The girl group ILLIT is generating intense debate online following their recent encore performance on KBS2’s Music Bank. On November 5, 2025, the group celebrated their first music show win with the track “Not Cute Anymore.” During the encore, all five members showcased their vocal abilities without a backing track, leading to a flurry of responses across social media platforms.
While many fans praised the group for their vocal stability, others criticized their performance. Supporters highlighted ILLIT’s noticeable improvement in live singing, with comments such as “they sound exactly the same as the studio version” illustrating the positive feedback. One fan remarked, “ILLIT’s improvement is insane… they’re easily one of the best 5th gen groups in terms of vocals now.”
Despite the accolades, a significant number of netizens voiced their discontent, suggesting that the performance fell short of expectations. Some comments compared ILLIT unfavorably to other contemporary girl groups, with one critic stating, “this is the group whose fandom was coming for Ahyeon’s vocals in the golden cover.” Another user expressed disbelief at the performance quality, remarking, “they sound like literal goats.”
Criticism also extended toward HYBE, the group’s management company, with some fans arguing that the members were not given adequate vocal training before their debut. Comments like “Y’all blaming the girls, but it’s HYBE’s fault for debuting them without proper training” reflect concerns about the pressure placed on young artists. Critics accused the company of prioritizing profit over the well-being of their performers, emphasizing the impact of public scrutiny on their mental health.
The contrasting reactions to ILLIT’s performance highlight a broader conversation about the expectations placed on idol groups in the music industry. As the debate continues, the group’s supporters remain hopeful about their growth, while critics emphasize the need for improved training and support from management.
As ILLIT navigates this divide, their journey serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by new artists in the competitive landscape of the entertainment industry. The mixed responses to their encore performance are emblematic of the high standards and scrutiny that accompany success in the music world.
