ILLIT will return on April 30, 2026, with a new mini-album titled “MAMIHLAPINATAPAI,” and the title track will be “It’s Me.” The announcement was made after the quintet concluded their first tour, ILLIT LIVE ‘PRESS START♥’ in SEOUL, at Ticketlink Live Arena in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on March 14, 2026, and March 15, 2026. The comeback news was shared at the end of the final performance, giving fans an early look at what is coming next for the girl group.
Their upcoming mini-album title has drawn attention because of its unusual origin. “
ILLIT performing "Magnetic" at PRESS START in SEOUL (D-1)#ILLIT #아일릿 pic.twitter.com/qPZmcK9Tog
— ILLIT NEWS (@theillitnews_) March 14, 2026
” comes from the language of the Yaghan people of South America. The word was recognized by Guinness World Records in 1993 as the “most succinct word,” and the language is now considered extinct. The term is known for being difficult to translate, and it refers to a meaningful exchange of looks between two people who both want to begin something, but neither one makes the first move.
ILLIT announces their 4th mini album, ‘MAMIHLAPINATAPAI’. pic.twitter.com/1JrWTqkAPN
— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) March 17, 2026
With April 30, 2026, now confirmed as the release date, fans are looking forward to hearing how “It’s Me” and the rest of “MAMIHLAPINATAPAI” will shape the group’s next step. Pre-orders for the mini-album are now open, with more details, including trailers, sneak-peeks, videos, and concept photos, possibly coming soon.
