ILLIT Conquers Japan: Debut Single Tops Charts, Solidifying K-Pop Newcomers Status

K-pop's newest sensation, ILLIT, is making a significant impact in Japan, rapidly becoming darlings of the Japanese music scene. On September 10, Oricon reported that their debut Japanese single, 'Toki Yo Tomare,' secured the No. 2 spot on the latest Weekly Singles Chart for the week of September 15. This achievement notably surpassed the first-week sales of their Korean mini-album on its very first day, underscoring their swift ascent in the market.

The title track, 'Toki Yo Tomare,' is also dominating streaming platforms. It soared to the No. 1 position on AWA Music's real-time chart upon release and has maintained strong performance. The accompanying music video, a vibrant and nostalgic visual showcasing ILLIT's signature playful charm, topped LINE Music's 'Top 100 Music Videos' in real-time and continues to rank highly on the daily charts.

ILLIT's engaging live performances have further amplified their popularity. The group's bright disco-pop sound and refreshing energy, coupled with a catchy point dance mimicking a clock's ticking, have gone viral on short-form video platforms. Their fan concert series, '2025 ILLIT GLITTER DAY IN JAPAN,' attracted approximately 40,000 fans across two cities, alongside successful pop-up stores and themed cafes that boosted fan engagement.

Looking ahead, ILLIT is set to perform at the prestigious Rock in Japan Festival 2025 on September 14. Their appearance on the main Grass Stage is anticipated to cement their status as one of Japan's most prominent K-pop newcomers.

ILLIT is a five-member girl group under Belift Lab, which debuted in March 2024.

Their debut song 'Magnetic' garnered immense popularity both domestically and internationally, marking them as a highly anticipated rookie group for 2024.

Beyond music, they are actively expanding their influence into fashion and advertising, continuing their trendsetting journey.