Toronto-born alt-pop provocateur Sophie Powers has teamed up with K-Pop’s newest global phenomenon ILLIT to reimagine their viral hit “jellyous” and the result is a kaleidoscopic, pulse-pounding anthem that bridges continents, cultures, and chaotic teenage dreams.
Originally released as part of ILLIT’s explosive mini-album bomb (June 2024), “jellyous” rapidly carved out a space in the K-pop canon thanks to its sticky-sweet chorus, staccato rhythms, and an infectious TikTok dance challenge that flooded FYPs across the globe. Now, Sophie Powers injects the track with her own brand of gritty, genre-warping energy, adding sharp-tongued verses and a rebellious edge that’s equal parts cyberpunk, riot grrrl, and hyperpop. The remix dropped today across all streaming platforms, already sparking a social media frenzy from ILLIT’s GLITs and Sophie’s Powerpuffs alike.
A New Pop Order: Sophie x ILLIT
This isn’t some surprise industry stunt or label-manufactured gimmick. It’s the product of mutual admiration and organic fan-to-idol evolution. Sophie first declared herself an ILLIT superfan earlier this year, posting her own Tick-Tack dance challenge to Instagram and even appearing on the group’s web series, where she stunned viewers with a stripped-back cover of Magnetic. The admiration was mutual. ILLIT later choreographed a now-viral routine to Sophie’s single “move with me,” proving that pop stars on opposite sides of the world are more creatively aligned than ever.
And now, the artistic chemistry has culminated in this turbocharged new version of “jellyous.” Where the original track exuded youthful confidence and bubblegum swagger, Sophie’s additions bring a delicious sense of chaos, carving out a sonic space that feels more underground club than Seoul soundstage.
“I’m so excited to share my collaboration with ILLIT,” said Sophie Powers in a statement. “I watched the show they came from on Netflix and have loved seeing their journey from the very beginning. The girls are so talented and inspiring, and it’s crazy to think I’m the same age as Yunah, Minju, and Moka. This song is so special to me, and I hope it reminds people to chase their dreams the way ILLIT has.”
The Remix: What It Sounds Like
Let’s break it down: the “jellyous (ft. Sophie Powers)” remix takes the original’s shimmering pop skeleton and cranks up the volume both literally and metaphorically. Sophie’s verses slice through the track like broken glass under neon light, teetering between bratty flirtation and existential coolness. She doesn’t just sing on the remix she claims space in it.
The chorus remains intact (because why mess with perfection?), but Sophie’s layering think grungy background growls, ethereal harmonies, and sly vocal ad-libs elevates it into something nastier, bolder, and, frankly, better suited to mosh pits and late-night cry-dances. If the original was an Instagram filter, the remix is a grainy film photo taken in a basement rave at 2 a.m.
Sophie Powers: The Anti-Pop Pop Star
At just 21, Sophie Powers has already made a name for herself as one of pop’s most daring new voices. Since her 2022 debut, she’s attracted praise from PAPER, The FADER, Stereogum, and Billboard for her “no-filter” approach to songwriting and fearless self-expression.
In their place raw guitars, anti-capitalist fashion, and lyrics that bounce between nihilistic and life-affirming in the space of a single verse. Her recent singles “move with me” and “head empty no thoughts” are masterclasses in catharsis, blending punk aggression with pop sheen in a way that’s both ironic and deeply sincere.
Live, she’s a force of nature. Her recent performances at the UK’s Slam Dunk Festival and the Vans Warped Tour have only solidified her reputation as a hurricane in platform boots screaming, sweating, and rallying crowds of misfits with every chorus.
ILLIT: The New Vanguard of K-Pop
Meanwhile, ILLIT is barely a year into their career and already being hailed as the future of K-pop. Formed on Netflix’s reality competition [insert fictional or real show title, if known], the five-member girl group: Yunah, Minju, Moka, Iroha, and Wonhee has stormed the industry with a mix of nostalgic Y2K aesthetics and razor-sharp choreography.
“jellyous” was the breakthrough: a sugary yet menacing track that let each member shine vocally and visually. But their quick rise isn’t just due to clever marketing. ILLIT has demonstrated real versatility, effortlessly transitioning between bubblegum pop, electro-ballads, and now, this Sophie-fueled remix, with enviable ease. And let’s be clear, collaborating with a Western artist like Sophie this early in their careers shows a boldness that mirrors her own.
