ILLIT Announces Fandom Name — But Fans Demand HYBE to Change It for THIS Reason

Following the announcement of ILLIT’s official fandom name, fans are dubbing it as the “worst” among groups, then demanding HYBE to change it because of THIS. 

On Sept. 1, ILLIT finally revealed that after being nameless for about six months, its official fandom name will be “GLLIT.”

According to a press release, GLLIT is derived from the English word, “Glitter,” which means to “shine brightly.” It means that the fans are the ones who shine the most in ILLIT’s eyes and the ones who can make ILLIT shine. 

Belift Lab, HYBE’s subsidiary managing the quintet then said:

“Please look forward to the many moments that ILLIT and ‘GLLIT’, who shine the most brightly and beautifully to each other, will create in the future.”

This announcement became more meaningful as that day also marked the 1st anniversary of the five-member team through JTBC’s “R U Next?” To commemorate the special day, the members communicated through messaging and live broadcasts. ILLIT also expressed that they love and are proud of their fans, GLLIT. 

Contrary to the team’s positive opinion, there are supporters who raised their brows after learning about the fandom’s name. 

In the K-pop scene, fans take pride and honor in their fandom names as they represent them. This also separates them from other K-pop fans, forming a connection with their favorite group with a unique and special endearment.

But according to ILLIT fans, GLLIT is not it, as it sounds like the word, “clit,” a vulgar slang related to the female sex organ. Fans think that the name sounds strange and fear that the group’s fandom will be the target of sexual innuendoes. 

Netizens recalled the time when Jellyfish Entertainment’s new boy group Evening’s Newest Etoiles also faced the same conflict after initially considering naming the team, BLIT. 

Eventually, EVNNE’s label decided to change it after their fans raised their concerns about its “hidden meaning.”

As a result, GLLITs are also calling the attention of HYBE and are demanding the label be reconsidered, despite its beautiful meaning and intention. 

Although the problem goes to the malicious minds of internet users, fans were worried about how it will affect ILLIT, especially since most members are minors and only in their teens. 

Just until recently, the concerns about idols and celebrities being used for R-19 content through deepfake have been raised, thus, the fans want to protect the quintet from its possible aftermath.