ILLIT’s New Lyrics Deemed Inappropriate And “Too Sexual” For Underage Members

The lyrics are entirely in English.
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Koreaboo

ILLIT‘s latest song lyrics have raised eyebrows for their alleged sexual nature.

ILLIT_I'll_Like_You_group_concept_photo_2
ILLIT | Belift Lab

In October 2024, ILLIT made their return with their second mini album, I’ll Like You, which featured the title track “Cherish (My Love).” Following the trend from their previous release, a second music video was released afterward, this time for their B-Side “Tick-Tack.”

“Tick-Tack” shows the group experiencing a school crush, with the lyrics reflecting the innocent rush and concerns young love can bring.

Oh, oh, my God, you’re looking at me again
The coolest mode click, click
What’s it like? I’m hanging out with you
What kind of day do you like?

Keep the childish stuff
In the closet
If I crumple it up
Will you like me?
Worried, worried, sigh
Tick-tack, ti-tack thump
It’s noisy, my heart

— “Tick-Tack” lyrics

Naturally, many were excited when it was revealed that an English version of “Tick-Tack” would be released. In an announcement on Weverse, the release of “Baby, It’s Both (Tick-Tack English Ver.)” was shared to be on November 22, and feature American singer Ava Max.

ava-max-interview
Ava Max | Glamour

Following the song’s release, netizens have questioned the lyrics of the song, with some finding them inappropriate.

Instead of the more childish feelings exhibited in the Korean version, “Baby, It’s Both” has more intense feelings and tells the story of a love-hate relationship.

Oh, I love you, I hate you, baby, it’s both
Tell me that you need me, never mind, don’t
I love you, I hate you, leave but don’t go
I don’t want you near me, baby, come close
You kill me but you keep me breathing
You’re giving me confusing feelings
Oh, I love you, I hate you, baby, it’s both
Like tick-tack, ti-tack, tick, tack-ta-tick, tack

— “Baby, It’s Both”

Specifically, lyrics sang by the members of ILLIT were questioned, with them seeming to have sexual implications. Member Wonhee’s part near the end of the song includes the line “you make me wanna scream, you’re so good at that,” while Iroha sings “gotta touch you now.”

[Iroha]Gotta, gotta cut you out
Gotta, gotta touch you now
Gotta, gotta make up, up, up my mind
Oh, oh, my God
[Yunah] Kinda wanna slam the door
Kinda wanna beg for more
Wanna make up, up, up all night

— lyrics sang by Iroha and Yunah

Oh, you wanna make me scream
You’re so good at that
Wanna pull you close
And then push you right back

— lyrics sang by Wonhee

With members Wonhee and Moka being 17 and 16 respectively, some have expressed discomfort with the lyrics having a possible sexual meaning. Ava Max’s support for Israel has also led to the song being boycotted by many fans.

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