Who Are ILLIT Members? Secret Pre-debut Stories You Didn't Know

ILLIT members made history when they became the first K-Pop group to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 with a debut single, as "Magnetic" landed at No. 91 on April 16, 2024. This 5-member South Korean girl group under BE:LIFT Lab consists of Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha, but their journey to stardom wasn't straightforward.

Initially planned as a 6-member group, ILLIT was formed through the survival show R U Next?, a collaboration between HYBE and JTBC. However, pre-debut member Youngseo left before their official launch. Despite this change, the group successfully debuted on March 25, 2024, with their first mini album "SUPER REAL ME". Their title track "Magnetic" achieved an impressive 73 Perfect All Kills on Korean charts, making them only the second group in K-pop history to accomplish this feat with a debut single after BLACKPINK's "Whistle".

The name "ILLIT" derives from the phrase "I Will Be It" and represents the group's versatility and potential. As the third girl group to debut under HYBE LABELS after LE SSERAFIM and NewJeans, ILLIT has already distinguished themselves in the competitive K-pop landscape. Their debut album sold 142,000 copies in its first week, while their music video garnered 10 million views and 300,000 likes within 24 hours of release.

How ILLIT Was Formed Through R U Next?

In June 2023, JTBC and Belift Lab launched a new survival program called "R U Next?" that would change the K-pop landscape forever. The show marked an exciting collaboration between the two companies with a clear mission: to create Belift Lab's first-ever girl group and HYBE's third female act following LE SSERAFIM and NewJeans.

The concept behind the survival show

"R U Next?" brought together 22 talented trainees who competed through seven challenging rounds of evaluation. Throughout the 10-episode series that aired from June 30 to September 1, 2023, contestants faced assessment from both audience votes and industry professionals. The expert panel included notable figures such as 2AM member Jo Kwon and former Wanna One member Kim Jae Hwan, who provided valuable feedback and guidance.

The show's format maintained viewer interest across its run, though it only reached a peak viewership rating of 0.7 percent in South Korea. Nevertheless, "R U Next?" garnered significant international attention, with broadcasts available on multiple platforms including Wavve and Netflix in South Korea and Abema TV in Japan.

Final lineup and selection process

The final episode on September 1, 2023, revealed a unique selection method that combined fan power with company expertise. The top two contestants in global voting automatically secured their positions in the debut lineup. Wonhee claimed first place, expressing genuine shock at her achievement: "Actually, I really didn't dream of this. I feel a little startled, and thank you". Second place went to Youngseo, who emotionally shared, "For a long time, I have been earnestly desiring this dream. I can't believe it has come true".

The remaining four members were chosen directly by Belift Lab after careful deliberation:

Minju (who ranked third in fan votes)
Iroha (who ranked fifth in fan votes)
Moka
Yunah

Additionally, the show revealed the group's name would be "I'LL-IT," combining "I'll" (I will) and "it". This meaningful name represented the members' belief that with determination, they could become whatever they aspired to be.

Youngseo's initial inclusion and departure

Despite finishing in second place overall and securing her position through fan votes, Youngseo's journey with ILLIT took an unexpected turn. On January 5, 2024, Belift Lab released an official statement announcing her departure from the group before their official debut.

According to the announcement, Youngseo and Belift Lab had discussed her future activities and mutually agreed to terminate her contract. This shocking news came after she had already been confirmed as part of the six-member lineup and had participated in pre-debut preparations.

Following her departure, ILLIT proceeded as a five-member group consisting of Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha. The remaining members continued their rigorous preparation, focusing on dance rehearsals, vocal training, language lessons, and fitness routines.

Youngseo later revealed in interviews that she had taken matters into her own hands after leaving HYBE, sending demos and clips to various companies. Through this proactive approach, she eventually signed with THE BLACK LABEL.

The Meaning Behind the Name ILLIT

Behind every K-pop group's name lies a carefully crafted meaning, and ILLIT's name carries particularly significant symbolism for these five talented performers. The name evolved from its initial stylization as "I'LL-IT" when first introduced during the final episode of R U Next? to the more accessible "ILLIT" upon their official debut.

What 'I Will Be It' represents

The name ILLIT derives from the powerful phrase "I Will Be It". This name cleverly combines two distinct elements: "I will," representing an independent spirit and adventurous will, and "It," symbolizing something unique and special. HYBE's global press release explained that this combination highlights "the five-piece act's potential for infinite possibilities and the anticipation for what the future holds".

