K-pop girl group ILLIT has released its first Japanese original single, ‘Almond Chocolate’, signaling the group’s growing presence in the Japanese music market. The track was officially unveiled on February 14 across major streaming platforms, coinciding with Valentine’s Day to enhance its theme of youthful romance.
‘Almond Chocolate’ is a bright, feel-good confession song that blends lively instrumentals with ILLIT’s fresh and charming vocals. The track features a vibrant string ensemble and a catchy, repetitive chorus, creating an addictive listening experience. Its lyrics capture the excitement and anticipation of expressing one’s feelings to a crush, adding to its universal appeal.
The song was produced by an impressive lineup of hitmakers, including Pdogg, known for his work on BTS’s biggest hits, and Nakajin, a member of the popular Japanese band SEKAI NO OWARI. Their collaboration has resulted in a track that seamlessly fuses K-pop’s signature polish with Japanese pop sensibilities.
Alongside the release, a special film was also unveiled, showcasing ILLIT members preparing for a heartfelt confession. The video captures innocent and nostalgic moments, such as writing letters and dyeing fingernails with balsam flowers—a traditional gesture symbolizing hope for love. The ending scene teases a significant moment, sparking curiosity among fans.
‘Almond Chocolate’ was also chosen as the theme song for the Japanese film ‘I Don’t Like You at All, Big Brother’ (얼굴만으로는 좋아하지 않습니다), marking a major milestone for ILLIT even before their official Japanese debut. The strategic tie-in with a film release is expected to further elevate their recognition in Japan.
The group’s popularity in Japan has been steadily rising, as seen through their strong digital performance. Their debut track ‘Magnetic’ secured the No. 3 spot on Japan’s TikTok 2024 Top Songs ranking, making ILLIT the only K-pop girl group to enter the top tier of the list.
Additionally, ILLIT achieved remarkable rankings on Billboard Japan’s Hot 100 year-end chart and NTV’s ‘Annual Music Awards 2024’, where they placed higher than any other foreign artist. Their growing influence in Japan suggests they could soon become a dominant force in the global music scene.
With ‘Almond Chocolate’ receiving enthusiastic responses, ILLIT is proving its potential to bridge K-pop and J-pop audiences, setting the stage for an exciting career ahead.
Sayart / ReaA JUNG, queen7203@gmail.com
