After the official fandom name ILLIT was announced, fans called it the “worst” of the groups, later asking HYBE to change it for THIS reason.
On September 1st, ILLIT finally revealed that, after remaining nameless for about six months, his fandom’s official name will be “GLLIT”.
According to a press release, GLLIT is derived from the English word “Glitter”, which means “to shine brightly”. This means that fans are the ones who shine the most in the eyes of ILLIT and those who can make ILLIT shine.
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THE OFFICIAL FANDOM NAME OF ILLIT IS ‘GLLIT’.#YOU #eyelet photo.twitter.com/z2eCNO906a
— rune ✨ (@willibeit) September 1, 2024
Belift Lab, the HYBE subsidiary that manages the quintet, later stated:
“We look forward to the many moments that ILLIT and ‘GLLIT’, shining brighter and more beautifully for each other, will create in the future.”
This announcement became even more meaningful because that day also marked the five-member team’s first anniversary through JTBC’s “RU Next?” To commemorate the special day, the members communicated through messages and live broadcasts. ILLIT also expressed their love and pride for their fans, GLLIT.
Contrary to the team’s positive opinion, there are supporters who raised their eyebrows upon learning the fandom’s name.
GLITTER? 😭 https://t.co/NfsbVlWMmp photo.twitter.com/KAlSKC6co1
— EQUIPMENT ⋆ (@eiahae) September 1, 2024
hybe is so bad with fandom names omg fearnot, onedoor, engene, eyekon and now gllit……. someone stop them https://t.co/k5IBPBEGVb
— ☽☾ (@teuhottie) September 1, 2024
READ ALSO: K-Media, Industry Experts Analyze ILLIT’s Alleged “Copy” of NewJeans: Here’s What They Said
In the K-pop scene, fans are proud and honor their fandom names as they represent them. This also separates them from other K-pop fans, creating a bond with their favorite group with a unique and special affection.
But according to ILLIT fans, GLLIT is not, because it sounds like the word “clit”, a vulgar slang related to the female sexual organ. Fans think the name sounds strange and fear that the group’s fandom could be the target of sexual innuendo.
Netizens recalled the time when Jellyfish Entertainment’s new boy group, Evening’s Newest Etoiles, faced the same conflict after initially considering calling the team BLIT.
No one shares notes because we didn’t see how it ended😭 https://t.co/IZT1YA8VaS photo.twitter.com/6QcNrfIEbD
— car car🍭HE KILLED ROMEO (@wittywook) September 1, 2024
hybe randomly generates fandom names until it finds a worse one photo.twitter.com/UQBzAbBI9N Italian: https://t.co/eKgApx9IN9
— rem ୨ৎ (@satorunbox) September 1, 2024
Eventually, the label EVNNE decided to change it after fans expressed concerns about its “hidden meaning”.
As a result, GLLIT are also calling out HYBE and asking for the label to be reconsidered, despite its beautiful meaning and intent.
Although the problem lies in the evil minds of internet users, fans were worried about the consequences it would have on ILLIT, especially since most of the members are minors and just teenagers.
Until recently, concerns had been raised about idols and celebrities being used for R-19 content via deepfakes, so fans wanted to protect the quintet from potential consequences.
READ MORE: ILLIT Members Face Backlash After Following, Then Unfollowing Fan Accounts
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Written by Eunice Dela Cruz
