Rookie girl group ILLIT has achieved a remarkable feat with their latest mini-album, “I’LL LIKE YOU,” selling over 350,000 copies in just five days. This achievement is especially impressive considering it’s their first major comeback since their debut with the viral TikTok hit “Magnetic.”
A Triumph Tarnished by Controversy
While the group’s success should be celebrated, it has been overshadowed by a controversy surrounding their agency, BeLift Lab. The agency is a joint venture between HYBE Corporation, the powerhouse behind global superstars BTS, and CJ ENM, a leading entertainment company in South Korea.
ILLIT’s impressive sales figures have been met with criticism from some fans who believe HYBE’s influence is unfairly benefiting the group. Accusations of “favoritism” and “unfair advantages” have been circulating online, with some fans pointing to HYBE’s vast resources and promotional power as a contributing factor to ILLIT’s success.
Fans Demand Transparency and Fairness
The controversy has sparked a heated debate among fans, with many demanding transparency from BeLift Lab and HYBE regarding their involvement in ILLIT’s promotion. Some fans are calling for a fairer playing field for all rookie groups, arguing that HYBE’s influence is creating an uneven playing ground in the K-pop industry.
The situation highlights the complex relationship between agencies, artists, and fans in the K-pop world. While ILLIT’s success is undeniable, the controversy surrounding their debut album raises important questions about the role of power and influence in the industry.