The K-Pop landscape is currently witnessing the emergence of powerful new talents, and the rookie girl group ILLIT has just cemented their status as a global force to be reckoned with.
Their latest single, “NOT CUTE ANYMORE,” has achieved a remarkable digital milestone, soaring past 10 million views on YouTube in an astonishingly short span of just two days.
This achievement is a definitive signal of the group’s rapid ascent and formidable international appeal in the highly competitive girl group space.
A Monumental Milestone for Rookie Girl Groups
The speed at which “NOT CUTE ANYMORE” reached the eight-figure view count on YouTube is a crucial indicator of ILLIT’s immediate and potent appeal.
Achieving 10 million views in just 48 hours is not merely a number; it represents a comprehensive success across several critical industry metrics.
For any established K-Pop act, this would be a commendable feat, but for a rookie group still solidifying their place in the intensely competitive landscape, it is a monumental achievement that sets them apart from their contemporaries.
This rapid accumulation of traffic implies a highly dedicated and organized global fanbase—often referred to as a “fandom power”—that mobilized swiftly and efficiently upon the song’s release.
It also suggests that the track’s pre-release buzz, coupled with the high quality of the final product and music video, successfully captured the attention of casual listeners and global music media.
The YouTube view count is widely recognized as the primary tool for measuring a K-Pop group’s immediate international reach, and this achievement firmly establishes ILLIT as a frontrunner among the new wave of talent defining the current K-Pop generation.
It validates their agency’s creative direction, signaling that the group has successfully transcended purely domestic interest to become a recognized global player with significant commercial power.
ILLIT (Credit: YouTube)
The Momentum Behind “NOT CUTE ANYMORE”
The immense success of the view count is inextricably linked to the title track itself and its accompanying music video.
The rapid engagement suggests that “NOT CUTE ANYMORE” delivered a highly resonant concept that struck a chord with the modern global audience.
K-Pop is a visually driven genre, and the music video must have been executed with high-quality production, memorable aesthetics, and impactful choreography, driving viewers to watch repeatedly.
The title suggests a possible thematic shift for the group, perhaps moving from a purely innocent image to one that incorporates a bolder, more confident element of femininity and maturity, which often generates intense fan discussion and high-volume streams.
Furthermore, the sonic quality of the track—its catchy hook, refined production value, and overall radio-friendliness—must have been strong enough to drive repeated streams, which directly contributes to the swift view accumulation.
In the digital age, a song’s virality is often determined by its immediate impact and shareability.
The massive number of views in a two-day period is clear evidence that the track was immediately shared across social media platforms, reacted to by content creators and influencers, and streamed heavily by dedicated fans committed to hitting the milestone target.
This level of immediate and sustained engagement underscores the effectiveness of their comeback strategy.
ILLIT’s Growing Global Footprint
The lightning-fast success of “NOT CUTE ANYMORE” sets a clear and promising trajectory for ILLIT’s future career.
In the K-Pop industry, such early milestones are highly predictive of long-term success, high album sales, and sustained positive international media coverage.
This achievement now places a high level of expectation on their subsequent releases, promotional activities, and potential large-scale engagements, such as international tours and major brand endorsements.
The ability of the group to mobilize a 10-million-view effort in just two days confirms their standing as a group with genuine global appeal, a critical factor in securing longevity in today’s competitive market.
Digital platforms like YouTube and global streaming services are the foundation of K-Pop’s international dominance, and a strong performance on these platforms translates directly into leverage and influence for the group.
By achieving this significant metric so quickly, ILLIT has not only galvanized their current fanbase but has also attracted the attention of potential new listeners and industry observers who recognize the undeniable power of their rapid growth.
This explosive early momentum ensures that ILLIT will be a closely watched act as they continue to define their sound and image, with “NOT CUTE ANYMORE” serving as a powerful declaration of their current popularity and huge potential for sustained success in the global music world.
