Amid the "plagiarism" issue between HYBE and ADOR, ILLIT confused K-pop fans with the absence of Iroha in their recent schedule. Why did the youngest member opt for a break?
ILLIT to Promote as 4 Members This Week — Why Is Iroha Absent?
On April 24, ILLIT made its appearance on SBS Power FM's "Cultwo Show," HYBE's youngest girl group.
On this day, the quintet promoted their first mini-album, "SUPER REAL ME," released on March 25. Their debut album comprises the title track, "Magnetic," and b-side track, "Lucky Girl Syndrome."
Prior to their official schedule, the members held a mini-photo op where Yunah, Minji, Moka, and Wonhee flaunted their vibrant and innocent visuals.
However, they drew significant attention when Iroha was absent from the radio appearance, sparking curiosity about what happened to her.
According to Korean media outlet reports, the Japanese member returned to her hometown Japan for personal schedules. It was also revealed that she will be taking a short break this week; thus, ILLIT plans to proceed with their succeeding schedules as a four-member lineup until she comes back.
ALSO READ: Min Hee Jin Speculated To Be Behind Youngseo's Departure From ILLIT Ahead of Debut
Soon after, various speculations arose, but ILLIT attested to fans that Iroha went back to Japan to sort out academic-related problems.
Iroha is currently 16 years old and is still in high school while having an active career in the K-pop scene.
ILLIT Remains Cheerful Amid Min Hee Jin's Claim That They Are 'NewJeans Copycat'
Meanwhile, viewers were especially looking closely at ILLIT, following the conflict between agencies HYBE (Belift Lab) and ADOR.
It was previously reported that HYBE conducted an audit after detecting the circumstances of ADOR's CEO Min Hee Jin and executives' attempts to "seize management rights."
However, Min caused a stir when it counterattacked at HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk that the accusation was caused by a "media's play," thrown at her after she raised suspicions that "ILLIT is copying NewJeans."
When ILLIT debuted in March, they immediately gained attention for sweeping first place on various music charts and music programs with their hit, "Magnetic." They also made history as the first K-pop group to debut in the US Billboard main chart HOT 100 with their debut song.
However, there were public opinions at the time comparing them to their "sister group" NewJeans due to similarities in concept and choreography. Even their styling and MVs also overlapped.
Despite all of these, ILLIT was professional throughout the radio guesting and graced both viewers and listeners with their cheerful charisma.
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz
