Seven years ago, the fIVE girls who took their first steps on stage under the name “(G)I-DLE” are now walking a new path under the name “I-DLE.” Growing together on this journey, the members no longer package themselves with the phrase “we have a lot to show in the future.” They know who they are, what they like, and where they want to go.
On May 19, 2024, at a press conference held at Chosun Palace in Gangnam, Seoul, Soyeon, Minnie, Yuqi, Miyeon, and Shuhua talked about their new mini-album “We are” released to celebrate their 7th debut annIVErsary. This album was not just a simple comeback for them, but a declaration of identity and proof of trust in each other. From the title track “Good Thing” to the entire album, all fIVE members of (G)I-DLE participated in writing and composing, giving the album a deep significance.
Leader Soyeon said, “This album felt like a debut album to me.” She added, “Back then, the purpose was to introduce ourselves, but now it’s an album that shows our existence more deeply.”
Over the past seven years, Soyeon has built her own artistic language beyond the characters on stage, and once again, she designed the direction of the team as the overall producer. She said, “Thinking of it as a new beginning, I felt like going back with the mindset of debuting again.” The album not only reflects (G)I-DLE’s musical identity but also includes a way of ‘acknowledging oneself.’
Maknae Shuhua challenged herself in songwriting for the first time with the track “It’s Okay.” She expressed, “It felt like writing a letter to my past self,” and confessed, “I could gather the courage because Soyeon unnie said she would help me.” Shuhua dreams of composing someday, showing a different side of herself.
The rebranding of removing ‘girl’ from the team name ‘(G)I-DLE’ is also central to this activity. This change is not just a simple adjustment of title but a declaration to accurately reveal their existence. Miyeon said, “Since our debut, we always called ourselves ‘I-DLE.'” She expressed joy, saying, “It feels like we have finally reclaimed our real name this time.” As a change that has been long prepared within the team, they shared the feeling of being called by their ‘real name’ at last.
Minnie stated, “As the first album after rebranding, we put more thoughts and efforts into it.” She added, “It was enjoyable to create the album with each member voicing their opinions, and we are confident in the completeness.” While they previously moved within gIVEn concepts, they now take pride in living a ‘self-made narratIVE.’
Before this activity, Yuqi caused concern among fans with some remarks during her appearance on a variety show. At the press conference, she cautiously but sincerely addressed the issue. She said, “Concerts are only possible with fans, and I made those remarks to be funny. I’m truly sorry for causing misunderstandings.” She added, “I will be more careful with my words from now on. Without the fans, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”
They honestly shared the pressure of creation and the burden of image. Soyeon said, “The strong character was not forced but naturally emerged,” and added, “There was no pressure to include a strong message in this album. We just wanted to share what we are thinking right now.” Leaving emotions of ‘now, here’ through music. That might be the real meaning of art to them.
“We are” is not just an album but a declaration in that sense. A mindset of starting again, a determination to walk together, and an attitude of accepting oneself without the need for further proof. (G)I-DLE is changing the phrase “I want to do well” to “I want to go far and wide for a long time.” The next scene they create will, as always, be completed through music.