Who’s Your Bias?!: All About ILLIT’s Artist Stage @ KCON
Written by Daphne Bryant
All images courtesy of KCON Official
On the morning of August 15th, enthusiastic fans lined up to see ILLIT perform at KCON LA: an immersive K-Lifestyle convention and platform that seamlessly blends K-pop performances with hands-on Korean culture and lifestyle content. ILLIT’s first performance of the day was hosted at Artist Stage, and the crowd’s excitement was palpable. The lights dimmed as I stood surrounded by pretty lightsticks, and four members—Moka is currently on hiatus for health-related reasons—graced the stage.
Wonhee, Minju, Iroha, and Yunah were all dressed in cute but casual looks, wearing polo shirts, belted mini skirts, and matching black Mary Jane’s. They began the show by singing ever-nostalgic“ Billyeoon Goyangi (Do the Dance)”, which samples music from The Five Star Stories’ 1989 anime film adaptation. With energetic choreography and bright smiles, ILLIT got the crowd up and moving. Next on the setlist was one of my personal favorites:“ MAGNETIC.” If you can believe it, this record-breaking viral hit is ILLIT’s debut track, which explores the intense, undeniable pull of a teenage crush.
After“ MAGNETIC” came an audience-heavy engagement segment! These segments are staples of the Artist Stage, which are much more intimate than the M COUNTDOWN ones. During this time, soloists and groups alike are able to pose for designated Photo Time, pass out special balls that may just result in exclusive, autographed prizes, and play unique games with their fans. Once they’d posed for both the right, middle and left sides of the stage, ILLIT initiated a game called“ Ready, Set, Dance!”
Ready, Set, Dance encouraged audience members to show off their best moves for a chance to dance with Yunah and Minju and win a group Polaroid. Fans showed off their move memory with“ NOT CUTE ANYMORE” and“ ICONIC BY MISTAKE”, and then the girls did even more crowd work and fan service. The titular“ Mamihlapinatapai” from their 2026 EP of the same name, and“ Lucky Girl Syndrome” from their debut EP played in the background as ILLIT walked around holding hands with fans, taking selfies, and blowing bubbles. The experience was definitely worth it for VIP Premium ticket members, who’d paid extra to get a front-row seat.
ILLIT performed a couple more songs such as“ Tick-Tack”—whose viral dance moves were choreographed by none other than CORTIS member James—before wrapping things up with the high-energy (and oddly self-aware)“ It’s Me.” While Moka’s presence was missed, ILLIT put on an incredible show and maintained special connections with fans throughout. I can proudly say that I am now a fan!
