ILLIT showcased their refined artistry through a heartfelt performance on THE FIRST TAKE, captivating both Japanese and international fans. The group delivered Almond Chocolate and Magnetic with emotional clarity and precise live control. Their growing popularity in Japan marks a new milestone for next-generation K-pop talent.
ILLIT Delivers Sweet Artistry through THE FIRST TAKE Stage
ILLIT (Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha) enchanted fans on October 15 with their one-take live performance of Almond Chocolate on THE FIRST TAKE. The set showcased the group’s emotional depth, composure, and vocal precision, reaffirming how much their live skills have matured since debut. Each member projected confidence while maintaining the delicate, heartfelt tone that defines ILLIT’s musical identity.
THE FIRST TAKE as a Platform of Authentic Sound
THE FIRST TAKE—one of Japan’s most influential music channels with over 11 million subscribers—offers artists a raw, unfiltered stage. Its single-take format eliminates post-production edits, allowing viewers to connect directly with each performer’s genuine voice and emotion. The platform’s emphasis on authenticity resonates with global audiences, and ILLIT’s appearance reflected their readiness to stand shoulder to shoulder with respected live performers.
Acoustic Warmth and Emotional Delivery of ILLIT
ILLIT approached Almond Chocolate in an acoustic setting, transforming its bright sweetness into a piece filled with sincerity and warmth. The gentle guitar melody framed their pure tones beautifully, and the group’s dynamic control revealed both technical skill and emotional instinct. Wonhee especially drew attention with her flawless triple high notes, demonstrating a striking blend of clarity and strength that captivated listeners throughout the performance.
ILLIT and THE FIRST TAKE Create Buzz with ‘Magnetic’
Before Almond Chocolate, ILLIT had already made headlines through THE FIRST TAKE with their debut song Magnetic. For that session, they reimagined the track into a polished city-pop style that emphasized sophistication over spectacle. Their clear, soothing vocals carried emotional depth, turning a debut anthem into something timeless. The video quickly went viral, entering YouTube’s “Top 100 Weekly Music Videos” charts in both Japan and Korea from October 3 to 9—a rare accomplishment for such a new group.
Expanding Popularity of ILLIT across Japan
ILLIT’s momentum in Japan continues to accelerate. Both Magnetic and Almond Chocolate secured spots on Billboard Japan’s 2025 mid-year “Hot 100,” ranking 58th and 80th respectively. They were the only K-pop act with two entries on that chart. Within just five months of release, Almond Chocolate surpassed 50 million streams and earned a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan—the fastest among all international artists this year. These achievements underline ILLIT’s growing influence beyond the K-pop sphere.
Strong Presence through Performances and Fan Events
Following their official Japanese debut in September with Toki Yo Tomare, ILLIT actively appeared on major television shows, live music programs, and large-scale festivals. Their energy and charisma translated seamlessly across diverse stages. Between August and September, the group also held their fan concert series 2025 ILLIT GLITTER DAY IN JAPAN, selling out all four shows. The turnout confirmed not only their expanding fan base but also the emotional connection they’ve built with Japanese audiences.
Fans Applaud ILLIT after THE FIRST TAKE Performance
Reactions on Korean online community theqoo captured how warmly fans received ILLIT’s THE FIRST TAKE video. Viewers praised the members’ adorable presence, clean vocal tones, and the gentle acoustic sound that matched their sweet image perfectly. Many commented that the high-quality recording enhanced the intimacy of the performance, leaving them “smiling without realizing it.” The response reinforced ILLIT’s growing reputation as a group that charms through sincerity rather than spectacle.
ILLIT’s live performance on THE FIRST TAKE showcased pure vocals, emotional expression, and natural charm, winning praise from fans in Japan, Korea, and beyond.
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Since Nakajin produced it, the melody definitely has that SEKAI NO OWARI vibe, which makes it super soothing. The gentle vocals make you want to listen on repeat. A little surprised it doesn’t sound very K-pop, tbh.