[OSENWORLD] ILLIT Has Cemented Its Status as One of K-pop’s Most Promising New Acts With a Show-Stopping Live Set at Japan’s Rock in Japan Festival 2025 (RIJF)
On September 14, the five-member group — Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha — commanded the GRASS STAGE, the festival’s main arena that holds up to 40,000 fans. As one of Japan’s four major rock festivals, RIJF is celebrating its 26th year and draws more than 200,000 attendees annually. ILLIT’s name and visuals were plastered on banners throughout the grounds, signaling their surging popularity.
The group delivered a full-band performance of 11 tracks, opening with their first Japanese single “Toki Yo Tomare” (時よ止まれ, “Stop the Time”). They followed with special live arrangements: a swing version of “Tick-Tack” and a nu-disco remix of “Lucky Girl Syndrome.” The crowd erupted the moment “Almond Chocolate” — a chart favorite earlier this year — began.
ILLIT showcased their versatility with a rock arrangement of “Cherish (My Love),” delivering powerful vocals at standing microphones. During “I’ll Like You” and “Topping,” they moved closer to the audience, creating intimate moments. “We’re confident on stage with a live band,” they told the crowd. “Let’s enjoy this together — we’ll give you all the energy we have.”
The performance reached a fever pitch with “oops!” as thousands of fans spun towels in unison, in sync with the chorus, creating a striking spectacle. The group answered with high-intensity choreography in “jellyous” before closing with “Do the Dance” and their breakout hit “Magnetic,” sending the stadium into a frenzy.
After the 40-minute set, the members marveled at the atmosphere: “The energy today was incredible — exactly what we hoped for.” They added playfully, “We secretly cast a magic spell during our songs. From now on, only lucky things will happen to everyone here.”
ILLIT’s momentum in Japan is building rapidly. On September 10, TBS variety show Night Brunch spotlighted their first Japanese fan concert, 2025 ILLIT GLITTER DAY IN JAPAN. Just days later, on September 13, they appeared on NHK’s flagship music show Venue101, where their live performance drew strong reactions from local fans.
/ k_inside@osen.co.kr
Courtesy of Belift Lab