One fascinating aspect of ILLIT's name lies in its versatility. During the R U Next? finale, producers explained that the name "represents choosing your own verb to put between 'I'll' and 'It'". This concept conveys the members' ability to act and make decisions independently – essentially, they can become anything they aspire to be based on whatever verb fits between those two words.

How the name reflects the members' ambitions

The name perfectly encapsulates the essence of Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha as performers. "I'll" represents their autonomous and proactive nature – their determination to forge their own path in the competitive K-pop industry. Meanwhile, "it" captures their standout vibe and unique identity, similar to the concept of "It Girl" energy.

Furthermore, the name reflects the group's youthful yet distinctive concept. By emphasizing self-determination and ambition, ILLIT's name aligns with their image as a new generation of K-pop artists who are confident in their abilities and ready to make their mark. The name essentially serves as a declaration – whatever challenge comes their way, they possess the will and determination to overcome it.

This self-determined and ambitious attitude has certainly proven accurate given their unprecedented debut success and rapid rise to prominence in the K-pop scene. Their name has become a self-fulfilling prophecy as they've already demonstrated their ability to achieve remarkable milestones.

Fandom name GLLIT and its symbolism

On September 1, 2024, BELIFT LAB officially announced that ILLIT's fandom would be named "GLLIT" (pronounced "glit"). The name draws inspiration from the English word "glitter," which means to sparkle and shine. This thoughtful choice carries beautiful symbolism: in ILLIT's eyes, the fans shine the brightest, and in turn, those same fans help make ILLIT sparkle.

Notably, GLLIT wasn't the group's first attempt at naming their fandom. Initially, the company had announced "LILLY" (or "LILLYS") as the official fan club name in April 2024. However, this choice received criticism from some fans who noted similarities to other K-pop fandom and idol names, specifically NMIXX member Lily's name and BLACKPINK Lisa's fandom name "LILIES".

Responding to these concerns, BELIFT LAB made the considerate decision to change the name after reviewing fan suggestions and discussing options thoroughly with the ILLIT members. The new name GLLIT was ultimately selected, creating a meaningful connection between the group name and fandom while avoiding previous conflicts.

The introduction of the GLLIT membership officially began on September 5, 2024, offering fans various experiences and opportunities to connect with the group. This thoughtful naming decision demonstrates the company's responsiveness to fan feedback and creates a symbolic relationship where both the group and their supporters shine together.

Yunah: The Leader With the Longest Trainee Journey

As the leader of ILLIT, Yunah brings years of experience and a bright personality to the group. Born as Noh Yun-ah on January 15, 2004, in Chungju, South Korea, her path to K-pop stardom began unexpectedly during her middle school years.

Her early training days and agencies

Yunah's journey to becoming an idol started when she was scouted during a provincial theater club competition while in middle school. At first, her mother opposed this career path, saying, "I can't send you down an uncertain path like that". Nevertheless, as Yunah persevered through training, her parents gradually recognized her potential and eventually supported her dream.

Her training odyssey spanned multiple agencies. Initially, she trained under Stardium alongside several notable trainees who would go on to debut in other groups, including Kep1er's Dayeon. Subsequently, she moved to Source Music in 2019 before ultimately transferring to BELIFT LAB for what would become R U Next?.

By the time she appeared on R U Next?, Yunah had accumulated 4-5 years of training experience—the longest period among all contestants. This extensive background contributed to her selection as the leader of ILLIT, although she was the 6th and final member to be revealed in the lineup.

Audition song and role model

For her audition, Yunah performed "I will go to you like the first snow" by Ailee, showcasing her vocal abilities. Throughout her journey, she has consistently named Red Velvet's Seulgi as her role model, drawing inspiration from the veteran idol's performance style and versatility.

During R U Next?, the then 19-year-old Yunah approached the competition with fierce determination. "I was really serious about debuting at that point. When you've been in training for five years, you can't just go home after your first performance," she explained. This mindset helped her discover strengths she wasn't previously aware of, particularly in expressing herself through facial expressions.

