K-pop group ILLIT (members Yunah, Minju, Moka, Wonhee, and Iroha) has announced an exciting collaboration with the globally beloved character brand Care Bears for their upcoming Japanese release.



According to their agency BELIFT LAB on August 1, ILLIT will release a special limited edition of their first Japanese single “Toki Yo Tomare” (Japanese title: 時よ止まれ) on September 3, in collaboration with Care Bears. The teaser image reveals the members dressed in pure white outfits, exuding a dreamy atmosphere alongside adorable Care Bears designed to represent each member. The “ILLIT X Care Bears” characters reflect the members’ unique personalities and showcase ILLIT’s lovable and quirky charm.



Care Bears, created by American Greetings and celebrating its 43rd anniversary this year, is a character brand loved worldwide through animated TV series and films. A representative from the Care Bears team stated,


“ILLIT is a group that combines different colors and personalities to deliver synergy and positive energy. Care Bears, too, brings together diverse characters to spread happiness and hope. We’re excited about this special collaboration that shares such a meaningful connection, and we hope fans look forward to it.”

Beyond the limited edition album, exclusive merchandise such as plush toys and keyrings from the ILLIT x Care Bears collaboration will also be released. These limited-edition items will be available at a special Care Bears pop-up store held at Laforet Harajuku in Japan from September 9 to 24.



ILLIT’s first Japanese single “Toki Yo Tomare” captures the sparkling moments of youth that one wishes would never end. The album will include a total of four tracks, with contributions from popular Japanese singer-songwriters Murasaki Ima and Noa, both known for dominating global short-form content platforms.



With this collaboration, ILLIT continues to prove their status as trendsetting icons of the Gen Z demographic, combining efforts with global artists and beloved character brands alike.



The digital release and music video for “Toki Yo Tomare” will drop on September 1, while the physical albums, including the Care Bears limited edition, will be released on September 3.



Written by Han Hae Seon
Translated by Lee So Yun