ILLIT’s “NOT CUTE ANYMORE” faces backlash

The song, released under the HYBE BELIFT LAB sublabel, boasts a soft, dreamy sound and a title that suggests a departure from the group’s usual affected image. However, fans and casual listeners alike are criticizing the track lackluster structure, uninspired productionand, above all, his short duration of only 2 minutes and 11 seconds.

“It looks like a demo”

Criticism poured into Reddit, where one user bluntly called out the song “it looks like a demo,” while others claimed it looked more like a side bo intro of the album of a fully fleshed out title track. Many pointed to the absence of a bridge, abrupt transitions, and minimal dynamic changes as major weaknesses that robbed the song of emotional reward or musical growth.

“I like the chorus, but the structure of the song is just verse-chorus-repeat – and then it’s over. It feels incomplete,” a post read.

The reaction has reignited an ongoing debate about increasingly shorter lengths of K-pop songs. Users compared YOUto equally short releases from bands like THE SERAPHINSciting a trend fueled by streaming culture and the virality of TikTok.

“These songs feel raw. There’s hype and buildup, but the songs end before anything happens,” commented one frustrated listener.

Some fans defended themselves YOUthe exploration of different sounds and moods, noting the group’s desire to evolve artistically. Yet even supporters admitted that the track lacked the polish and cohesion expected of a released title, especially one backed by a major label like HYBE.

While shorter pieces are often preferred replayability in the digital age, critics argue that brevity should not come at the expense of artistic depth. As one listener noted, “Short songs can work, if they feel complete. It just felt like a sketch.”

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