ILLIT: "We will repay GLLIT, who always cheer for us and send us so much love, with amazing performances"

Q. Thoughts on the comeback with "MAMIHLAPINATAPAI"?

Minju: “My heart is already racing at the thought of showing GLLIT (fandom name) a different side of us. We have worked hard to present a fresh stage that you have never seen before. Please look forward to ILLIT’s unpredictable charm.”

Q. The meaning behind the unique album title.

Wonhee: "The album title "Mamihlapinatapai" comes from the language of the South American 'Yaghan' tribe. It refers to the moment of a 'battle of wits' where both parties want each other but neither takes the first step. In our 4th mini album, it was used to express the excitement and tension felt after a first date, as well as the subtle emotions in between."

Q. First impressions of the title track "It's Me".

Yoona: "It was exciting right from the intro, so we all headbanged and grooved to the rhythm together. The more I listened to it, the more addictive it became. I thought it was a song that everyone could easily sing along to."

Mocha: "'It's Me' was refreshing because it was a techno genre that I hadn't expected at all. At the moment when I was deeply contemplating how to define a relationship with someone I liked, the straightforward lyrics shouting, 'I am your bias!' felt incredibly cathartic."

Wonhee: "It has a different vibe from the songs ILLIT has released so far, and I was surprised by how intense it was. I was thrilled because it felt like our musical spectrum had expanded a whole new level."

Q. Key highlights of the title track 'It's Me'.

Yoona: "It features an addictive hook and witty lyrics. Unique lyrics are one of the hallmarks of ILLIT's music, aren't they? I hope you'll keep an eye on them this time as well."

Mocha: "I thought of it as a song like 'Hot Pot'—stimulating yet impossible to stop eating once you start. I highly recommend watching the vocals and performance together, which capture that fizzy vibe."

Iroha: "It's a song that will make your body move automatically the moment you hear it. Please enjoy it with us."

Q. The most noteworthy part of the performance?

Minju: "The killing part is a performance that combines our signature 'Magical Girl' hand movements with rhythmic steps. If you watch the performance along with our playful facial expressions on stage, your dopamine will explode."

Iroha: "The performance is the most difficult ever. We packed our energy into it with high concentration. We have to perform the choreography powerfully from start to finish, and there are many jumping moves in time with the beat. We practiced a lot because we had to match the angles precisely for every single movement."

Q. Thoughts on your drastic visual transformation?

Yoona: "Those who see the concept photos will be surprised and think, 'I didn't know ILLIT could do something like this.' We tried various styling options, and they all suited us well. I felt that all the members' ability to pull off concepts has improved."

Mocha: "I challenged myself with a short haircut, and since I usually like bold styles, it was so much fun. I actually looked better than I thought. (Laughs)"

Wonhee: "Personally, I thought the bob really suited Yoona unnie. There are many new styles in the music video as well as the concept photos, so I think the fans will love them."

Q. Introduce the B-side tracks that highlight the members' high level of participation.

Iroha: "I participated in writing lyrics for the first time on "paw, paw!" It is a song that captures the deep affection for a beloved pet. I wrote the lyrics while thinking about the cat my family raised for a long time, even before I was born. I couldn't forget the cat's cute paw pads, so I included that in the lyrics."

Minju: "All the members have their names credited on "Love, Older You". It is a song like a sweet letter from the stronger ILLIT of today to the younger me, who had difficult moments when I wanted to give up. We actually wrote letters to our past selves while listening to the demo track, and that content is incorporated throughout the lyrics."

Q. What did you focus on most while preparing for the 4th mini album?

Yoona: "Everything was challenging, from the dance to the vocals and the concept, so we thought a lot about how to express it well. To leave a deep impression on those watching our performance, all the members tried to perfectly synchronize."

Minju: "I focused on the vocals. To maximize the song's versatility, we sang while changing our attitude section by section. Please watch us as we transform from bold to haughty, and then to alluring."

Q. What do you want to hear or what goals do you want to achieve through this activity?

Wonhee: "I want to win first place on music shows. It would make me really happy because it is proof that so many people love our music. If we do win, I want to perform an encore stage while eating halibut."

Mocha: "I want to hear people say that we are a team that absorbs and fits well no matter what color is applied to us."

Iroha: "Our title track "It's Me" is a song where we shout, 'I am your bias!' Through this promotion, we want to become everyone's 'bias.'"

Q. What would you like to say to GLLIT who have been waiting for your comeback?

Yoona: "We felt the immense love many people sent us through our previous work, "NOT CUTE ANYMORE," which signaled the beginning of our change. This time, with "It's Me," I think we can show you a different side of ourselves. I hope you look forward to it just as much, and please enjoy our dopamine-pumping performances."

Minju: "Thank you for waiting patiently. We will repay GLLIT, who always cheer for us and send us so much love, with amazing performances. We will work hard during this promotion, so let's be together."

Mocha: "I am so happy to finally be able to present our 4th mini album. Please show your love for the new color of ILLIT."

Wonhee: "I am already looking forward to making fun memories with GLLIT through this promotion. I hope this becomes a time where I can give GLLIT great energy and joy. I will do my best to repay your support and expectations." 

Iroha: "I prepared with all my might with the desire to surprise GLLIT, so I hope you enjoy it."