ILLIT’s “Cherish (My Love)” Draws Mixed Reactions From Koreans
Rising girl group ILLIT made their first comeback on October 21 with the release of their second mini-album, I’LL LIKE YOU, and title track “Cherish (My Love),” which has drawn mixed reactions from Korean netizens so far.
Aside from the title track, the mini album features four other tracks. The title song meanwhile, is a classic pop dance track that explores the emotions of a girl trying to get closer to someone special, continuing the group’s exploration of heartfelt themes.
ILLIT’s comeback follows the success of their debut single, “Magnetic,” which garnered significant attention and established ILLIT as a group to watch. However, their recent activities have been surrounded by controversy.
Former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin accused BeLift Lab (ILLIT’s label) of copying NewJeans’ concept for their debut with “Magnetic.” Furthermore, “Cherish (My Love)” also sparked accusations of plagiarism, with some claiming the song bears similarities to FIFTY FIFTY‘s mega hit “Cupid.” Due to all these controversies, fans have been wondering how their comeback with I’LL LIKE YOU would be received in Korea.
Member Wonhee also sparked controversy earlier today during the group’s press conference after mentioning HYBE chairman Bang Si Hyuk.
ILLIT’s Wonhee Sparks Heated Reactions After Thanking HYBE’s Bang Si Hyuk
It seems like the group’s fanbase remains strong, with the public itself being divided. The music video for “Cherish (My Love)” has already surpassed 1.2 million views, showcasing the group’s growing popularity. However, the song’s chart performance has been less impressive, only reaching #75 on MelOn so far, with fans hoping it will climb higher in the coming days.
ILLIT “Cherish (My Love)” 08PM KST Update:
#11 Bugs (+1) *new peak*
#25 Genie (+8) *new peak*
#75 MelOn (+2) *new peak*— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) October 21, 2024
On Korean online forums, discussions around “Cherish (My Love)” have been a hot topic, with opinions split among netizens. While some appreciate the song’s seasonal vibe and the group’s charm, others have expressed disappointment, citing a lack of originality and concerns about BeLift Lab’s direction.
- “Honestly, it’s really good.”
- “I was worried because “Magnetic” was such a hit, but this is nice. It goes well with the season and the members.”
- “Even with all the plagiarism rumors, I kept thinking about “Magnetic.” But after hearing the chorus for this one, I just moved on. You can really see BeLift Lab’s limitations here.”
- “The vibe fits the season, the music video is pretty, and the song is good.”
- “Honestly, it feels like a mid-tier company’s song… but the members are cute.”
ILLIT is one of the most exciting up-and-coming girl groups in the industry! You can check out their title track “Cherish (My Love)” below:
