Amidst mounting anticipation for HYBE's forthcoming girl group, ILLIT (formerly I'LL-IT), criticisms have surfaced regarding the group's logo teaser, drawing comparisons to existing HYBE acts.
Having clinched their spots through the competitive crucible of R U Next?, the members of ILLIT have been eagerly awaited since the announcement of their impending debut slated for the end of March.
Logo Teaser Debut
On February 26 (KST), HYBE unveiled the official logo film for ILLIT, featuring the quintet showcasing their charisma, offering a tantalizing glimpse into what fans can anticipate from their debut.
Mixed Reactions and Similarity Allegations
However, the unveiling prompted a wave of diverse and potent opinions from netizens. Some observers noted striking resemblances to other HYBE groups, particularly citing similarities with NewJeans.
Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the logo's likeness to TXT's branding, with assertions that it lacked distinctive attributes tailored to the members.
Hybes 3rd group with this concept now mind you https://t.co/sCkV91kD1u
— Læla (@desiaeri) February 25, 2024
what an intricate logo https://t.co/Ws46SAQSr2 pic.twitter.com/kRueskAtqy
— ۟ (@haewonized) February 25, 2024
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Netizens' Rally to Defense
Despite the backlash, supporters swiftly rallied to the defense of the budding stars, underscoring the arduous journey they've undertaken to reach this point. Many argued that premature judgments based solely on a logo film were unjust, emphasizing that all creative decisions are tailored to complement the group members' identities. Notably, the incorporation of the "plus" sign in the logo, mirroring ENHYPEN's iconic "minus" emblem, was highlighted as a strategic aesthetic choice.
negative sign (-) for enhypen and positive sign (+) for I'll-it. pic.twitter.com/AtA5qmDL62
— mocha (@sakaimok_a) February 25, 2024
honestly these girls have been THROUGH IT both on that mess of a survival show and in general especially on this app I really hope this debut goes well for them 🫂 https://t.co/AqT6SgJpuc
— 19.99 vee (@jaedooriz) February 25, 2024
Coming of age vibes
— Læla (@desiaeri) February 25, 2024
am i the only one who doesn’t see an issue with their logo 😭😭 the ones complaining ain’t even gon tune in so why make a comment https://t.co/9l18r0Q1XY
— lana moni⁷⁺¹ ᓚᘏᗢ⁶ JK DAY (@moniplaylist) February 26, 2024
Optimism Amidst Criticism
While acknowledging potential similarities, optimistic fans chose to embrace the unveiling as a precursor to the emergence of new luminaries within the HYBE constellation.
Amidst the fervor, frustrations were voiced regarding the barrage of negativity directed towards ILLIT ahead of their official debut.
With only a logo video released, the full extent of the group's concept remains shrouded in mystery, prompting calls for patience and open-mindedness amidst the journey of these budding idols.
Read also: No Chinese? HYBE Garners Mixed Reactions After Revealing 'R U Next?' Trainees' Nationalities
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Written by Cassidy Jones.