Unique personality traits and hobbies

Yunah is known for her dual-natured personality—"sometimes quiet and sometimes loud". Her fellow members recognize her as the group's mood maker, bringing energy and positivity to ILLIT. Moreover, she describes herself as passionate and competitive, especially when it comes to games.

Among her diverse hobbies are playing PC games, riding her bicycle, and interestingly, ironing clothes. She also enjoys historical movies related to Korean history. As a pet lover, Yunah has a Maltese dog named Louis, born in 2016.

Her charm point, as noted by many, is her teeth when she smiles. If asked what animal she resembles, Yunah would choose a puppy. In line with her reflective nature, her life motto is "Time heals all wounds".

Beyond her idol activities, Yunah participated in the Chungju MBC Children's Choir when she was younger. Additionally, she demonstrated culinary talent on the show "I'LL LIKE IT!" where she impressed her members by preparing a delicious doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew).

Throughout R U Next?, Yunah consistently ranked in the middle with both international and Korean votes, ultimately securing her place in ILLIT through producer selection rather than audience voting.

Minju: From YG Trainee to ILLIT’s Vocal Powerhouse

Minju stands out as a vocal powerhouse in ILLIT, bringing her unique background and impressive talents to the group. Born on December 1, 2004, this talented performer secured her place in the final lineup through producer selection, ranking third in fan votes during R U Next?.

Her time at YG and connection to BABYMONSTER

Prior to joining BELIFT Lab, Minju trained under YG Entertainment, one of South Korea's most prestigious entertainment companies. Throughout her journey, she formed connections with several trainees who would ultimately debut in YG's newest girl group, BABYMONSTER. In fact, she trained alongside Ahyeon, Ruka, and Asa, creating bonds that continued even after she left the company.

In a telling moment during an interview, Minju revealed she still maintains friendships with her former YG colleagues, saying, "I'm very happy and proud to see my friends I trained with debuting." This connection between ILLIT and BABYMONSTER has fascinated fans, as both groups represent a new generation of K-pop talent from competing entertainment giants.

Audition experience and musical background

For her R U Next? audition, Minju captivated judges with her rendition of "All I Want" by Olivia Rodrigo, showcasing her impressive vocal range. Throughout the competition, she consistently demonstrated strong singing abilities, earning praise from both judges and viewers alike.

Minju's journey to becoming an idol began with her passion for singing. She recalls discovering her love for music at a young age, often practicing alone before gaining the confidence to perform in front of others. Her determination paid off when she ranked 3rd in the global voting during R U Next?, confirming her popularity with international audiences.

Beyond singing, Minju possesses remarkable dance skills. She often serves as the group's lead vocal, delivering powerful performances that highlight her technical abilities. Interestingly, she names NewJeans' Hanni as her role model in the industry, admiring her stage presence and versatility.

Her love for animals and quirky habits

Outside of her idol activities, Minju has endeared herself to fans with her genuine personality and unique interests. She's known for her profound love of animals, often mentioning her desire to visit zoos and aquariums during her free time. This affection extends to her own pets - she proudly shares stories about her beloved dog, demonstrating her nurturing nature.

Among her quirky habits, Minju admits to being quite meticulous about certain things. Her members playfully tease her about her organization skills, as she likes keeping her belongings in perfect order. Simultaneously, she balances this structured side with spontaneous energy, often surprising her groupmates with her humor.

Food plays an important role in Minju's life as well. She's known for her hearty appetite and particular fondness for Korean dishes like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). Whenever the group visits restaurants, she's usually the one recommending dishes and enthusiastically trying everything on the menu.

With her YG background, powerful vocals, and charming personality, Minju brings unique qualities to ILLIT that help distinguish them in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Moka: The Japanese Member With a Sweet Side

Born in Fukuoka, Japan on October 8, 2004, Moka brings a gentle yet captivating presence to ILLIT members with her sweet personality and unique background. As the Japanese member with the stage name that means "coffee" in Korean, she balances the group's dynamic with her thoughtful nature and artistic talents.

Her life in Fukuoka and family background

Sakai Moka grew up in Fukuoka surrounded by a supportive family consisting of her grandparents, parents, and younger sister. As the eldest of two daughters, Moka's early life was influenced by her family's interests and talents. Interestingly, her grandfather runs a bakery, which might explain her appreciation for bread and sweet treats.

Her journey into K-pop wasn't accidental but rather a family influence—Moka was introduced to Korean music through her mother, who was an enthusiastic BIGBANG fan. This early exposure sparked her interest in the genre. As she developed her skills, Moka participated in dancing festivals throughout Fukuoka, where she fell in love with K-pop's distinctive dance style.

Within ILLIT, Moka has earned the endearing nickname "mom of the group", reflecting her nurturing personality. This maternal instinct naturally emerged during their training period together, as noted by the other members who appreciate her thoughtful and easygoing nature.

Her fear of heights and love for horror movies

In contrast to her gentle demeanor, Moka harbors an unexpected passion for horror films. Watching movies—especially horror ones—ranks among her favorite hobbies, and she particularly recommends the thriller "A Quiet Place" to fans. This interest becomes part of her daily routine, as she often watches movies before bedtime or during meals.

Yet beneath her brave movie choices lies a surprising fear—Moka is terrified of heights. This phobia extends to roller coasters, which she generally avoids except for indoor versions that feel safer. Likewise, she sets five alarms each morning due to her difficulty waking up—a charming quirk her groupmates often tease her about.

Role models and favorite foods

Regarding her inspirations, Moka looks up to BLACKPINK's Jennie as her role model in the entertainment industry. Of course, she also deeply respects her parents, whom she cites alongside Jennie as her life's role models.

Moka's culinary preferences reveal her sweet tooth:

She could eat bread for the rest of her life if limited to just one food
She enjoys desserts like tanghulu, donuts, and fruit cakes with plenty of fruits
Her favorite ice cream flavors include vanilla, matcha, and mint chocolate
She absolutely dislikes mushrooms due to their texture and taste

Beyond enjoying food, Moka excels at preparing it too. Her specialties include gyeranmari (rolled omelette) and miso doenjangguk. This culinary talent, coupled with her motto "Even if it's hard now, if I work hard, better days will come", showcases the determination behind her sweet exterior.

Wonhee: The Unexpected Fan Favorite

Among the illit members, Wonhee stands out as the unexpected success story who captured fans' hearts despite having the shortest training period in the group. From being street cast at a bus stop to ranking first in a competitive survival show, her journey represents a remarkable tale of natural talent and charisma.

Her top ranking in R U Next?

Wonhee achieved something extraordinary on R U Next? – securing first place overall after training for merely one month before the competition began. This accomplishment becomes even more impressive considering she had no official rank before the show started.

Her growth throughout the competition was remarkable. Starting with a performance of aespa's "Dreams Come True" in the first round where she ranked Mid Level, she consistently improved with each stage. By the finale, Wonhee secured the top position with an impressive 3,299,395 points in the voting results, shocking even herself. "Actually, I really didn't dream of this. I feel a little startled, and thank you," she expressed upon learning of her win.

Sports background and school leadership

Interestingly, Wonhee's background lies not in performing arts but in athletics. As the head of the sports department at her school, she excelled in numerous physical activities. Her specialties include soccer, basketball, swimming, and she particularly enjoyed playing dodgeball – often asking her teacher to include it in PE classes.

"Up until my second year of middle school, I was an extreme E: super outgoing without a hint of shyness. I loved PE class so much," Wonhee revealed. This athletic foundation provided her with the stamina and discipline necessary for the demanding choreography required of K-pop idols, helping explain her rapid adaptation to dance despite minimal formal training.

Her dual personality and favorite things

Wonhee possesses what her profile describes as an "ambiguous personality" – simultaneously timid yet active. This duality makes her particularly endearing to fans and fellow members alike. Despite being the second youngest in ILLIT, she often looks and behaves like the youngest, with members frequently teasing her for her cute reactions.

Originally, Wonhee had entirely different career aspirations. "My original dream was actually to become a magician," she confessed. This unexpected revelation aligns with her playful nature and creative spirit.

Her personal preferences reveal more about her character:

Role models: Her parents and IU
MBTI: ISFP
Favorite animal: Cats
Favorite dessert: Garlic bread
Favorite karaoke song: "Into the New World" by Girls' Generation

Wonhee's unique casting story adds another layer to her fascinating background. While visiting Seoul from her hometown of Changwon, she was approached at a bus stop by a HYBE employee who asked, "Do you know HYBE?". This chance encounter in February 2023 led to her unexpected idol journey.

