K-pop girl group ILLIT (Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha) has been invited to perform at Japan’s representative year-end music show for the second year in a row.
According to their label BELIFT LAB under HYBE Music Group on November 6, ILLIT will appear in the lineup for Fuji TV’s “2025 FNS Music Festival,” which will air on December 10. First launched in 1974, the FNS Music Festival is one of Japan’s most popular year-end programs, featuring live performances from artists who made significant achievements throughout the year. ILLIT’s second consecutive invitation—despite receiving their first last year before their official Japanese album release—proves their rising popularity in Japan.
ILLIT has had an outstanding year in Japan. Their first Japanese original song “Almond Chocolate,” released in February as the theme for the film “I Don’t Like You Just for Your Face”, went viral and climbed back up the charts through word of mouth. The track surpassed 50 million streams within five months, earning a Gold certification in streaming from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ)—the fastest record among foreign artists released that year.
Following their official Japanese debut, ILLIT’s popularity soared even higher. Their first Japanese single “Toki Yo Tomare” (時よ止まれ / Stop Time), released in September, topped major charts such as Oricon and Billboard Japan. Both the title track and the B-side “Topping” were featured in local OTT shows and commercials, resonating widely with Gen Z audiences and the general public alike. The group has also received numerous endorsement offers from brands in fashion, food, and resort industries.
Their first fan concert, “2025 ILLIT GLITTER DAY IN JAPAN,” sold out all shows, drawing 40,000 fans—demonstrating their impressive ticket power. ILLIT also graced the stages of major Japanese events, including the 41st Mynavi Tokyo Girls Collection 2025 AUTUMN/WINTER and Rock in Japan Festival 2025, further solidifying their presence in Japan’s mainstream scene.
Meanwhile, ILLIT will release their first single album “NOT CUTE ANYMORE” on November 24, delivering a bold message: “We’re no longer just cute.” Due to explosive pre-release demand, the trendy Little Mimi edition of the album has already gone into additional production, heightening anticipation for their comeback.
Before their new release, ILLIT will hold “2025 ILLIT GLITTER DAY IN SEOUL ENCORE” on November 8–9 at Olympic Hall in Seoul’s Olympic Park, where they will reunite with fans ahead of their comeback.
Written by Mun Wan Sik
Translated by Lee So Yun
