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

This is ILLIT’s very first comeback.

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

ILLIT_MV behind_all
ILLIT | Teen Vogue

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.

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.

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aespa | SM Entertainment

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.

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

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