ILLIT is one of the newest K-pop groups, enchanting fans with bops like “Magnetic.” But this time, it’s not their music making fans talk; it’s one of their alleged original members! With YG Entertainment’s brand-new four-member girl group set to begin rolling out members starting this May 27th, fans are convinced a familiar name—Youngseo might be in the line-up.
Let’s rewind for a second. Youngseo was close to debuting with ILLIT after placing second in “R U Next?,” the survival show that built the group. She was a fan favorite, praised for her talent and stage presence. But out of nowhere, she ghosted the debut lineup—no detailed explanation, just a Weverse post confirming a leave that left pre-debut fans confused.
Fast forward to now, and fans are spotting Youngseo hanging around YG Entertainment’s building more than once. Coincidence? Maybe not! She’s also allegedly been seen with other female YG trainees and even popped up in the background of a dance video filmed outside the company. Add that to whispers she might’ve joined YG’s sub-label, The Black Label (though she didn’t debut with MEOVV), and the puzzle pieces are starting to form a new girl group picture.
With YG now pushing their “NEXT MONSTER” project, the idea that Youngseo could be one of the four debut members has fans absolutely spiraling. Social media is dropping throwback clips from R U Next?, and hoping for her to finally debut. Stay tuned, because if Youngseo really did jump from ILLIT to YG, this debut might just give us the answer.