I have so many thoughts on ILLIT that I will make multiple threads about them. Mainly, I will explore why there is something about them that feels wrong, or just "missing"
I do not even know where to start.
I have always been an enjoyer of cutesy-fairytale concepts in K-Pop. Growing up, I have always wanted to be a princess (and still want to be one), and I enjoy ANYTHING that is associated with fairytales. Recently, I embraced that side of mine much more. For teens, at the moment it's trendy to be and act very mature (by that, I do not mean making mature decisions, speaking in a good manner or knowing how to behave. Maturity in my generation focuses a lot on sexualisation) when you are a teenager, but I feel like I do not want to give up on my childhood yet.
I want to embrace the charm that comes with being in between of adulthood and childhood.
And K-Pop has always been the ideal place for that. Cuteness is embraced, and even seen as an ideal trait.
However, if it's overdone, it can get really boring. That's why NewJeans excels with their concept. They embrace both sides of it, and show the more "mature" sides of growing up (like, love for example) in a cuter way that isn't too childish (like in hype boy).
So, I was really interested in what ILLIT will do, compared to the other HYBE ggs. I had my predictions, and I was right:
- Le Sserafim is HYBEs more "mature" girl group, with choreographies and styles that show more skin, or are more sexual than others (Smart, Impurities, Unforgiven etc.). Overall, their lore and concept is very dramatic. They talk about being strong while embracing your weaknesses and use the symbolism of fallen angels a lot.
- NewJeans will always be in the middle. Their concepts won't be too cute or too mature. They will try different styles over time, but they probably won't experiment too much in terms of "sexy" concepts. Their image is youthful and fresh. They are the bridge between ILLIT and Le Sserafim.
- ILLIT will definitely be a cute concept group. By that, I mean K-Pop cute. Typical cute concept and songs, just very modernized and more elegant (with a touch of magical concept?). They remind of early Loona, WJSN, and even Iz*One in a way.
ILLITS concept is beautiful, and feels new, even though it isn't. It's actually exactly the kind of concept that I like. Fairytale-like, magical, cute... In their brand concept trailer, it was a little different from how the MV actually went. But anyways, I should love them. Their songs are chill and dreamy, which is exactly 100% what I love.
But... I dislike them
Why?
I have absolutely no idea.
Or wait, I actually do
Because what on earth was HYBE thinking when debuting them?!?!?!?
Part 2 coming uppppppppppp
