They made history as the first K-pop girl group to win the Excellent Work award with 'Almond Chocolate'.
Thanks to their fans' support, they continue to achieve remarkable results while pursuing global activities.
The group ILLIT is making waves on Japan's year-end music scene, marking significant back-to-back achievements. On December 30th, they performed 'Almond Chocolate' on TBS’s '67th Japan Record Awards', further establishing their presence as an emerging K-pop girl group. They appeared in the recent excellent work award recipient list published last month.
Dressed in outfits adorned with ribbons and frills, ILLIT exuded a vibrant and fresh charm on stage. The infectious melody combined with the members' pure vocals captivated the audience's ears. Their live performance showcased impressive improvements in their skills, with precise choreography and expressive acting heightening the overall experience.
The 'Japan Record Awards', a prestigious event established in 1959, has recognized ILLIT with the excellent work award after last year’s new artist award, marking them as the first K-pop girl group to achieve both honors. Their song 'Almond Chocolate' stood out as the sole international artist track to win an award this year. The group expressed their gratitude to fans who supported them along the way. Additionally, ILLIT appeared on NTV's 'Annual Music Awards 2025', confirming the public's love as their debut song 'Magnetic' ranked again in the top charts.
This year, ILLIT solidified their influence within the Japanese music market by entering several major charts. Their growing popularity in both Korea and Japan emphasizes their global potential, as ILLIT prepares to wrap up the year participating in the '2025 MBC Gayo Daejejun' and NHK's '76th Kohaku Uta Gassen' to share the moment with fans.
ILLIT's 'Almond Chocolate' stands out for its blend of originality and commercial success. The catchy melody and upbeat rhythm make it an enjoyable track suitable for diverse settings, particularly appealing to listeners seeking comfort in their busy lives. This quality has contributed to ILLIT's favorable reception in the Japanese market.
Winning an award at the Japan Record Awards marks a significant milestone in acknowledging their artistic capabilities, suggesting that ILLIT’s music and performances contribute to cultural exchange between Japan and Korea. As they aim for greater international reach, expectations are high for their continued growth on the foundation of their current achievements.
The enthusiasm fans display for ILLIT stems from the group's consistent communication through their music. By prioritizing their connection with fans, they are solidifying their musical identity and direction. Future plans and the growth potential of ILLIT will likely draw more attention from fans and industry observers alike.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily
