ILLIT announces plans to change their fandom name ‘LILLY’ following backlash

On April 22, Belift Lab announced the name change of ILLIT's fandom following criticism on the internet. ILLIT named their fandom LILLY. However, due to similarities to BLACKPINK's Lisa's personal fandom name, Lilies, the group received backlash online, and eventually, the agency released a statement on Weverse confirming the name change.

Belift Lab's new girl group ILLIT debuted in March 2024 with their smash hit song Magnetic. To decide their fandom name, the agency conducted a contest where fans participated and suggested names.

The agency expressed their gratitude towards fans for showcasing their love and support for the group. They also confirmed in the statement that there would not be any contest for another name suggestion this time.

“However, we have decided to revisit the matter after reviewing various concerns that have emerged. The new fan club name will be chosen among other shortlisted candidates and announced at a later date. A naming contest will not be held this time.”

Before closing the statement, the agency asked for the fans’ understanding and formally apologized for any confusion.

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Belift Lab to change ILLIT's fandom name after receiving criticism

K-pop girl group ILLIT made their official debut on March 25, 2024, with their mini album SUPER REAL ME, which included four tracks: My World, Midnight Fiction, Lucky Girl Syndrome, and the titular tune Magnetic. The girl group comprises five members: Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha.

The group was formed through the survival reality show R U NEXT? organized by Belift Lab, a HYBE subsidiary label and JTBC channel.

Recently, on April 21, ILLIT members started a Weverse live video session to unveil their fandom name. The group's fans were supposed to be called LILLY, inspired by the flower Lily. Notably, the group added two ‘Ls’ to the fandom name, similar to the double LL in their official name.

During the live session, Wonhee opened up about the inspiration and meaning behind the name they picked. She explained that “LILLY” represented the unchanging love shared between the girl group and their fans.

In Belift Lab's official statement, they also explained the name, saying,

“Originally announced on April 21, the fan club name was selected among various candidates compiled with fan participation, reflecting our wishes for an everlasting love between ILLIT and its fans.”

The name received criticism from K-pop fans on the internet, especially fans of BLACKPINK rapper Lisa. Lisa's fans have been known as Lilies; the name is not officially confirmed. However, it has been acknowledged by the LALISA singer herself many times in her videos.

As per Star News, a South Korean media agency, the name also garnered attention as it was the same name as JYP Entertainment group NMIXX's vocalist Lily.

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ILLIT's Magnetic surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify

As Belift Lab announced on April 22, the five-piece band's song Magnetic officially accumulated 103,923,923 streams on April 20 on Spotify. This marked a huge milestone for the group, as Magnetic became the fastest K-pop debut track to receive 100 million plays on Spotify.

Furthermore, on April 17, ILLIT reached 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify. They became the fastest K-pop group to achieve this feat by doing so within 20 days of their debut. Their labelmate NewJeans previously held this record, as they did it in 49 days.

Magnetic also debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 91 with 6.2 million streams on U.S. streams and 428,000 radio audience impressions from April 5 to 11, according to Luminate (chart dated April 20, 2024).