Also starting Monday off strong is the debut of ILLIT – a 5 member female group formed via the survival show R U Next?. They under Belift Lab (the home of ENHYPEN and a subsidiary of HYBE Label) and the member lineup consists of Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha. Their debut single, Magnetic, forms part of the group’s first and debut mini-album, Super Real Me.

I will admit it, Magnetic is catchy and I can see it snowballing into an addictive song for me. Its cutesy, which can be attributed to the combination of ILLIT’s youthful vocals and the bubbly synths choices and 8-bit like sounds in the background. The instrumentational, overall, also equates to an upbeat dreamy vibe. I appreciate that the cutesiness of Magnetic doesn’t feel overdone or over the top. Another thing that I also appreciate in Magnetic is the fact that the song is light and easy-on-the-ears, which contributes to the track being catchy (and potentially addictive, as aforementioned). So far, praises across the board for the new song and group. But if I were to step away from focusing on just the song and looking at the bigger picture, that is where the ground that Magnetic is on starts getting shaky. Whilst new, Magnetic doesn’t offer anything new or innovative. There isn’t anything wrong with this approach, as ILLIT has proven via Magnetic they can do this style well and can really make it their own thing. But I kind of wished the group and their producers did something a little more unique, just to give them a bit of more individuality. I guess we will find out more in their next release. As for now, Magnetic get ticks from me.

The music video for ILLIT is okay. To be honest, I find it to be quite plain. Sure, it is cutesy (going hand-in-hand with the song) and the camera work makes it feel energetic enough for the song. But we have seen similar cutesy tropes and tropes that focuses on the young age before. And I am not entirely sure what is going on, and I don’t think find myself compelled enough to find out. Their styling, at present, reminds me a bit too much of NewJeans. And to be reminded of NewJeans whilst watching a newly debut group isn’t the best impression for the newly debuting group.

In terms of the choreography, I really like the mini bouncy energy that they give off with their dance moves. I also find their footwork and handwork to be captivating to watch, and this gives them an edge in their performance. The cutesy vibe that travel through to the choreography as expected, but I like how they made full use of that vibe throughout the routine to enhance the routine.

Song – 8.5/10
Music Video – 7/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.2/10