ILLIT’s “Sunday Morning” Teaser Drops ☀️, Hinting at a Deliciously Bright J-Pop Comeback! ✨

The morning calm of the K-pop landscape has been delightfully interrupted by ILLIT, who just unveiled the highly anticipated music video teaser for their second Japanese digital single, “Sunday Morning.” This strategic move signals not just a fresh sound, but a deeper dive into the vibrant Japanese market, a territory where K-pop acts increasingly carve out significant cultural spaces.

Released on **January 9th** via the **HYBE Labels YouTube channel**, the “Sunday Morning” teaser immediately transports viewers into a charming restaurant setting, aptly named “Sunday Morning.” The members, radiating youthful energy, take on various roles, each contributing to an atmosphere of warm welcome and delightful anticipation. We see **Moka** graciously guiding guests, **Iroha** diligently taking orders, and **Wonhee** animatedly focused on her culinary creations, all meticulously choreographed to heighten immersion.

The visual feast continues with a captivating solo performance by **Yuna** and **Minju**, set amidst a whimsical, bubble-filled restaurant. Their bright smiles and the airy, fresh production intertwine to craft a truly fantastic ambiance. As the teaser concludes, all five members playfully pinch their cheeks, showcasing their signature vivacious charm and further escalating excitement for the full music video. The complete digital single and music video for “Sunday Morning” are set to drop on **January 13th**.

“Sunday Morning” is poised to be a J-pop rock track, lyrically painting the magnificent power of love that knows no bounds. The song encapsulates the sparkling emotions and poignant longing of a Sunday morning, when one simply yearns to meet their beloved. Notably, the track features a collaboration with **Mega Shinnosuke**, the acclaimed 2000-born singer behind the TikTok sensation “Ai to U (愛とU).” This partnership promises a powerful synergy between the “short-form strong” ILLIT and an artist known for his fresh, trending sound.

The buzz around the new single is already palpable. “Sunday Morning” has been chosen as the opening theme song for **Season 2** of the popular anime, **’Tis Time for “Torture,” Princess** (공주님 “고문”의 시간입니다), broadcasting on major Japanese terrestrial channels and OTT platforms. This strategic placement further solidifies ILLIT’s burgeoning presence in the lucrative Japanese OST market.

• 💖 **J-pop Rock Anthem:** “Sunday Morning” promises an energetic, love-fueled sound.
• 🗓️ **MV Teaser:** Dropped on **January 9th** on **HYBE Labels YouTube**.
• 🚀 **Full Release:** Mark your calendars for **January 13th**!
• 🎶 **Mega Shinnosuke Collab:** A strategic partnership amplifying ILLIT’s “short-form strong” appeal.
• 📺 **Anime OST:** Featured as the opening for **’Tis Time for “Torture,” Princess” Season 2**.

Speaking of the Japanese market, ILLIT has already established a firm foothold. Their track “Almond Chocolate,” the theme song for the movie ‘Kao Dake Ja Suki Ni Narimasen’ (얼굴만으로 좋아하지 않습니다), released in **February last year**, has enjoyed long-term success on local music charts for nearly a year. In fact, a recent performance of the song at a year-end stage saw its streaming figures surge by **76.1%** week-over-week. This propelled “Almond Chocolate” to **#2** on the Oricon Weekly Streaming Rising Latest Chart for the period of **December 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026**, unequivocally proving their sustained local popularity.

Meanwhile, back in Korea, ILLIT continues to dominate. Riding the wave of their single 1st album title track “NOT CUTE ANYMORE” experiencing a successful reverse run on charts, the group is set to perform on **SBS ‘Inkigayo’** on **January 11th**. Prior to that, member **Wonhee** will make a special appearance on **tvN ‘Amazing Saturday’ 400th-episode special** on **January 10th**.

Editor’s Comment: ILLIT’s adept navigation of both Korean and Japanese markets, particularly with their strategic anime OST placements and collaborations, showcases a profound understanding of global fan engagement. Their consistent ability to deliver viral content proves they are a group to watch in the evolving landscape of transnational pop culture.

The future is undoubtedly bright for ILLIT as they continue to charm audiences across Asia and beyond.

Editor: Minho Kang 📜