On the afternoon of December 25, SBS Gayo 2025 officially took place at INSPIRE Arena in Incheon, drawing massive attention from K-pop fans worldwide. The year-end music festival featured a star-studded lineup including Stray Kids, NCT DREAM, IVE, LE SSERAFIM, aespa, and ILLIT, creating a festive atmosphere filled with powerful stages and dazzling visuals.
Beyond the performances, the red carpet remained one of the most anticipated highlights of the event. With SBS Gayo 2025 coinciding with Christmas, many idols embraced holiday-themed concepts, opting for eye-catching and festive outfits. Among them, IVE received praise for their Christmas-inspired styling, which many netizens described as elegant and well-balanced.
However, the moment ILLIT stepped onto the red carpet, their outfits immediately became a hot topic of discussion.
Staying true to their signature baby-cute image, ILLIT appeared in pastel-toned outfits made from sheer chiffon and glossy satin fabrics. The group aimed to maintain a youthful, innocent charm, but the execution failed to impress a large portion of viewers. Many pointed out that the loose silhouettes lacked structure, making the members appear smaller on camera and unintentionally “swallowing” their proportions.
Additionally, the heavy layering of fabrics and excessive decorative details were criticized for being overly busy without a clear focal point. Netizens argued that the outfits did not highlight the members’ strengths, especially considering ILLIT is widely recognized for having strong visuals among rookie girl groups.
“The outfits feel cluttered and shapeless,” some comments read, while others noted that the styling reduced the impact of the group’s otherwise praised visuals.
As red carpet photos circulated rapidly on social media, ILLIT quickly trended on online forums. While many fans expressed regret rather than outright criticism, the stylist team faced renewed backlash. Viewers questioned the lack of innovation and attention to fit, especially when the group stood alongside artists with clearly defined and bold concepts.
This is not the first time ILLIT has faced such scrutiny. During their previous appearance at the MMA red carpet, the group’s styling was also described as bland and lacking memorability. Despite maintaining a consistent cute concept, critics argued that the looks were overly safe and failed to stand out in a highly competitive visual environment.
Divided Opinions Continue
That said, not all reactions were negative. Some fans defended the styling, stating that the pastel color palette and soft materials aligned perfectly with ILLIT’s debut image. According to supporters, sticking to a consistent concept helps the group maintain a clear identity rather than getting lost among more experimental styles.
Still, the supportive voices have yet to outweigh the growing concerns. Repeated criticism following each public appearance has sparked discussions about ILLIT’s long-term image strategy. Many believe that with their youthful visuals and strong public appeal, the group has untapped potential that could be better showcased through more refined and tailored styling choices.
As debates continue, fans hope that future appearances will bring noticeable improvements—allowing ILLIT’s visuals and charm to shine without being overshadowed by controversial fashion decisions.
Sources: kenh14
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