ILLIT, "The key to this performance is expression.. Please watch ILLIT dance with a blank expression" Q&A released to celebrate comeback

The group ILLIT has made a comeback with their first single 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' and released a Q&A.

Released on the 24th at 6 PM, ILLIT's (Yoona, Minju, Mocha, Wonhee, Iroha) first single 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' is an album that contains their ambition to show more than the cute charm they have shown so far. They confidently state through the title track 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' and the included song 'NOT ME' that no one can define them. ILLIT expressed their excitement about showing a different side with their comeback, saying, "We are happy to show a different look."

Below is the full Q&A to celebrate ILLIT's comeback.

Q. Your thoughts on making a comeback with 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE'

Yoona: I am excited to show you a different side of ILLIT that you may not know through this single.

Wonhee: Some may feel that everything from the concept to the song and performance is bold. I hope you enjoy each part funly.

Iroha: I am really happy to have the opportunity to show a more grown-up version of ourselves. We will repay our fans who always wait for us with an even more wonderful performance.

Q. The single name is impressive.

Iroha: It means that there are many different sides we have yet to show, not just that we are 'not cute'.

Minju: Especially the title track 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' is a pop genre based on reggae rhythm, which has many different aspects compared to the bright and bouncy music or concepts we have presented before. I hope you feel that our change is cool.

Q. What are the highlights of the title track 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE'?

Minju: It’s a static yet rhythmic song, so we paid more attention to the vocals. It’s a song where you can focus on the pure voices of the members, and I liked it too. The recording process, where I relaxed and captured my true voice, was unique.

Mocha: The feeling was different when I only heard the melody, when the lyrics were added, and when the choreography was completed. Just looking at the title 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE', you might think it’s a strong song, but when you see the stage, it will have a calm yet cool atmosphere.

Q. If you had to point out something to watch for in the performance of the title track 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE'.

Yoona: There’s a point choreography where all the members nod their heads to the side together. It’s filled with a haughty charm.

Minju: I think the key to this performance is expression. While we have had many bright and lovely expressions in the past, this time you will see ILLIT dancing with a blank expression.

Q. Was there anything you particularly focused on during the preparation for the single?

Mocha: Expressiveness. While 'NOT CUTE' might evoke a girl crush, I wanted to show 'NOT CUTE' in our own color. I paid attention to maintaining a cool attitude on stage.

Wonhee: Since we are challenging a new genre, I had a lot of thoughts on how to digest it. I sang while thinking about how to naturally incorporate the unique and fun lyrics into my voice during the recording process.

Iroha: I wanted to express the calm atmosphere of the song well, so I paid attention to vocal expression. I hoped it would be a song that anyone could listen to comfortably. Above all, since it’s a different style from before, I feel like ILLIT's spectrum is widening, and I am looking forward to the future.

Q. The members' involvement in the work stands out. In particular, Wonhee participated alone in the chorus of the title track 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE', and Yoona, Minju, and Mocha are credited in the included song 'NOT ME'.

Mocha: The lyrics of 'NOT ME' feature various names calling ILLIT and the members. We shared ideas together, and thankfully, some of them were reflected in the song. It was more meaningful to be able to capture our true selves.

Wonhee: I had participated in the chorus of 'Magnetic' (Mini Album 1) and 'Cherish (My Love)' (Mini Album 2) before. It was my first time doing the chorus alone, so it was a fun and meaningful experience. Please pay attention to the chorus when you listen to 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE'.

Q. What response do you most want to hear from this single and what goals do you want to achieve?

Yoona: I think 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' is like Pyongyang cold noodles. At first, it may feel bland, but as you eat it, it has a deep and addictive taste. I hope you recognize that our song has that deep charm that draws you in the more you listen to it.

Minju: I want to be number one on music shows. It’s proof that many people love our music, and if we achieve number one, I would be really happy.

Mocha: I want to hear that we are 'not cute'. You can't define ILLIT just by cuteness!

Q. This year, you released two albums in Korea and successfully made your official debut in Japan. You recently finished the encore performance of the fan concert '2025 ILLIT GLITTER DAY' safely. What are your reflections on the year?

Yoona: We have been working hard since the beginning of the year, and as a result, ILLIT has grown significantly and received more love from many people. It was amazing and grateful to see more people recognizing us while walking down the street.

Wonhee: 2025 was a special year, as if we had spent it with GLLIT (the fandom name). It was a year that deepened our bond with GLLIT, and I will continue to work hard to show better sides with a grateful heart.

Iroha: I learned and grew a lot while performing in various countries. I want to meet GLLIT often next year and create more memories together.

Q. A word to GLLIT who has been waiting for this single.

Yoona: We will show you the not cute side of ILLIT, so please watch over us and love 'NOT CUTE ANYMORE' a lot!

Minju: Just wait a little for the cool ILLIT!

Mocha: Please feel our charm of being 'NOT CUTE' to the fullest.

Wonhee: From now on, the word cute is prohibited. (laughs) I’m already excited thinking about the activities with GLLIT. We will see you soon.

Iroha: GLLIT! Are you ready to fall for ILLIT, who is not just cute? Please give a lot of attention to this activity as well.