Sayart.net - Rising Stars iLLIT to Make First Appearance at Japan’s Prestigious Year-End Show “Kōhaku Uta Gassen”

  • September 06, 2025 (Sat)

Rising Stars iLLIT to Make First Appearance at Japan’s Prestigious Year-End Show “Kōhaku Uta Gassen”

Kelly.K / Published November 19, 2024 09:52 PM
  • -
  • +
  • print
Courtesy of the group's instagram

South Korean girl group iLLIT will take the stage at Japan’s iconic year-end music show, Kōhaku Uta Gassen, cementing their status as one of the most promising acts of 2023. On November 19, iLLIT attended a press conference at NHK’s broadcasting center in Tokyo, where they expressed excitement and gratitude for being invited as a debut-year artist to the 75th edition of this celebrated event. Scheduled to air on December 31, the Kōhaku Uta Gassen showcases artists who have had a significant cultural impact in Japan over the past year.

Expressing their joy, iLLIT remarked, “It’s an honor to perform on such a prestigious stage in our debut year. We’ll do our best to deliver a memorable performance.” Their invitation to Kōhaku Uta Gassen comes only eight months after their debut, underscoring their swift rise and growing popularity in Japan, even before their official debut in the country.

iLLIT’s rapid success is largely attributed to their hit single “Magnetic,” the title track of their first mini-album, which has achieved over 100 million streams on Oricon, setting a record as the fastest by a female group. This accomplishment highlights the group’s powerful debut and strong resonance with Japanese audiences. Thanks to the popularity of “Magnetic,” iLLIT dominated various music charts and secured the top spot in the “Rookie Artist” category for Tower Records Music Streaming’s mid-year awards.

Beyond their remarkable debut, iLLIT recently released their second mini-album, I’LL LIKE YOU, and is currently promoting the follow-up track “Tick-Tack.” Their back-to-back releases reflect their commitment to connecting with fans through music that balances commercial appeal with artistic depth. The group’s continued success on music charts indicates they are quickly establishing a solid foundation in the Japanese music scene.

The invitation to Kōhaku Uta Gassen serves as a testament to iLLIT’s impact, given that the program selects only the most influential artists of the year to perform. This achievement marks a rare opportunity for a newly debuted group, spotlighting iLLIT as a potential leader among fourth-generation K-pop acts seeking to make waves in Japan. The anticipation surrounding their performance speaks to their potential to captivate a diverse audience with their unique style and stage presence.

As iLLIT prepares for their Kōhaku Uta Gassen performance, the group has gained recognition for their energetic choreography and distinct sound. These qualities have contributed to their burgeoning reputation as a dynamic live act. Their invitation to perform on Japan’s most-watched year-end show underscores their growing cultural footprint and aligns with Japan’s enthusiasm for emerging K-pop talent.

Reflecting on their achievements and upcoming appearance, iLLIT’s management shared, “This invitation to Kōhaku Uta Gassen is a reflection of iLLIT’s growing influence in Japan, and we’re incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication.” The group’s success this year has paved the way for future projects that will allow them to further connect with fans in Japan and beyond.

As iLLIT steps onto the Kōhaku Uta Gassen stage, fans and industry observers alike will be watching to see how they continue to evolve as artists and expand their reach in international markets. Their upcoming performance represents not just a career milestone but also a unique opportunity to introduce their artistry to millions of viewers, reinforcing their place among K-pop’s rising stars.


Sayart / Kelly.K, pittou8181@gmail.com

Courtesy of the group's instagram

South Korean girl group iLLIT will take the stage at Japan’s iconic year-end music show, Kōhaku Uta Gassen, cementing their status as one of the most promising acts of 2023. On November 19, iLLIT attended a press conference at NHK’s broadcasting center in Tokyo, where they expressed excitement and gratitude for being invited as a debut-year artist to the 75th edition of this celebrated event. Scheduled to air on December 31, the Kōhaku Uta Gassen showcases artists who have had a significant cultural impact in Japan over the past year.

Expressing their joy, iLLIT remarked, “It’s an honor to perform on such a prestigious stage in our debut year. We’ll do our best to deliver a memorable performance.” Their invitation to Kōhaku Uta Gassen comes only eight months after their debut, underscoring their swift rise and growing popularity in Japan, even before their official debut in the country.

iLLIT’s rapid success is largely attributed to their hit single “Magnetic,” the title track of their first mini-album, which has achieved over 100 million streams on Oricon, setting a record as the fastest by a female group. This accomplishment highlights the group’s powerful debut and strong resonance with Japanese audiences. Thanks to the popularity of “Magnetic,” iLLIT dominated various music charts and secured the top spot in the “Rookie Artist” category for Tower Records Music Streaming’s mid-year awards.

Beyond their remarkable debut, iLLIT recently released their second mini-album, I’LL LIKE YOU, and is currently promoting the follow-up track “Tick-Tack.” Their back-to-back releases reflect their commitment to connecting with fans through music that balances commercial appeal with artistic depth. The group’s continued success on music charts indicates they are quickly establishing a solid foundation in the Japanese music scene.

The invitation to Kōhaku Uta Gassen serves as a testament to iLLIT’s impact, given that the program selects only the most influential artists of the year to perform. This achievement marks a rare opportunity for a newly debuted group, spotlighting iLLIT as a potential leader among fourth-generation K-pop acts seeking to make waves in Japan. The anticipation surrounding their performance speaks to their potential to captivate a diverse audience with their unique style and stage presence.

As iLLIT prepares for their Kōhaku Uta Gassen performance, the group has gained recognition for their energetic choreography and distinct sound. These qualities have contributed to their burgeoning reputation as a dynamic live act. Their invitation to perform on Japan’s most-watched year-end show underscores their growing cultural footprint and aligns with Japan’s enthusiasm for emerging K-pop talent.

Reflecting on their achievements and upcoming appearance, iLLIT’s management shared, “This invitation to Kōhaku Uta Gassen is a reflection of iLLIT’s growing influence in Japan, and we’re incredibly proud of their hard work and dedication.” The group’s success this year has paved the way for future projects that will allow them to further connect with fans in Japan and beyond.

As iLLIT steps onto the Kōhaku Uta Gassen stage, fans and industry observers alike will be watching to see how they continue to evolve as artists and expand their reach in international markets. Their upcoming performance represents not just a career milestone but also a unique opportunity to introduce their artistry to millions of viewers, reinforcing their place among K-pop’s rising stars.


Sayart / Kelly.K, pittou8181@gmail.com

WEEKLY HOTISSUE