ILLIT has been nominated for three awards at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, including “K-pop Song of the Year.” Their title track “Magnetic” from SUPER REAL ME is the only rookie group song among the nominees. Despite domestic controversies, ILLIT continues to solidify its status as a global K-pop act through international recognition.
ILLIT Nominated for Three iHeartRadio Music Awards Categories
ILLIT, a rising K-pop group, has been nominated for three awards at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. According to the list of nominees released on January 22 (local time), the group is up for “K-pop Song of the Year,” “Best New Artist (K-pop),” and “Favorite K-pop Dance Challenge.” These nominations highlight ILLIT’s growing global presence and recognition in the music industry.
Introduction to the iHeartRadio Music Awards and Its Prestige
The iHeartRadio Music Awards, organized by the U.S.-based online radio broadcaster iHeartRadio, have been held annually since 2014. The awards recognize artists and songs most frequently streamed on iHeartRadio stations and apps over the past year. This year’s ceremony is scheduled for March 17 in Los Angeles, further solidifying its status as a prestigious international event.
Magnetic: A Standout Track Among Rookie Groups
ILLIT’s title track “Magnetic,” from their debut mini-album SUPER REAL ME, released in March last year, earned the nomination for “K-pop Song of the Year.” Notably, it is the only song from a rookie group among the candidates. This distinction underscores the track’s popularity and ILLIT’s breakthrough success in the competitive K-pop industry.
ILLIT Gains Global Recognition Through Prestigious Nominations
Since their debut, ILLIT has steadily gained international acclaim. Following nominations at the MTV Europe Music Awards and the 2024 Billboard Music Awards, their presence at the iHeartRadio Music Awards further cements their reputation as a promising global act. These accolades signify their growing influence and success beyond South Korea.
Controversy Over NewJeans and ILLIT Sparks Debate
ILLIT’s domestic popularity faced challenges following a controversial press conference by Min Heejin, who accused the group of plagiarizing NewJeans. This sparked criticism from NewJeans fans, leading to a temporary decline in ILLIT’s domestic support. However, ILLIT’s agency, Belift Lab, has filed a legal suit against Min Heejin, claiming her accusations are baseless. Current court proceedings suggest her statements may be unfounded, as the two groups’ concepts and songwriting methods differ significantly. Many MLBPARK forum members, who initially supported ILLIT, have dismissed the plagiarism claims and criticized Min Heejin.
ILLIT and iHeartRadio Music Awards: A Milestone in Global Success
Despite controversies, ILLIT’s achievements at international music awards affirm their potential and growing impact as a global K-pop act. Their nomination at the iHeartRadio Music Awards is a testament to their talent and hard work, positioning them as a group to watch in the years to come.

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It’s a relief to hear that the ILLIT plagiarism issue is being handled. I’m questioning Min Hee-jin’s judgment on this. MY GIRL WONHEE 🥺🥺