ILLIT’s Surprise Chart-topping Success in Japan
K-pop girl group ILLIT is making waves in Japan with their original Japanese single, ‘Almond Chocolate’. The song has recently surged in popularity, ranking No. 6 on Apple Music Japan’s Weekly Song Chart, marking the highest placement ever for a Japanese original by a K-pop group. According to their agency, BELIFT LAB, the track has steadily climbed the charts since its release in February, gaining traction through word-of-mouth.
Breaking Records Across the Board
‘Almond Chocolate’ isn’t just topping Apple Music. It also ranked 10th on Oricon’s Weekly Streaming Rankings—the highest among all K-pop girl group releases in 2024 so far. The single also performed strongly on Billboard Japan, taking the 10th spot on the Weekly Streaming Songs chart and 13th on the Hot 100. Even without a music video, the song managed to grab 21st place on YouTube Music Japan’s Weekly Trending chart, showcasing its exceptional appeal.
A Melodic Love Letter, with a Twist
As the theme song for the Japanese film ‘I Won’t Fall for Just a Pretty Face’, ‘Almond Chocolate’ strikes a chord with listeners thanks to its touching lyrics and dreamy melody. The song draws a charming analogy, comparing emotions for a loved one to almond chocolate, sweet on the outside yet rich and complex inside. ILLIT’s expressive vocal delivery elevates the emotional resonance, winning over fans across borders.
Dominating TikTok and Proving Global Appeal
ILLIT has also conquered short-form content platforms. The Sped-Up version of ‘Almond Chocolate’ has stayed in the Top 10 on TikTok Japan’s Weekly Music Chart for three consecutive weeks, recording nearly 47,000 video uses. This further cements ILLIT’s status as a rising “short-form star” in the K-pop world. The song also charted 9th on Billboard’s LyricFind Global, affirming its resonance with international fans.
What’s Next for ILLIT?
Beyond localized success, ‘Almond Chocolate’ is helping ILLIT broaden their global reach. Enthusiastic fans worldwide are discovering the group’s sentimental artistry and dynamic performances. With the buzz still growing, expectations for ILLIT’s next move on the global stage are running high. One thing’s clear: these rising stars are just getting started.
