didn’t stop there: on YouTube’s Trending Music chart—calculated by views on both songs and music videos—the track charted in 23 countries, including Korea (No. 3), Australia (No. 2), the UK (No. 10), and the U.S. (No. 12).
Viral MV & Global Attention
The music video quickly became a sensation. Featuring bold styling, clever direction, and the members’ distinct personalities, the MV surpassed 10 million views in just 29 hours. It later rose to No. 1 on YouTube’s Worldwide Trending MV chart (as of Nov. 26, 2 PM), signaling a breakout moment for the group.
Fans and viewers are especially drawn to the song’s unconventional lyrics—such as the now-viral line, “I’d rather be a loose jellyfish than a puppy.” The message encourages embracing individuality rather than conforming to others’ expectations, resonating with Gen Z listeners globally. On YouTube show Hyoyeon’s Level Up, the members shared that the lyrics reflect their own tastes and personalities, explaining, “People see us as cute, but that’s not the full picture. We wanted to express that honestly.”
What’s Next
ILLIT’s promotion schedule is gaining speed. On November 27, member Minju will host the group’s appearance on KBS Kpop’s Minju’s Pink Cabinet, followed by a guest appearance on Dolbak2il on November 30.