Mamihlapinatapai (EP)

On March 16, 2026, Belift Lab announced that Illit's fourth extended play Mamihlapinatapai would be released on April 30, with the lead single titled "It's Me", after it was revealed during the group's first concert tour Press Start in Seoul on the previous two days.^[2] The extended play was made available for pre-order on March 31, and the track listing was revealed the same day.^[3][4] On April 3, "Paw Paw" version concept photos and films were released, featuring the members each posing with their representative animal.^[5] "GRWM" version concept photos and films were released on April 7, featuring the members doing their makeup in the morning.^[6] On April 14, "Free Rider" version concept photos and films were released, depicting the members with an attitude of "lazy perfectionism".^[7] The highlight medley video was released on April 21.^[8] On April 23, the campaign film for "It's Me" was released, followed by "It's Me" version concept photos and films the following day, featuring the members wearing veils.^[9][10] Music video teasers for "It's Me" were released on April 27 and 28.^[11][12] The extended play was released alongside the music video for "It's Me" on April 30.^[13][14]

The opening track "GRWM (Get Ready With Me)" is a drum and bass song about "sharing one's innermost feelings without make-up", layered over a gentle melody.^[15] The lead single "It's Me" is a techno song about the moment of wondering what your relationship with someone is after a first date, with the members shouting "I'm your bias" over intense beats and softly whispering "It's me".^[16] The track combines "a driving beat [and] shimmering synths", incorporating some Bollywood musical styles, and features a "simple, ringing chorus".^[17] The third track "Paw, Paw!", co-written by Illit member Iroha, is an electro-pop and hyperpop song with heavy bass contrasting an emotional melody, with lyrics that express affection for a pet.^[18][17] The title track, "Mamihlapinatapai", is a pop rock^[19] and synth pop song that conveys a message to youth who have become "lazy perfectionists" when faced with many choices and responsibilities, acting as commentary on the stresses of "group projects and endless to-do lists, the busyness of life".^[20][17] The final track "Love, Older You", co-written by all five members of Illit, is an alternative pop song with a "warm and gentle sensibility",^[21] serving as a message from the members to their younger selves.^[22]

On May 5, 2026, following the extended play's release, Illit held an event in Seoul on Children's Day titled Illit Seoul Children's Grand Park Festival, featuring interactive booths with family-oriented activities and a performance from the group.^[23] The group will also host a pop-up on the first floor of the Hybe building from May 3 to 8, featuring their outfits from the music video and photo shoots.^[24][25]