In 2023, HYBE‘s subsidiary label BELIFT LAB broadcasted a survival show called R U Next? which aimed to find the members of the newest girl group for I’LL-IT.
The poster for “R U Next?” | JTBC
After weeks of performing, the final six members were chosen.
The original lineup of I’LL-IT | BELIFT LAB
While the show ended last year, aside from the announcement that Youngseo wouldn’t be debuting, it had all been quiet… until it was announced that the group would debut in March. Yet, it seems like the good news didn’t end there.
On February 22, BELIFT LAB announced that I’LL-IT had been invited by the Swedish brand Acne Studios to attend Paris Fashion Week. It is a historical moment as they become the first K-Pop group to have all the pre-debut members attending a major fashion show.
The members attending the show | JTBC
When the announcement was made, netizens had very mixed reactions to the news.
Many fans reacted extremely negatively, voicing their shock that a pre-debut group is making their fashion week debut before many established stars. In particular, considering I’LL-IT is under the HYBE banner, fans thought it was an example of “HYBE privilege” because they’ve not showcased anything outside the reality show and have been invited to a major show.
and yall swear that company doesn’t spend millions on payola https://t.co/qQm2TotaoD pic.twitter.com/jgjFy5hMaY
— mila⋆✧*⋆ FREE (@realpcyshit) February 22, 2024
What has happened to kpop? They don’t even have any music out yet but we are supposed to believe they have made an impact outside their primary field? https://t.co/2mq8hWEmEI
— ‿ (@elsedonda) February 22, 2024
A girl group that has not released anything will be attending pfw.
If this isn’t hybe payola that idk what it is https://t.co/hw7DxC7eZL
— blackpink on repeat. (@bponrepeat_1) February 22, 2024
Uff always hybe.. https://t.co/9qAJgf09zk pic.twitter.com/mNrUw3CVmv
— Qiqi Fendi girl – KBS corruption (@GOATS_I_DLE) February 22, 2024
Others defended the decision, explaining that the girls worked very hard to get into HYBE, so any “privilege” has come from their dedication to succeed, with others adding that the brand invited them and it seems like fans are just trying to hate on the members.
do u think its easy to secure a debut spot in hybe? these girls work so hard to achieve their dream. ppl in qrts can keep on shading them but it wont change the fact that our girls working extra hard to show their best to the world and how sincere they are towards their fans https://t.co/R9kW7XsEIZ
— fie (@gentlewonhee) February 22, 2024
KPOOPIES MAD I’LL-IT GOT INVITED AND NOT THEIR FAVES https://t.co/9FZhzgJXDx pic.twitter.com/ZsFWorhLJD
— ً (@aurohaz) February 22, 2024
Anyways yall in the qrts can STAY mad and bothered they’re attending a fashion show pre debut, the more hate yall give them the more they’ll succeed at the end of the day https://t.co/JOnurbrsEM pic.twitter.com/8K2KOHr7gE
— Cees (@NewHypen) February 22, 2024
Despite the criticism, I’LL-IT will undoubtedly shine in Paris and it will be interesting to see the reaction to the members making a huge appearance before they even debut.
