[ILLIT1] Shedding 'Lovely' for 'Determined': Why You Should Look Forward to the Japanese Comeback Now

[Sportschosun Reporter Baek Ji-eun] The group Ailit is setting out to conquer the Japanese archipelago once again.

On July 26, Ailit will release their second Japanese single, "I Got Your Back," and begin full-scale local activities. So why should you pay attention to Ailit's Japanese comeback right now? ▶ Visual Evolution: As Strong Girls The "Amor" version concept photos and film released on official social media on the 26th and 27th capture the evolution of the "Ailit Core" style.

▶ 비주얼 진화 : 강인한 소녀로

The five members, styled with makeup that reveals their individual personalities and fashion items that look like weapons, cleverly showcase their inner strength and always confident, independent identity. Additionally, the concept film features a scene where a button from Iroha's hair clip turns into a bullet and attacks the members, but the members do not panic; instead, they block all attacks and walk forward. It is a visual realization of the narrative of independent girls who protect themselves and grow in any situation. ▶ Overwhelming Ticket Power, Epic Collaboration The local scene is already in a frenzy.

▶ 압도적 티켓파워, 역대급 컬래버

All shows for their first local tour, 'Press Start♥?', sold out well in advance, leading to the opening of additional restricted view and standing seats for some performances.

Riding this momentum, Ailit will take the stage at Fuji TV's '2026 FNS Music Festival Summer' on July 1st to present a joint performance with the popular Japanese idol group Cutie Street. The 'FNS Music Festival' is a massive music festival hosted by Fuji TV in Japan since 1974.

Along with the main awards ceremony held at the end of the year, the summer festival is also considered a prestigious event where one can get a glimpse of J-pop trends. The fact that Ailit is performing a special collaboration stage on the 'Dream Stage,' where only the top stars are invited, is proof that the local broadcasting industry and the public already view Ailit as a major artist to watch out for. ▶ Why Now? Ailit is a team that has currently reached a 'career high.

▶ 왜 지금인가

' The title track of their 4th mini album, 'It's Me,' achieved a long run even after official activities ended, winning four awards on music shows and charting on the US Billboard Global Song Chart for seven consecutive weeks. In addition, the collaboration single "Iconic by Mistake," featuring Ailit, Le Seraphim, and Cat's Eye, proved their immense global influence by reaching 22nd place on the UK Official "Singles Top 100" and 38th place on the US Billboard main singles chart, the "Hot 100. " Now that Ailit's brand value and recognition have reached their peak globally after conquering even the world's largest pop charts, Billboard and the Official, expectations are high that they will continue the global phenomenon intact as they land in Asia's largest music market.

Ailit will release the digital track "I Got Your Back" on the 26th and the physical album on the 29th.

This album depicts the story of girls growing through repeated struggles, and includes a total of three songs, including "Sunday Morning," the opening theme song for Season 2 of the TV animation "It's Time for Princess 'Torture'," which was released in January. Reporter Baek Ji-eun silk781220@sportschosun.com