NCT member Jungwoo is officially making his long-awaited solo debut, marking a significant milestone in his career seven years after his initial entry into the K-pop scene.
SM Entertainment confirmed on November 24, 2025, that Jungwoo will release his first solo single, “SUGAR,” on November 28 at 6 p.m. KST.
This sweet musical offering to his fans, known as NCTzens, is made even more special by the announcement that the single drop will coincide with his first-ever solo fan meeting, setting the stage for a major double celebration.
The Sweet Debut Single: “SUGAR” Details and Concept
The solo single “SUGAR” is being introduced as a vibrant and refreshing pop track, perfectly embodying the gentle yet amazing charm that Jungwoo is known for.
According to SM Entertainment, the song boasts a dynamic and groovy arrangement, characterized by a swingy drumbeat, a witty bassline, and a smooth, catchy melody.
The composition is designed to build momentum gradually, starting with a minimal sound and evolving into a sensually atmospheric track that highlights Jungwoo’s clear and crystalline vocal color.
The lyrical content of “SUGAR” is a heartfelt ode to his devoted fans. The song’s message is one of gratitude and affection, expressing Jungwoo’s sincere wish that all the moments shared with his fans—both those experienced in the past and the anticipation for future activities—will be perpetually sweet, just like sugar.
NCT’s Jungwoo (Credit: YouTube)
Teaser images released ahead of the debut further fueled anticipation, showcasing Jungwoo’s striking visuals, including a new, bright blue hair color, set against an imaginative, colorful backdrop often depicting an upside-down room and candy, visually emphasizing the track’s sweet and dreamy concept.
One teaser image even contained snippet lyrics, such as, “Sweet all mine / Starlight melts inside my mouth / Shining like your scent surrounds,” providing a glimpse into the pop number’s warm sensibility.
“Golden Sugar Time”: A Solo Launch Event
Making his solo debut an even more memorable event, Jungwoo will host his first solo fan meeting, titled “Golden Sugar Time,” on the very same day as the single release.
The fan meeting is scheduled for November 28 at the Ticketlink Live Arena (Handball Gymnasium) in Seoul Olympic Park, with two sessions held at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. KST.
This intimate event will serve as the official launch pad for his solo career.
It is anticipated that Jungwoo will use this platform to deliver the debut live performance of “SUGAR” for the first time, offering fans a unique opportunity to experience the new song and its choreography in person almost immediately upon its release.
The title “Golden Sugar Time” cleverly links the event back to his single, promising a precious and sweet time of interaction and celebration between the idol and his fanbase, who have patiently awaited his solo musical venture.
Jungwoo’s Journey: From Boss to Soloist
Jungwoo’s solo debut is the culmination of a successful and diverse career within the NCT framework.
He was first introduced to the public in 2017 as an SM Rookie and officially debuted in February 2018 as a member of the rotational unit NCT U with the powerful and popular single “Boss.”
His distinct vocal timbre and strong performance skills quickly established him as an essential member.
Later that year, he joined the fixed Seoul-based unit NCT 127, contributing significantly as a lead vocalist and dancer to their major domestic and international successes.
More recently, he achieved critical acclaim as a member of the sub-unit NCT DoJaeJung (alongside Doyoung and Jaehyun), which debuted in 2023 with the mini-album Perfume.
This unit further showcased Jungwoo’s sophisticated vocal ability and maturity in R&B and ballad genres.
Beyond group activities, Jungwoo also built public recognition as a charismatic host on the popular weekly music show Show! Music Core for two years, demonstrating his versatility as an all-around entertainer.
This deep and varied experience across different units, music genres, and broadcast roles has solidified his reputation as an “ace” performer, leading to high expectations for the unique sound and style he will showcase as a solo artist.
The simultaneous release of “SUGAR” and the “Golden Sugar Time” fan meeting sets the tone for a promising solo journey, satisfying the long-held wishes of fans who recognize Jungwoo’s immense vocal potential and charismatic stage presence.
