ILLIT (아일릿): "we were able to work harder, but that uncertainty sometimes weighed upon us"

Some of the quotes (visit TeenVogue for the whole interview):

“We debuted through a competition show, and while we were in the show it was uncertain whether we would be able to debut or not,” Yunah tells Teen Vogue, via a translator. “Because of that uncertainty, we were able to work harder, but at the same time that uncertainty sometimes weighed upon us.” For ILLIT, everything is a learning experience. “I think that gave us an opportunity to experience different feelings and emotions,” Yunah finishes.

“For this album, especially with the new genre we are trying, it was very new to us and also a challenge for us,” Wonhee says. “During the recording, I think because of this new attempt we have made, we’ve felt like we’ve grown compared to the past.” (And yes, they didn’t totally see the title coming: “When I first heard the title, I was surprised,” Yunah admits, “but I also felt that because it’s a very unique title that only ILLIT can present, I really loved it.)

“When I first heard it, I was very surprised because it gave us a feel that we have never tried before,” Minju says, “but at the same time the song was very upbeat and exciting, so when we heard it together we jumped up and down and had a very fun time together.”

“We really struggled and it was quite difficult. However, we kept encouraging one another and that’s what helped us push through to the very end,” Wonhee says. “We kept saying ‘Fighting! Fighting!’ to one another, and we made sure we were all able to get through to the end and we worked very hard together … it was a memorable moment for all of us.”

“Even when we have disagreements we make sure we talk it through,” Minju says. “We offer each other opinions and try to find common ground, and I think we’re more aligned with each other compared to the past.”

“[Our first concerts] allowed us to grow a lot compared to the past, and it was a year that really allowed us to look forward to the future that lies ahead of us,” says Wonhee. Those concerts helped Iroha learn to live more in the moment. “When I [first] began going on stages and performing, I had a lot of concerns,” Iroha says. “I have now become a person that’s able to enjoy my performance, and I really started to cherish those moments.”

Currently, they’re dreaming of a larger tour and have been inspired by the stage presence of artists like BLACKPINK and LE SSERAFIM. “I thought every single stage that they put on was amazing,” Minju says about her experience watching BLACKPINK perform live. “I thought to myself, one day I want to perform in such an amazing way just like them, somewhere in the future.”

When Yunah, Minju, Wonhee, and Iroha think about their past selves, different ideas come to mind.

Yunah is thinking more practically: “Because I know in the future I would be taking up this profession, maybe I would tell my younger self to take lessons at a dance academy, and also it would have been really nice if I tried musical theater as well.” Iroha, meanwhile, had the experience of dance training, and so desires the opposite: “When I was young, I took a lot of lessons at dance academies for example, and it [was] really nice to focus on developing those skills. However, I think another advice I could give is, you know, go on trips with your parents often. Have fun playing with your friends. I think that would have allowed me to make more great memories.”

More “play” resonates with Minju as well. “Eat really good foods, and also play a lot and have fun,” she smiles. Wonhee offers something like peace with her past self. “I would like to say to myself, trust yourself and do not worry,” she says. “Just have fun and enjoy the process.”