Unboxing
ILLIT ‘MAMIHLAPINATAPAI’ (GRWM Ver)
Photos and Text: Yasmine Beyaz
KPOPWORLD is taking a closer look at the ILLIT ‘MAMIHLAPINATAPAI’ (GRWM Ver) release.
This album was originally released on 30th April 2026, for ₩19,800 or $14.16 on Weverse. The ‘GRWM’ (Get Ready With Me) version is made up of an outer folder package, 64-page saddle stitched photobook, 22-page accordion photobook, postcard, sticker sheet, graphic sticker, CD-R, eyeglasses-shaped sticker, group poster, two unit posters (A+B) and two photocards (A+B). It features the tracks: GRWM (Get Ready With Me), It’s Me, Paw, Paw!, Mamihlapinatapai, and Love, Older You. This release was ILLIT’s 4th Mini Album.
Noticeably, this album is on the larger side, measuring 22CM*31CM. The outer packaging has vibrant blocks of neon yellow and hot pink, which contrast with the muted hues of the group's cover image. ‘MAMIHLAPINATAPAI’ lays atop the hot pink block in a bold, black typeface, with the signature ILLIT logo close by. Focal points of makeup and hair accessories are scattered throughout, and the imagery is already beginning to tell a story.
The smooth matte folder package (outbox) is kept secured by a velcro dot, a subtle detail that adds a feeling of quality. As you unfold the packaging, you unveil a stack of inclusions – there is a lot to go through.
The bright pink photobook is filled with 64 pages of individual and group shots. The imagery throughout the ‘GRWM’ concept evokes a fresh, cozy morning atmosphere, with a retro feel. There is a strong youthful energy, as the members are seen ‘getting ready’, with hair-rollers and putting on makeup. A noticeable juxtaposition is created by pops of maximalism in the form of their different accessories and props – and also in the physical album elements themselves – against the simple, muted backdrops and pastel colour schemes of the shoot. This is continued in the accordion photobook, which features double-sided postcard-style pages.
Alongside the photobook are three posters – a larger group poster and two smaller unit posters. All are double-sided, with a concept photo on the reverse. There are three different types of stickers included in this album – a sticker sheet with letters and illustrations, perfect for toploader deco or something similar, a single graphic sticker of a cherry and the incredibly novel eyeglasses sticker, which features stickers of illustrations as a dangling accordion-style attachment hanging from the lenses. There is also a single postcard, where the same graphic illustrations are repeated across a vivid chartreuse checkerboard pattern.
The CD-R is held in a simple paper sleeve, which has an illustration and track listing on one side and the album logo on the other. The CD-R itself is almost completely pink, with only a variation of the same illustration from the sleeve, and a small amount of text with the album and group name. For this version there are two sets of photocards; one random member from each of the ‘A’ set and ‘B’ set is included. Both sets are selfie-style photocards, using images from the ‘GRWM’ concept. The reverse showcases an intricately illustrated design, featuring art by Gina Guasch Team.
Overall, every element of this edition feels thoughtfully designed and well-made, with a generous selection of inclusions, including several distinctive pieces. The amount of content provided at this price point is also particularly noteworthy. The contrast between the imagery and physical album elements is executed in an incredibly fun and aesthetically pleasing way, while also maintaining a cozy and youthful atmosphere from start to finish. This certainly ticks all the boxes, and is a wonderful addition to any GLLIT’s collection.