Iroha: The Youngest With a Perfectionist Streak

Iroha, the youngest member of ILLIT, embodies a perfect balance of diligence and charm. Born as Hokazono Iroha on February 4, 2008, in Tokyo, Japan, this talented performer has already captured fans' hearts with her dedication to perfection and memorable stage presence.

Her early dance training and JYP background

Iroha's passion for dance ignited remarkably early—she began taking dancing lessons at just three years old. Her journey to K-pop stardom took a significant turn when she moved to South Korea at age 11, becoming a trainee under JYP Entertainment. During her time at JYP, she trained alongside members who would later debut in NMIXX, forming friendships that continued beyond her training days.

After approximately four years as a trainee, Iroha joined the R U Next? competition where she ranked fifth in fan votes. Throughout the show, she recognized the importance of facial expressions in performance. "With the right look and expression, I can take the performance one step further," she explained in a Nylon Magazine interview.

Her introverted nature and love for sushi

Fundamentally, Iroha describes herself as both an introvert and a perfectionist. This duality shapes her approach to performance—she's constantly monitoring herself and seeking improvement. "When I work on a performance and it goes well, I feel super happy, but I still notice little parts that could be better," she admits.

As the maknae (youngest member) of ILLIT, Iroha cherishes the familial atmosphere within the group. Being an only child, she often feels like her groupmates are her "real big sisters". Among her culinary preferences, sushi stands out as a favorite, particularly salmon sushi and salmon roe sushi.

Role models and personal motto

Iroha draws inspiration from two powerful performers—(G)I-DLE's Soyeon and BTS' J-Hope. Their influence is evident in her commitment to continually developing her dance skills, especially in hip-hop, which she describes as her "secret weapon".

Her life philosophy is encapsulated in the motto "Don't leave any regrets", which aligns perfectly with her perfectionist approach. Accordingly, she frequently says "I can do anything", reflecting the determination behind her youthful exterior. In essence, Iroha believes that "giving my all is the best way, I always do my absolute best in everything I can".

Youngseo: The Sixth Member Who Left Before Debut

Youngseo's departure from ILLIT before their official debut remains one of the most discussed changes in the group's history. As the only member to leave after being officially announced in the lineup, her story represents an unexpected twist in the group's formation.

Her ranking and fan support in R U Next?

Youngseo's journey through R U Next? was marked by consistent excellence. She secured second place in the show's finale on September 1, 2023, earning an impressive 2,719 points in the overall rankings. Upon her selection, she emotionally expressed, "For a long time, I have been earnestly desiring this dream. I can't believe it has come true".

Throughout the competition, Youngseo demonstrated remarkable skill and charisma. She consistently ranked high in the evaluations, including first place in several rounds. Her strong performances made her a fan favorite, ultimately resulting in her automatic selection for the debut lineup through global voting results rather than producer choice.

Reasons behind her departure

On January 5, 2024, Belift Lab made the surprising announcement that Youngseo had left both the company and the pre-debut group. The official statement indicated that "after much time spent discussing her future promotion plans, BeLift Lab and IILLIT member Youngseo have come to an agreement to end her exclusive contract".

The company emphasized that "this decision was made through mutual agreement with consideration for the wishes of the artist" and requested fans "refrain from any speculations or misunderstandings regarding the development". Nevertheless, various theories emerged regarding her exit.

Some classmates claimed that the departure "really wasn't her decision" and alleged that "HYBE forced her to leave ILLIT, citing her education as a hindrance to her K-pop idol career". Another account suggested "the company unilaterally notified them, citing a violation of company policy". These claims remain unverified.

Her legacy and fan memories

Despite her brief association with ILLIT, Youngseo left a lasting impression on fans. Many consider her departure one of their "greatest what-ifs", wondering how the group dynamic might have differed with her inclusion. Her absence was particularly impactful for pre-debut fans who had followed her journey through R U Next?.

Interestingly, Youngseo later found a new path in the industry. Reports indicate she signed with The Black Label and joined their co-ed group ALLDAY PROJECT. In a documentary about her new group, she reflected on her journey: "I had been with one company for so long, and when I finally left, I was a bit old for an idol".

A touching moment occurred when Youngseo reunited with ILLIT during a Music Bank appearance, where both groups were promoting simultaneously. For many fans, this brief encounter represented a bittersweet reminder of what might have been.