ILY:1 continues to gain popularity ahead of their debut. But while the group was initially praised for their skills and visuals during pre-debut, fans raised their brows after the release of their portrait film.
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Rookie Girl Group ILY:1 Unveils Worldview Through Individual Portrait Film
On March 2, FC ENM released an individual portrait film teaser for its soon-to-debut girl group ILY:1 through its official SNS channels.
아일리원(ILY:1) l Portrait Film #RONA
— ILY:1 (@FCENM_ILY1) February 28, 2022
🔗https://t.co/TUEVxsl1f6#ILY1 #아일리원 #1st_Single_Album #Love_In_Bloom pic.twitter.com/ViJbuN3M28
아일리원(ILY:1) l Portrait Film #NAYU
— ILY:1 (@FCENM_ILY1) February 28, 2022
🔗https://t.co/u0mYzaAhJT#ILY1 #아일리원 #1st_Single_Album #Love_In_Bloom pic.twitter.com/SU3aLx9ppL
In the 15-second clip, members of ILY:1 boasted their picturesque individual concepts, wherein Rona represents "Wind," Nayu as the "Moon," Ririka as "Aurora," Ara as "Rain and Snow," Hana as "Lightning" and Elva as "Clouds."
아일리원(ILY:1) l Portrait Film #RIRIKA
— ILY:1 (@FCENM_ILY1) February 28, 2022
🔗https://t.co/An4W3pYxig#ILY1 #아일리원 #1st_Single_Album #Love_In_Bloom pic.twitter.com/OpEFBtWmf9
아일리원(ILY:1) l Portrait Film #ELVA
— ILY:1 (@FCENM_ILY1) March 1, 2022
🔗https://t.co/NgdwX6lB9C#ILY1 #아일리원 #1st_Single_Album #Love_In_Bloom pic.twitter.com/OsHaPrshjc
Their visuals truly stand out, with Rona even attracting fans with her blonde hair, Ririka with her dreamy yet mysterious aura, Ara with her girl crush vibe and Elva with her pure and innocent image.
아일리원(ILY:1) l Portrait Film #ARA
— ILY:1 (@FCENM_ILY1) March 1, 2022
🔗https://t.co/dA5fAQhW6K#ILY1 #아일리원 #1st_Single_Album #Love_In_Bloom pic.twitter.com/lUBq0agqhw
아일리원(ILY:1) l Portrait Film #HANA
— ILY:1 (@FCENM_ILY1) March 1, 2022
🔗https://t.co/DGL7sbs1x6#ILY1 #아일리원 #1st_Single_Album #Love_In_Bloom pic.twitter.com/0ISMaQUIjE
Following portrait clips, the expectations of their debut increased, hinting at the beginning of their mysterious worldview to be solved by fans through future activities.
ILY:1 Portrait Film Gains Criticism – Here's Why
Despite the members' "fairy-like visuals" in their respective portrait films, fans showed sour reactions to the poor quality of the teaser.
Not only domestic fans, but international fans expressed displeased comments, saying: "Elementary students can do better than this," "What free app did they use to edit this?" "I will edit your teaser for free!" "To be honest, the members' visuals are top-tier, but the edit is ugly," "FC ENM, can't you hire professional videographer/editor?" and more.
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ALSO READ: FC ENM's First Girl Group with 4 Former 'Girls Planet 999' Contestants Announces Name and Debut Date
On the flip side, some fans of ILY:1 defended the company and the members, saying, "The company is just established last year, please lower your expectations," "Buy the group's album if you want high-quality teasers," "They have a limited budget since they are still starting," "It's actually good for a start-up company," etc.
On the other hand, despite teasers, ILY:1 announced the birth of a girl group that is ever-changing from giving off a calm and cozy feeling to a powerful girl crush.
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In addition to their music, the group is expected to captivate the music industry with the specialty of "six fairies" through unique worldview, music and performances along with the keyword, "love."
ILY:1, comprised of six members Rona, Ara, Ririka, Nayu, Hana and Elva are set to debut on March 15 with their debut album, "Love In Bloom," carrying their strong ambition to "show various charms in harmony as a complete one."
READ MORE: Former 'Girls Planet 999' Contestants Hayase Hana, Kishida Ririka and More FC ENM Trainees to Debut in 2022
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Written by Eunice Dawson