Following a meteoric rise to fame that saw them dominate global charts and social media trends, the rookie girl group ILLIT is officially taking their music to the live stage.
On January 22, 2026, BELIFT LAB announced the group’s highly anticipated first live tour, titled “PRESS START♥︎.”
This tour marks a significant milestone for the quintet, transitioning them from “super rookies” to established touring artists.
Designed to showcase their unique “magical girl” aesthetic and infectious pop discography, the tour will focus on major cities across Asia, allowing the group to connect directly with the massive international fanbase they have cultivated since their debut.
Kicking Off in Seoul
The “PRESS START♥︎” tour is set to begin in the group’s home ground of Seoul. The grand opening will take place over two days, March 14 and 15, 2026, at the Ticketlink Live Arena.
Starting the tour in Seoul is a traditional move that allows the group to celebrate their success with their domestic supporters before heading abroad.
These initial shows are expected to set the tone for the rest of the tour, featuring high-production visuals, elaborate stage designs, and live performances of their hit tracks like “Magnetic” and “Lucky Girl Syndrome.”
Fans are eagerly anticipating how the group will translate their viral choreography and whimsical concepts into a full-scale concert experience.
Expanding Across Japan and Hong Kong
Following the Seoul kickoff, ILLIT will embark on an extensive leg of the tour in Japan, a market where they have already seen immense commercial success.
The tour schedule includes stops in several major Japanese cities, reflecting the group’s broad appeal in the region. The confirmed locations are:
- Aichi
- Osaka
- Fukuoka
- Hyogo
- Tokyo
By visiting five different regions in Japan, ILLIT is demonstrating a level of touring power typically reserved for more senior groups.
After concluding their Japanese dates, the group will head to Hong Kong, further extending their reach into the Greater China region.
The inclusion of Hong Kong as a key stop highlights the group’s strategic focus on major Asian entertainment hubs.
Chart Dominance and Growing Influence
The tour announcement arrives at a time when ILLIT’s influence is at an all-time high. The group has consistently appeared at the top of the Circle Weekly Charts and various Singer Brand Reputation Rankings throughout January 2026.
Their music has not only resonated domestically but has also maintained a strong presence on the Billboard World Albums Chart, often sweeping top spots alongside industry giants like BTS and Stray Kids.
This sustained chart performance has created a massive demand for live performances, making the “PRESS START♥︎” tour one of the most sought-after tickets of the spring season.
Critics have noted that ILLIT’s ability to sell out arenas so early in their career is a testament to the “perfect storm” of their catchy music, relatable branding, and the powerhouse management of HYBE and BELIFT LAB.
Fan Anticipation
As the March 14 start date approaches, the excitement within the fandom—known as GLLIT—continues to build.
BELIFT LAB has promised that more updates regarding ticketing and potential additional stops will be shared in the coming weeks.
For many fans, this tour represents the first opportunity to see the members’ growth and live vocal stability in a dedicated concert setting.
With its creative title “PRESS START♥︎,” the tour signals the beginning of a long and successful journey for ILLIT.
As they prepare to “press start” on this new chapter, the group is poised to solidify their status as the leaders of the fifth generation of K-pop.
Acclaimed actress Shin Sae Kyeong may soon be gracing the small screen once again in a new romantic series.
On January 22, 2026, reports surfaced indicating that the actress is in discussions to take the lead in an upcoming project titled “The World They’re Dating In” (working title).
In response to these reports, her management agency, The Present Company, confirmed that she has received the offer and is “currently reviewing it positively.”
This potential role is generating significant buzz as it marks another foray into the popular genre of webtoon-to-drama adaptations, which have recently dominated the South Korean television landscape.
A Story of Chaotic Romance and Logic
Based on a beloved romance webtoon, “The World They’re Dating In” centers on the bittersweet and often chaotic life of a woman who yearns for an ordinary existence but constantly finds herself in anything but ordinary situations.
The drama is set to be directed by Kim Yong Wan, a filmmaker who has earned high praise for his recent work on Netflix’s “The Whirlwind” and tvN’s “Head Over Heels.”
His involvement suggests a production that will balance emotional depth with polished storytelling, elevating the source material’s romantic themes.
Shin Sae Kyeong has been offered the role of Shin Se Wool, a professional brand designer who is characterized by her pragmatism and lack of interest in the traditional path of marriage.
Se Wool’s life is turned upside down when three very different men simultaneously enter her life, each presenting a unique romantic appeal.
True to her logical nature, Se Wool attempts to navigate this sudden influx of affection by applying reason and efficiency to her choice of partner.
However, the drama promises a heart-fluttering narrative as her carefully maintained rationality begins to crumble under the diverse and persistent romantic advances of the three suitors.
Busy Schedule and Big Screen Return
While fans await the official confirmation of her role in “The World They’re Dating In,” Shin Sae Kyeong is already keeping a very busy schedule in early 2026.
The actress is currently gearing up for her highly anticipated return to the big screen in the film “HUMINT,” which is set for release on February 11.
This film marks a significant milestone in her career, as it is her first cinematic role in approximately 12 years.
In “HUMINT,” Shin Sae Kyeong takes on a starkly different role from her potential drama character, playing a mysterious woman working at a North Korean restaurant in Vladivostok.
She stars alongside a heavy-hitting cast including Zo In Sung, Park Jeong Min, and Park Hae Joon.
The film, which involves conflicting missions and tense dynamics among secret agents, showcases the actress’s range as she pivots from the suspense of a high-stakes thriller to the whimsical, heart-fluttering atmosphere of a romantic comedy.
Shin Sae Kyeong (Credit: YouTube)
High Expectations for the “Romance Queen”
Shin Sae Kyeong has long been regarded as one of the “queens of romance” in the K-drama world, with a track record of successful projects like “The Bride of Habaek” and “Run On.”
Her potential involvement in a webtoon-based romance has heightened expectations among drama enthusiasts who are eager to see her interpret the character of Shin Se Wool.
The combination of a popular source material, an esteemed director, and Shin Sae Kyeong’s established charm makes “The World They’re Dating In” one of the most anticipated upcoming series of the year.
If she officially joins the cast, the production is expected to begin shortly after the promotions for her film “HUMINT” conclude, making 2026 a major year for the actress across both film and television.
