Rookie K-pop girl group Illit kicked off their highly anticipated concert tour in Seoul this past weekend, delivering a vibrant, game-themed experience for their devoted fanbase, Gllit. The “Press Start” tour marks a significant milestone for the rising stars.
The five-member group – Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha – held their first solo concert since their debut in 2024, titled “Illit Live ‘Press Start’ in Seoul,” on March 13th and 14th at the Ticket Link Live Arena in Songpa-gu, southern Seoul. Both shows were a resounding success, selling out completely during the presale period, showcasing the group’s rapidly growing popularity and ticket-selling power.
The concert began with a bang as Illit launched into their smash debut hit, “Magnetic,” instantly igniting a wave of enthusiastic cheers from the audience. The high-energy atmosphere continued with “IYKYK (If You Know You Know),” another fan-favorite track, establishing the group’s signature bubbly and captivating stage presence.
“I was so excited and nervous that I couldn’t sleep last night,” member Iroha confessed to the audience after the first two performances. “But I feel so happy seeing Gllits watching us. Let’s all have a lot of fun today!”
Following the electrifying opening, Illit transitioned to a series of softer, more melodic B-side tracks. The setlist included “Bamsopoong” and “Little Monster” from their third EP, “Bomb,” showcasing a more delicate and nuanced side of the group’s musical capabilities.
A major highlight of the night arrived with the performances of “Pimple” and “Almond Chocolate,” where the members displayed their impressive vocal harmonies, with member Wonhee’s vocals particularly shining through. The live debut of “Pimple” garnered an overwhelmingly positive response from the fans, solidifying it as one of the show’s most memorable moments. The energy then shifted once again as Illit performed “Jellyous,” with its upbeat rhythm and playful, game-inspired sound effects perfectly complementing the concert’s overall theme.
The concert also included a nostalgic journey back to the group’s origins, featuring unit stages inspired by the idol survival audition program “R U Next?,” where the Illit members were initially selected and formed.
Yunah, Minju, and Iroha delivered a powerful performance of “Desperate,” revealing a bolder, darker, and more charismatic side that deviates from the group’s typically bright and cheerful concept. The stark contrast made the stage a standout moment of the night, eliciting loud cheers and applause from the audience. Moka and Wonhee followed with an energetic rendition of “Scrum,” complete with a vibrant cheerleader-themed concept and lively choreography.
As the concert approached its conclusion, Illit revisited some of their most recognizable and beloved songs, including “Tick-Tack,” “Billyeoon Goyangi (Do the Dance),” and “Lucky Girl Syndrome.” The members also performed “Not Cute Anymore,” one of the group’s recent tracks that has gained significant popularity through short-form video platforms.
The emotional peak of the evening occurred during the closing remarks, as the members shared their heartfelt thoughts and reflections on hosting their very first solo concert.
“Because this concert was our first ever solo concert, I was really nervous and excited,” shared member Yunah. “If today was a good day for you, then it was a good day for me too.”
Minju echoed similar sentiments, expressing that it still “feels like a dream” that she is an artist capable of “filling up a large stadium.”
Iroha became visibly emotional as she expressed her gratitude to the fans for attending the girl group’s inaugural concert.
“Though we’ll be doing many more concerts from now on, today’s concert was the first, so it felt extra special,” she shared, her voice filled with emotion. “Because this was my first time, I worried that I wouldn’t be able to do very well, but I was able to be strong and have the happiest time, thanks to Gllit.”
Despite the group’s relatively brief career, the concert showcased the members’ growing confidence and stage presence as they navigated a two-hour set filled with dynamic choreography and playful interactions with their devoted fans.
While the concert provided numerous memorable and uplifting moments, certain aspects of the production could benefit from further refinement. Brief screen outages occasionally made it challenging for fans seated further away to fully appreciate the performances and disrupted the overall flow of the show. Lengthy breaks between certain stages also impacted the concert’s pacing. Enhanced live vocal projection and smoother stage transitions could contribute to an even more polished experience in future stops on the tour.
Following the two sold-out Seoul shows, Illit will continue their “Press Start” tour with upcoming stops in Aichi, Osaka, Fukuoka, Kobe, Tokyo, and Hong Kong, connecting with fans across Asia.
Adding to the excitement, Illit is also gearing up to release their fourth EP, “Mamihlapinatapai,” on April 30th, marking their first new album release in 10 months. Fans are eagerly anticipating this next chapter in Illit’s musical journey.
