K-pop Rising Stars ILLIT Tease Addictive New Track ‘Borrowed Cat’ Ahead of June Comeback

You can always count on ILLIT to mix quirk with charm. The Gen-Z powerhouse girl group from BELIFT LAB under HYBE LABELS is creating waves once again with a surprise snippet of their next musical adventure. On May 23, ILLIT unveiled a preview of their title track ‘Borrowed Cat’ from their upcoming third mini album ‘bomb’ via HYBE LABELS’ official YouTube channel.

Set against the quiet hum of a night scene, the video paints a nostalgic yet mysterious portrait. ILLIT members appear in school uniforms, exploring a dimly lit tunnel on bicycles — a visual that immediately evokes curiosity. As member Minju gazes into the unknown with starry eyes, the five girls venture into a magical, surreal world. Their gentle smiles add layers of whimsical mischief and dreamy aesthetics, leaving fans eager to uncover the full concept.

Musically, ‘Borrowed Cat’ promises to be nothing short of irresistible. The snippet flashes a glimpse of its catchy beats and Lo-fi charm. Dreamy melodic lines entwined with mysterious cat sounds hint at an experimental French house influence, giving the track a fresh edge. Combined with the group’s airy yet expressive vocals, the teaser delivers an unforgettable punch in just a few seconds.

According to BELIFT LAB, the title is inspired by a Korean idiom describing shyness or awkwardness — “like a borrowed cat.” In the song’s narrative, the track encapsulates the clumsy excitement of a first date, where everything feels unfamiliar and tense. Still, there’s an optimistic twist; instead of ending the moment awkwardly, the protagonist hopeful asks to dance, pouring out youthful charm and bravery.

Beyond the title track, ILLIT has already previewed four B-side tracks from their upcoming album: ‘little monster’, ‘jellyous’, ‘oops!’, and ‘Night Picnic’. Shared through a highlight medley on May 22, each song embodies unique flavors, showcasing the eclectic sound ILLIT has come to be known for. Fans worldwide are already buzzing with praise for the group’s sonic identity filled with color and confidence.

With just under three weeks to go before the release, ILLIT has managed to grab global attention early by offering sneak peeks at their entire tracklist. Their third mini-album ‘bomb’ is scheduled to be released on June 16 at 6PM KST. If the teasers are anything to go by, it’s set to be their boldest, most endearing chapter yet.