[Dispatch=Reporter Kim Ji-ho] ILLIT attempted yet another striking transformation. Following magical girl (Borrowed Cat) and taekwondo girl (ITSME), this time they dressed as black agents.

ILLIT's core remains intact. The team displays their identity of being quirky, lovely, and witty. Added to this is a dark color palette. The enchanting whistle sound and well-executed group choreography leave a strong impression.

"I'd like to introduce this new album as one that captivates the hearts of the entire nation. I hope you fall for ILLIT's witty and bold charm." (Mindu)

ILLIT held a media showcase on the afternoon of the 26th at Blue Square Uri WON Banking Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul to commemorate the release of their 5th mini album "BREAK EVEN".

◆ "Introducing the New Album"

ILLIT has handled a concept of straightforwardness and over-involvement since their debut. In the new album, they reach a break-even point. The album title "BREAK EVEN" expresses a relationship where there is neither loss nor profit.

Wonhee said, "This album personally suits my taste so much. I had conviction while preparing it, and I prepared with confidence through practice," adding "I will work hard to surpass ITSME."

All four tracks on the album are connected by organic narrative. Mindu explained about "Super In Love" saying, "It's about having a close friend dating consultation, then realizing it was only your own feelings."

The second track is "More". The embarrassment of misunderstanding the relationship turns into irritation. Mindu introduced, "As that emotion peaks, the title track 'I'LL ARREST YOU' is the song that ends the relationship."

The final track is "Pop". It's about a new person appearing after a one-sided love ends. Even the failed past relationship is sublimated as a process for a perfect ending. This is the attitude of "Lucky Girl Syndrome".

Wonhee said, "Throughout this album's lyrics, we've embedded episodes from previous album songs," adding "Those who have consistently sought out ILLIT music will be able to tell right away. You can find fun points like searching for drama foreshadowing."

◆ I'LL ARREST YOU

On this day, ILLIT showcased the music video and performance of "I'LL ARREST YOU". "I'LL ARREST YOU" is an electro-pop genre track, with a whistle sound running throughout the song that creates an addictive quality.

The lyrics are fun too. It's about becoming aware that the relationship with 'you' is not mutual and boldly convicting them of guilt. Lyrics like "habitual kindness is a crime" and "I'll call Miranda and ask a lot" stand out.

Wonhee said, "It's about the person who committed the crime of habitual kindness and made me misunderstand," conveying "It's a song like ILLIT's bold warning letter, saying they will directly end an frustrating relationship."

On this day, ILLIT presented outfits reminiscent of plainclothes detectives from boys' comics. They performed movements like chasing after a fleeing target and choreography suggesting arrest by making gun shapes with their hands.

The highlight is the whistle choreography. Iroha said, "Not only is the whistle sound heard, there's also a performance where they directly wear and use whistles," adding "We practiced catching the whistle at the right timing. Please enjoy it."

The members' animated facial expressions were also a sight to see. Mindu pointed out, "It's not just expressing annoyance. Each part has different expressions. We open our eyes wide, and we also express anger."

◆ ILLIT=I'LL IT

However, it's regrettable that Moka was absent from this album as well as the previous one. Mindu said, "We prepared for a four-member comeback for the first time. Since Moka isn't here, the empty seat feels quite significant. I think it would have suited well if Moka was here."

Moka is currently focusing on recovery for her return. Iroha said, "Moka unnie really has a strong desire to come back to the fans," adding "Recently, we all gathered together and shared conversations about 'what kind of music we want to do in the future'."

ILLIT is now in their third year since debut. Starting with "Magnetic", they have continued hitting mega home runs through "ITSME". The "ILLIT core" remains strong as well. What is the ILLIT core that the current members think of?

Yuna said, "The ILLIT core I think of is 'not being confined to one framework and being undefined'," emphasizing "Being able to become anything and having anticipation of what we will become is the ILLIT core. Like our team name (I will+it), everything about ILLIT is the ILLIT core."

There's a saying, "There's no one who hasn't seen it even once, and no one who has seen it only once." Wonhee mentioned this and said energetically, "Both those who haven't seen (ILLIT's stage) and those who have seen it only once—we'll work hard so that doesn't happen."

"I think the ILLIT core is bold charm and addictive music. ILLIT will focus on what ILLIT does well. Please look forward to what kind of performance and music ILLIT will show you in the future." (Wonhee·Iroha)

ILLIT's new album will be released through major music streaming sites at 6 p.m. that day.

<Photos (Dispatch)=Reporter Song Hyo-jin>