K-pop is increasingly embracing hard-hitting techno sounds, as girl groups tilt away from the cutesy-lovey-bubbly theme toward bold beats and club aesthetics that align with short-form video promotion, which has become the advertising norm.

Goodbye cutesy, hello techno: Girl groups embrace harder, faster, louder sounds as trends shift

K-pop girl group ILLIT is set to release a new Japanese single titled "Bubee" on April 6, its agency Belief Lab announced Saturday. "Bubee" is a dance-pop song about how anything is possible while with the person you love. 

이지안

ILLIT to release new Japanese single 'Bubee' on April 6

Girl group ILLIT kicked off its first-ever live tour with a show doubling down on what the quintet does best: showing off its glittery charm with a wink of cheeky humor.

신하늬

ILLIT members 'Press Start' on first concert tour with dreamy, retro game-inspired show in Seoul

ILLIT will sing “Bubee,” the opening theme for the TV anime “Mahou no Shimai Lulutto Lilly” ("Magical Sisters Lulutto Lilly") set to air in April, according to the girl group’s agency Belift Lab on Tuesday.

김민영

ILLIT continues anime connection, singing 'Bubee' for Studio Pierrot's 'Mahou no Shimai Lulutto Lilly'

While a Seoul court’s recent ruling in favor of ADOR prompted NewJeans members to return to their estranged agency, the decision also touched on an ongoing firestorm engulfing K-pop: the issue of copyrights and plagiarism.

A year after NewJeans-ILLIT clash, copyright conundrum still engulfs K-pop

Girl group ILLIT will release its second Japanese digital single, “Sunday Morning,” on Jan. 13, the group’s agency Belift Lab said Saturday.

윤승진

Girl group ILLIT to release second Japanese single on Jan. 13

"Suneung, fighting!" — Stars cheered on Korea's students taking the 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) — also known as suneung — college entrance exam on Thursday. BTS members RM and V each left short but sincere messages.

윤소연

'Fighting!': BTS's RM, V, aespa's Karina, other K-pop acts wish students luck for CSAT

Girl group ILLIT will sing the opening song for Japanese animation series "'Tis Time for Torture,' Princess," when the second season starts airing in January next year, according to the band's agency Belift Lab.

ILLIT to sing opening song for Japanese animated series

Singer Minju of the girl group ILLIT awed gamers on Sunday with her opening ceremony for the 2025 League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) final round held in Incheon.

ILLIT's Minju performs at League of Legends Champions Korea finals

Girl group ILLIT added two more dates to its ongoing “Glitter Day” concert series in Seoul for Nov. 8 and 9, agency Belift Lab said Friday.

신민희

Girl group ILLIT announces additional performances in Seoul for November

ILLIT performed a showcase on Monday at Yes24 Live Hall in eastern Seoul to celebrate the release of its third EP, “bomb.”

곤잘레스 페레스 다니엘라

ILLIT celebrates third EP release with showcase at Yes24 Live Hall in Seoul — in pictures

Girl group ILLIT released “Do the Dance,” the lead single of its third EP, "bomb," exploring themes of feeling out of place while embracing confidence and growth.

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