ILLIT’s “NOT CUTE ANYMORE” Surpasses 111M Spotify Streams & More Hit Songs
- South Korean girl group ILLIT is rapidly establishing itself as a force in the global music landscape, with its debut single “NOT CUTE ANYMORE” surpassing 111 million streams...
- “NOT CUTE ANYMORE” distinguishes itself from typical K-pop fare with its reggae-infused pop sound and a lyrical theme centered on rejecting conventional expectations of “cuteness.” This departure from...
- As of February 7, 2026, the music video for “NOT CUTE ANYMORE” had exceeded 600 million views on YouTube Music.
South Korean girl group ILLIT is rapidly establishing itself as a force in the global music landscape, with its debut single “NOT CUTE ANYMORE” surpassing 111 million streams on Spotify as of . The achievement, reached in just over two months since its release on , underscores the group’s immediate impact and the effectiveness of Belif Lab’s release strategy.
“NOT CUTE ANYMORE” distinguishes itself from typical K-pop fare with its reggae-infused pop sound and a lyrical theme centered on rejecting conventional expectations of “cuteness.” This departure from the group’s previously released, more upbeat tracks demonstrates a broadening of ILLIT’s musical scope. The song’s choreography, specifically the transition from a smile to a direct gaze during the chorus, quickly gained traction and spawned the viral “Hood Job Shot Challenge” on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, significantly contributing to its popularity.
The song’s success isn’t limited to social media. As of , the music video for “NOT CUTE ANYMORE” had exceeded 600 million views on YouTube Music. The track reached number 7 on the U.S. Billboard ‘Bubbling Under Hot 100’ chart (as of ), indicating a clear crossover appeal and expanding ILLIT’s audience beyond its core fanbase.
“NOT CUTE ANYMORE” is not an isolated success for ILLIT. The group has now accumulated a total of six songs with over 100 million streams on Spotify. Notably, “Magnetic” reached 700 million streams in approximately one year and seven months, marking the fastest achievement for a K-pop group’s debut song. Other tracks exceeding the 100 million stream milestone include “Lucky Girl Syndrome,” “Cherish (My Love),” “Tick-Tack,” and “빌려온 고양이 (Do the Dance).”
The song’s composition, written and produced by Jasper Harris, with contributions from Sasha Alex Sloan and Youra, is described as a pop song built on a reggae rhythm. This combination of established and emerging songwriters suggests a deliberate effort to create a sound that is both familiar and fresh. The lyrical content, directly addressing a desire to move beyond simply being perceived as “cute,” resonates with a demographic seeking authenticity and self-expression.
ILLIT’s agency, Belif Lab, appears to have successfully leveraged social media trends to amplify the song’s reach. The “Hood Job Shot Challenge” is a prime example of organic user-generated content driving engagement and visibility. This strategy highlights the increasing importance of platforms like TikTok and Instagram in the promotion of K-pop music.
Beyond streaming numbers and chart positions, ILLIT is actively engaging with fans through live performances. The group is embarking on its first tour, ‘ILLIT LIVE ‘PRESS START♥︎’’’, beginning with two shows in Seoul, South Korea, on , at the Ticketlink Live Arena. The tour will then extend to seven cities internationally, including locations in Japan and Hong Kong.
The rapid success of ILLIT and “NOT CUTE ANYMORE” signals the continued global rise of K-pop. The group’s ability to connect with audiences through a unique sound, engaging choreography, and effective social media strategies positions them as a significant player in the evolving music industry. The combination of a strong artistic vision and a savvy marketing approach has clearly resonated with listeners worldwide, and the group’s trajectory suggests continued growth and influence in the coming months.