The girl group ILLIT, under the management of HYBE, has ignited a heated discussion online following their live performance on KBS2’s Music Bank on November 5, 2025. This marked the group’s first music show victory with their latest single, “Not Cute Anymore.” During the encore performance, the five members showcased their vocals without a backing track and minimal choreography, which led to a wave of mixed reactions across social media platforms.
Fans of ILLIT have largely celebrated the group’s vocal performance, emphasizing noticeable improvements since their debut. Many took to Twitter to express their admiration. One fan remarked, “@ILLIT_official’s first encore for ‘NOT CUTE ANYMORE,’ they sound exactly the same as the studio version,” highlighting their stability and vocal prowess. Another fan excitedly noted, “ILLIT’s improvement is insane… they’re easily one of the best 5th gen groups in terms of vocals now.”
Conversely, a significant faction of netizens criticized ILLIT’s live vocals, deeming them below average compared to their contemporaries. Some comments drew attention to past criticisms directed at members of other girl groups, suggesting a double standard in the online discourse surrounding ILLIT. One tweet read, “this is the group whose fandom was coming for ahyeon’s vocals in the golden cover… the jokes write themselves,” pointing to the often harsh nature of fan comparisons within the industry.
The backlash extended beyond the performance itself, with some users questioning HYBE’s decision to debut the members without adequate vocal training. Critics argued that such practices could expose young artists to public scrutiny and mental health challenges. A user expressed frustration, stating, “Y’all blaming the girls, but it’s HYBE’s fault for debuting them without proper training,” emphasizing concerns about the pressures faced by emerging artists in the competitive landscape of K-pop.
The discourse surrounding ILLIT’s encore performance underscores the complex dynamics between fan expectations, vocal talent, and the industry’s approach to artist development. As the group continues to navigate their evolving career, the divide in public opinion highlights the challenges and triumphs faced by new artists in the ever-evolving world of K-pop.
As ILLIT moves forward, both supporters and detractors will likely remain vocal, reflecting the passionate and often polarized nature of the K-pop fandom.