ILLIT Faces Intense Backlash For “Suspicious” Release Timing with aespa’s Comeback

On September 22, ILLIT announced their first comeback since the release of Super Real Me earlier this year.

The group’s official X account announced that I’LL LIKE YOU will be released on October 21 and shared specs for the physical versions of the albums. Naturally, since their debut was just over six months ago, many fans were excited about the news.

[NOTICE] #ILLIT ‘I’LL LIKE YOU (GLLIT ver.)’ 예약구매 링크 안내

▶위버스샵
Random: https://t.co/8FeuNbWjZ3
Set: https://t.co/vPeOH7oSj9

▶예스24
Random: https://t.co/VwkgNMrrR7
Set: https://t.co/7xTSos0Gtg

— ILLIT official (@ILLIT_official) September 23, 2024

GOODBYE SUPER REAL ME HELLO ILL LIKE YOU pic.twitter.com/mWR7sFyAqi https://t.co/eJ2oCaY2Ud

— nelly (@bobajungeun) September 22, 2024

ILLIT IS COMING THE 5TH GEN LEADERS ARE COMING https://t.co/wbwhn2pMZo

— i’ll like issa | GLLITZ ✨ (@2gayforyunah) September 22, 2024

OH MY GOD ITS REAL HAPPIEST DAY OF MY LIFE https://t.co/wwLJjNJjeJ pic.twitter.com/UiUY9hnZlm

— I'll like mira☆🎀 (@jyanseoz) September 22, 2024

At the very same time, aespa announced that they, too, would be coming back with a new mini album, set for release on October 21.

aespa 에스파 'Whiplash' INTROhttps://t.co/AL8TTQmi15

aespa 에스파 The 5th Mini Album 〖Whiplash〗
➫ 2024.10.21 6PM (KST)

🔗 https://t.co/8IVqBeE9vE#aespa #æspa #에스파 #Whiplash #aespaWhiplash pic.twitter.com/hbDcUIdA6o

— aespa (@aespa_official) September 22, 2024

Due to the way charting and sales documentation works, releases will sometimes end up happening on the same day. However, some netizens have viewed this coincidence in a different light, related to previous alleged statements by HYBE Chairman Bang Si Hyuk.

During her first press conference, former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin claimed than Bang Si Hyuk wished to “crush” aespa with the debut of a girl group under HYBE’s labels.  Past group activities were placed under scrutiny, with many questioning some of the coincidences that occurred around aespa’s comebacks.

“Crush aespa” — Min Hee Jin Reveals Damning KakaoTalk Screenshot With Bang Si Hyuk

This, combined with the allegations that ILLIT were the group that “ignored” NewJeans on company orders, has led many to expressed negative thoughts and even hate direct towards the group.

No hate to illit but I hope Aespa crush them, so hybe see they're not New Jeans replacement… https://t.co/1YC7JwH242

— Ivy (@dive_in_Yujin) September 22, 2024

Hybe still obsessed about aespa and it’s ok bc Aespa will have the superior comeback https://t.co/7o5HB0as84 pic.twitter.com/olO4kuXNje

— o****** (@exoscmdump) September 22, 2024

Hybe don't be too obvious pic.twitter.com/d8oT5N56To https://t.co/ICeRZuCyoR

— xin (@deargodyes) September 22, 2024

hybe (bang sihyuk) about to payola the fuck out of illit to the max to beat (step on) aespa 😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/CiKriy8eEZ

— salem (@salemidevil) September 22, 2024

On the other hand, some have defended ILLIT from hate, bringing up arguments that groups should not suffer because of their label’s actions.

god take all aespa and illit pain and give it to the ones pinning them against each other https://t.co/KPo17fvEzd

— 타티 🇵🇸 (@tatiw0n) September 22, 2024

normal people said "yay more music to listen to from my favs" and moved on w their day https://t.co/BBOC2mcnqZ

— mieun 🐚 SIS AUG15TH (@yoonchaeism) September 22, 2024

Why everyone say protect minor until it's illit😑 like be for real, if you like someone just hype them without hating other 😑 isn't this a common sense https://t.co/VSM19PeTLp

— aerilove (@aerilove524732) September 23, 2024