LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE’s “ICONIC BY MISTAKE” (Photo courtesy of BELIFT LAB, SOURCE MUSIC, HYBE x Geffen Records)
In the highly competitive K‑pop landscape, female artists frequently find themselves pitted against one another. Media narratives often emphasize rivalries and comparisons, while fan communities amplify these tensions through fervent support for their favorites. Historically, such dynamics have benefited entertainment companies by driving engagement and sales.
However, five months after their debut, three HYBE‑affiliated girl groups—LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE—challenged this tradition by releasing a joint single, “ICONIC BY MISTAKE.” The collaboration is distinctive not only for its collective songwriting and production (by Sean Cook, Mckay Stevens, and dyvahh) but also for its coordinated promotional strategy: a music video, televised performances, and synchronized releases across global streaming platforms. This marks the first time female K‑pop groups from the same parent company have released a collaborative track without forming a supergroup or special project.
The track’s upbeat alternative‑pop sound confronts “haters” and fans who criticize the groups’ artistry. Critics have applauded the single’s chart performance, noting that it entered Spotify’s daily charts in 43 countries and peaked at No. 26 in the United States on release day. It also reached the top of YouTube’s Music Trending Chart within a week, amassing more than 27 million views.
The accompanying music video, directed by Cody Critcheloe, uses vivid symbolism to address the pressures each group faces. LE SSERAFIM’s members—Kim Chaewon, Sakura, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, and Hong Eunchae—begin as they are pursued by “authorities” representing internet policing. ILLIT’s six members (Wonhee, Minju, Yunah, Iroha, and temporary absence of Moka) appear as rebellious youth challenging the status quo, while KATSEYE’s group (Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan, Yoonchae, with Manon on hiatus) showcases individuality through striking visuals and tongue‑in‑cheek commentary.
Key moments—such as a playful reference to “cleanliness is next to godliness” and a scene featuring a storm over a cornfield—leave viewers with a clear message: Despite external criticism, each group maintains its unique identity while standing in solidarity.
“ICONIC BY MISTAKE” serves not only as a celebration of HYBE’s diverse talent but also as a stance against the narrow narratives that pigeonhole female artists. By joining forces, LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE demonstrate that collaboration can coexist with individuality, and that collective success need not dilute distinct artistic voices.
The single is now available on all major streaming services.
Exclusive Image of LE SSERAFIM from LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE’s “ICONIC BY MISTAKE” (Photo courtesy of BELIFT LAB, SOURCE MUSIC, HYBE x Geffen Records)
ILLIT from LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE’s “ICONIC BY MISTAKE” (Photo courtesy of BELIFT LAB, SOURCE MUSIC, HYBE x Geffen Records)
Exclusive Image of KATSEYE from LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE’s “ICONIC BY MISTAKE” (Photo courtesy of BELIFT LAB, SOURCE MUSIC, HYBE x Geffen Records)
Exclusive Image of KATSEYE from LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE’s “ICONIC BY MISTAKE” (Photo courtesy of BELIFT LAB, SOURCE MUSIC, HYBE x Geffen Records)
Image of ILLIT from LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE’s “ICONIC BY MISTAKE” (Photo courtesy of BELIFT LAB, SOURCE MUSIC, HYBE x Geffen Records)
Exclusive Image of LE SSERAFIM from LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, and KATSEYE’s “ICONIC BY MISTAKE” (Photo courtesy of BELIFT LAB, SOURCE MUSIC, HYBE x Geffen Records)
