[Dispatch=Lee Myeong-ju Reporter] "The title track is like 'hot pot' — once you start, you can't stop."(Moka)

ILLIT is making a comeback with new music. On the 30th at 6 p.m., they will release their fourth mini album "MAMIHLAPINATAPAI" on various music platforms.

The album captures moments where subtle emotions intersect. It contains the intense energy of the members pouring out their most transparent and honest inner selves.

The title track is "It's Me," an addictive techno genre track. ILLIT takes on the challenge of becoming everyone's favorite with bold and cheeky charm.

Listeners' anticipation is considerable. The new album ranked 6th on Spotify's "Countdown Chart Global" (as of the 29th) and entered the top 10 in pre-saves.

<ILLIT Q&A Follows>

Q. Impressions on making a comeback with "MAMIHLAPINATAPAI"

Minju: My heart is already racing thinking about showing GLLIT (fandom name) something new. We prepared hard to deliver a fresh stage you haven't seen before. Please look forward to ILLIT's unpredictable charm.

Q. Meaning behind the unique album title

Wonhee: "MAMIHLAPINATAPAI" is from the language of the Yaghan people of South America. It refers to a moment of awkward eye contact where both people want something but neither steps forward first. In this fourth mini album, we used it as a word to express the excitement and tension felt after a first date and the subtle emotions in between.

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

Yuna: From the intro, we got excited and all did headbanging together to the rhythm. The more you listened, the more addictive it became. I thought it was a song everyone could easily sing along to.

Moka: "It's Me" was fresh because it was a techno genre we completely didn't expect. When the moment comes where you're thinking deeply about defining your relationship with someone you like, the direct lyrics that shout "Your favorite is me!" felt cathartic.

Wonhee: It was different from ILLIT songs we've shown so far, and it was so intense that we were surprised. We felt excited, like our spectrum has expanded even further.

Q. Points to appreciate in the title track "It's Me"

Yuna: The addictive hook and playfully spirited lyrics are characteristic. Unique lyrics are one of ILLIT's musical signatures. I hope you'll pay attention to them this time too.

Moka: I thought of it as a track like "hot pot" — stimulating yet once you start, you can't stop. I recommend watching our vocal performance and choreography that bring out the tangy atmosphere.

Iroha: Once you hear it, your body naturally has to move. Please enjoy it with excitement together.

Q. What to pay attention to in the performance

Minju: The killing part is a performance that combines our signature choreography of "magical girl" hand gestures with rhythmic steps. When you watch the performance with our cheeky facial expressions on stage, dopamine will burst.

Iroha: The performance is at an all-time difficulty level. We packed our energy in concentrated form. We have to do the choreography with power from start to finish, and there are many movements that jump to the beat. We practiced a lot because we had to nail the angles in every move.

Q. Impressions on the bold visual transformation

Yuna: Those who saw the concept photos will be surprised thinking "ILLIT can do this too." We tried various styling and each one looked good. I felt all the members have improved in their concept digestion.

Moka: I challenged myself with a short cut, and since I usually like bold styles anyway, it was so fun. I turned out to be better-looking than I thought.(laughs)

Wonhee: Personally, I thought Yuna's bob cut looked really good on her. There are lots of new styles not just in the concept photos but also in the music video, so I think fans will like them.

Q. Introduction of B-side tracks highlighting the members' high participation

Iroha: I participated in songwriting for the first time in "paw, paw!" It's a song with affection for beloved pets. I wrote the lyrics thinking of the cat my family raised for a long time before I was born. The cute paw pads of the cat stayed with me, so I included that content.

Minju: All members' names are credited on "Love, older you." It's like a tender letter from ILLIT now, a bit more solid, to the young me who had difficult moments and wanted to give up. We actually wrote letters to our past selves while listening to the demo track, and that content melted into the overall lyrics.

Q. What you focused on most while preparing the fourth mini album

Yuna: Everything from dance to vocals to concept was challenging, so we thought a lot about how to express it well. To leave a deep impression on those who watch our stage, all the members worked hard to achieve perfect synchronization.

Minju: I focused on vocals. We sang by changing our attitude by section so the song's diversity is maximized. Watch us as we shift from bold to aloof to captivating.

Q. Messages you want to hear or goals you want to achieve through this activity

Wonhee: I want to win first place on music shows. It would be proof that many people love our music, and I think I'd be truly happy. If we do win first place, I want to do an encore stage while eating flatfish.

Moka: I want to hear that we're a team that absorbs and suits any color.

Iroha: The title track "It's Me" is a song that shouts "Your favorite is me!" Through this activity, we want to become everyone's favorite.

Q. What you want to say to GLITs who waited for the comeback

Yuna: Through our previous work "NOT CUTE ANYMORE" which signaled a change, I felt the love many people sent us. This time, I think we can show you another side through "It's Me." I hope you anticipate even more, and enjoy a stage that bursts with dopamine.

Minju: Thank you for waiting without change. For GLITs who support and send love everywhere and always, we will repay you with great stages. We'll work hard on this activity too, so be with us.

Moka: I'm so happy we finally get to present our fourth mini album. Please love this new color of ILLIT too.

Wonhee: I'm already looking forward to what fun memories we'll make with GLITs through this activity. I hope it's a time when I give GLITs big energy and joy. We'll work hard to live up to your support and expectations.

Iroha: We prepared with the heart to surprise GLITs, so I hope you enjoy it. <End>

<Photos provided by Belif Lab>