bomb - EP

Album ∙ K-Pop ∙ 2025

ILLIT

Naming their third mini album bomb was clearly a statement of intent for a nascent girl group like ILLIT. The South Korean-based multinational act embellishes their signature beat-driven-yet-dreamy sound on five tracks that incorporate a modern vintage feeling (“little monster”) and playful moods (the boisterous “oops!”). In particular, the lead single “Billyeoon Goyangi (Do the Dance)” compares the thrill and trepidation of a first date to the shyness of a “borrowed cat” over chic French house beats. Exclusively for Apple Music, the group’s five members take us through the record, track by track.

“little monster”
Yunah: “‘little monster’ is built around a vintage-inspired, simple sound and an addictive hook. The lyrical feel of the vocals really adds to the vibe of the track. In the lyrics, the ‘monsters’ represent all the negative emotions, like sorrow or gloom, that bother us. The point here is cheerfully saying that we’re going to gobble up all those monsters!”

“Billyeoon Goyangi (Do the Dance)”
Minju: “‘Do the Dance’ features strong lyrics, colorful melodies and hooks, and cat-themed choreography. The Korean title comes from the expression ‘like a borrowed cat’ to describe how you go blank after making a blunder on a first date with someone you’re really into. This track will feel even more special when you feel like diving into a magical atmosphere.”

“jellyous”
Moka: “‘jellyous’ expresses the sense of uncertainty, that tension mixed with anticipation, when you schedule a meet-up with someone you’re into and you’re wondering whether or not that counts as an actual date. The title comes from how people use ‘jelly’ as a cute way of saying ‘jealous,’ so being ‘full of jealousy’ becomes ‘full of jelly’! This track has a brisk, catchy beat that really stands out.”

“oops!”
Wonhee: “‘oops!’ is a track in an exciting pop-punk style, and it’s about getting together with your besties to share juicy gossip. The song’s about ordinary girls who are just as likely to get up to silly nonsense as they are to share deep, heartfelt thoughts. Think of hanging out with your friends when listening to this one.”

“bamsopoong”
Iroha: “‘bamsopoong’ conveys a gentle, dreamy feel, like you’re sharing a special moment at a private spot under the starlight. It’s about when worries keep you awake at night, you reach out to a soulmate and go on a picnic together. Think of a mellow picnic scene when listening to this.”