The group ILLIT has kicked off their popularity surge by achieving impressive results on the day of their new release.
According to Hanteo Chart, a site that tallies album sales, ILLIT's third mini-album 'bomb' sold 326,117 copies on the day before its release, landing it at the top of the daily album chart on June 17.
With each album, they continue to break their previous first-day sales records, showing a consistent upward trend. Notably, this latest release has not only performed well domestically but also ranked high on iTunes and Apple Music 'Top Albums' charts in various countries/regions including Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, hinting at ILLIT's expanding global influence.
The album's tracks have also made a significant impact. The title track 'Do the Dance' quickly entered the Melon 'Top 100' as well as real-time charts on Bugs and Genie upon release. Its dreamy yet lively beat, along with unique lyrics like 'doom-chit meow' and 'kung-shil meow,' promise a growing trend of addiction.
In Japan, ILLIT's popularity is even more pronounced. On AWA Music's real-time rising chart, the songs 'little monster' and 'oops!' alternated for the top spot, with the title track 'Do the Dance', 'jellyous', and 'bamsopoong' following closely behind, effectively sweeping the chart's top 5 positions.
The music video has also received a hot response. Depicting the bold pursuit of first love, the video quickly amassed views and secured a spot in YouTube's trending music rankings shortly after its release. Comments like "Can't stop thinking about it," "It feels fresh yet distinctly ILLIT," and "I'm addicted to ILLIT's unique concept and visuals" have flooded the comment section.
ILLIT's signature hand gesture choreography has also become a talking point. The 'Cat Stretch Dance,' which mimics the movements of a cat, is expected to lead trends across various short-form content platforms with its adorable and catchy moves.
International media have also praised the group. British music magazine NME stated on June 16 (local time), "'bomb' is a whirlwind filled with lively and exhilarating pop music. It seems ILLIT has firmly grasped the style that suits them best by their third album." They added, "Especially notable in 'Do the Dance' is the cute post-chorus made up of 'do' and 'da,' mimicking the nervousness and hesitation of young lovers trying to initiate conversation."
Meanwhile, ILLIT has organized various events to experience their third mini-album 'bomb' in different ways. Today (June 17), they will hold a 'Friends Night Picnic' at Seoul's Yeouido Park Outdoor Stage, where they will unveil their new song performance for the first time. Additionally, until June 26, a pop-up store at STAGE35 in Seongsu, Seoul, will offer a photo zone that embodies the concept of 'bomb,' along with physical albums and merchandise.
Photo=Baik Seung-Chul
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)