LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE Become “ICONIC BY MISTAKE” Through Collaboration

Photo: HYBE

In an unusual but welcome move by HYBE, LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE came together to release a collaborative digital single on June 12. Artists under the same parent company rarely make music together outside of specific occasions like advertisements, holidays, or global events, which makes this song a true surprise. With the participation of 15 idols—LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura, Chaewon, Yunjin, Kazuha, and Eunchae, ILLIT’s Yunah, Minju, Moka (vocals only), Wonhee, and Iroha, and KATSEYE’s Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae—“ICONIC BY MISTAKE” addresses the hateful comments that ultimately elevated these singers’ popularity. 

Through a gritty pop instrumental, these women thank Internet haters for generating more attention towards their groups’ unbreakable attitudes. The music video that came out prior to the song’s official release features each group in their own chaotic segments. No matter the types of dangerous situations these idols find themselves in, they always find a way to get through it unscathed. 

Looking more closely at the credits of the song and the music reveal that the whole package integrates teams and frequent collaborators of all three groups. Notable contributors include members of LE SSERAFIM’s creative team Gabriel Cho, Yoon Cho, and Chansol Bok, ILLIT performance directors Subin Kim and Hahyun, and “GNARLY” music video director Cody Critcheloe. Ambience studio, who handles the production for many HYBE artists including KATSEYE’s, created the song. 

“ICONIC BY MISTAKE” truly is iconic on many levels. Despite each group’s busy schedules, they performed on M!COUNTDOWN on Thursday and have released a dance practice. Check out the performance below!