ILLIT’s Spotify milestone sparks fan excitement and controversy, with comparisons to NewJeans and producer accusations fueling tensions among fandoms. Despite the criticism, ILLIT’s achievements stand as a testament to their talent and hard work. Their success on Spotify and in Japan demonstrates their global appeal and potential for continued growth.
ILLIT Breaks Records with 300 Million Spotify Streams
Debuting on March 25, 2024, rookie girl group ILLIT has set an astonishing record by surpassing 300 million Spotify streams in just 69 days since their debut. This achievement marks the fastest among girl groups, surpassing records previously held by FIFTY FIFTY (93 days), BLACKPINK (94 days), and NewJeans (108 days). In the broader K-Pop landscape, BTS member Jungkook’s “Seven” holds the overall record with 23 days.
ILLIT’s Success Ignites Fan Frenzy
News of ILLIT’s Spotify milestone sparked excitement on the Korean community platform MLBPARK, with fans showering the group with congratulations and praise for their music. Their debut track “Magnetic” has garnered widespread popularity for its catchy and addictive nature, raising high expectations for ILLIT’s future endeavors.
ILLIT vs NewJeans: Fan Wars Intensify
ILLIT’s success has also fueled comparisons and controversies among fans, particularly with NewJeans. Some fans have made claims of ILLIT surpassing NewJeans, while others have taken it to extremes, declaring that NewJeans is no longer relevant. This highlights the rapid and dynamic nature of the K-Pop industry. While NewJeans has also achieved remarkable success in just two years since their debut, ILLIT’s emergence has seemingly posed a threat to some NewJeans fans.
Min Hee-jin’s Press Conference Controversy: Backlash and Defiance
Tensions between the two fandoms further escalated following Min Hee-jin producer’s press conference where she accused NewJeans of plagiarism. ILLIT fans expressed their disapproval of Min Hee-jin’s remarks, with some even comparing her to former President Chun Doo-hwan from the film “Seoul Spring” in a derogatory manner.
ILLIT’s Soaring Popularity in Japan
Despite facing online backlash, particularly on YouTube, ILLIT has continued to experience growth not only on Spotify but also in Japan. They have gained a strong following among Japanese fans, demonstrating the appeal of their music and the effectiveness of their Japanese market strategy.
A Call for a Healthier K-Pop Fandom
The conflict between ILLIT and NewJeans fandoms serves as a reminder of the darker aspects of K-Pop fandom culture. Fostering mutual respect and appreciation among fans of different groups is crucial, and the practice of attacking rival groups should cease. K-Pop fans should focus on supporting their favorite groups and promoting a healthy fandom culture.
ILLIT’s 300 million Spotify streams mark a significant milestone in K-Pop history. However, the excessive competitiveness and malicious comments exhibited by some fans are regrettable. Building a respectful and supportive fan culture is essential for the healthy growth of K-Pop fandom.
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Watching ILLIT kinda feels like reading a Japanese manga. Their songs are weirdly addictive, I keep listening to them.