ILLIT, the rising K-pop girl group, is poised to release their first-ever movie OST, marking an exciting new chapter in their career. Belift Lab announced on January 10 that ILLIT will unveil the Japanese original song Almond Chocolate on February 14. The track has been specially composed as the theme song for the Japanese film I Don’t Like You Just Because of Your Face.

The film, based on a beloved manga with over 2 million copies sold, portrays the journey of a young girl falling for her handsome senior. ILLIT's tender and emotive vocals are expected to elevate the story's emotional depth, enhancing the cinematic experience. The collaboration has already sparked enthusiasm among fans, particularly within Japan's youthful demographic, who highly anticipate this unique synergy.

Almond Chocolate conveys the heartfelt and fervent emotions of admiring someone special. Its lyrics reflect the protagonist Sainan’s inner feelings, played by Rinka Kumada, while its charming, playful melody resonates with universal themes of young love. The song features contributions from Nakajin, leader of Sekai no Owari, and Pdogg, a renowned producer of BTS hits like Spring Day and Dynamite, ensuring a high level of musical sophistication.

Speaking about the project, ILLIT expressed their excitement, stating, “It’s truly thrilling to imagine our voices echoing in movie theaters. The lyrics are relatable for anyone cherishing someone special, making it a song that speaks directly to the heart.” Their agency also noted the perfect timing of the release on Valentine’s Day, predicting that Almond Chocolate could become a seasonal favorite while amplifying anticipation for the film’s success.

Even before their official Japanese debut, ILLIT has been making waves. The group clinched the New Artist Award at the 66th Japan Record Awards, a feat not achieved by a K-pop girl group in 13 years. Their debut track Magnetic reached top positions on various Billboard Japan charts in 2024, including Hot 100, TikTok Song, and Streaming Song.

Magnetic’s enduring appeal is evident; the song, released in March 2024, was recently ranked 8th on the Melon 2024 Annual Chart, showcasing its continued global resonance. Additionally, ILLIT became the fastest K-pop act to enter the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 (April 20 issue) and the UK Official Singles Top 100 (April 5 issue) with their debut single, setting new records for the genre.

The release of Almond Chocolate further cements ILLIT's rising status as a global sensation, combining cinematic charm with their ever-growing musical acclaim. Fans eagerly await February 14, when the group’s voice will shine in theaters across Japan.

Sayart / Sharon Jung, guhuijeong784@gmail.com