(G)I-dle Begins a New Era with 8th Mini Album ‘We are’
K-pop powerhouse (G)I-dle is kicking off a bold new chapter. After renewing their contracts as a full group, the members have officially shortened their name to Idles, signaling a rebirth as they set forth on the next phase of their musical journey.
On July 19, they are set to release their 8th mini album titled ‘We are’. This marks a transformation from their previous series centered on the self, the iconic ‘I’ series which began with their debut EP ‘I Am’ in 2018, toward a narrative that celebrates ‘us’.
(G)I-dle originally captured attention through their rare, self-produced tracks—a standout move within the K-pop girl group landscape. With their breakout track ‘LATATA’, and a series of unique albums including ‘I Made’, ‘I Trust’, and ‘I Burn’, the group established a strong and consistent identity, showcasing their ability to seamlessly blend conceptual artistry with musical precision.
Their subsequent releases such as ‘One’, ‘Senorita’, ‘Uh-Oh’, ‘Oh My God’, ‘DUMDi DUMDi’ and ‘Fireworks’ pushed creative boundaries and brought them mainstream appeal, positioning them as one of K-pop’s most versatile acts.
Then came 2022, a breakthrough year. With the release of their first full-length album ‘I Never Die’ and the hit track ‘Tomboy’, along with their fifth mini album ‘I Love’ featuring ‘Nxde’, (G)I-dle dominated music charts and swept music shows, marking the dawn of what fans dubbed ‘The Era of (G)I-dle’.
In 2023, they continued their rise with the sixth mini album ‘I Feel’, scoring a massive win with ‘Queen Card’. That single alone won 13 music show trophies while achieving million-seller status. In 2024, their second full-length album ‘2’ showcased their evolving artistry with triple hits – prerelease track ‘Wife’, lead single ‘Super Lady’, and ‘나는 아픈 건 딱 질색이니까’ – selling a record-breaking 1.53 million units in its first week.
(G)I-dle, who received the Rookie of the Year award at the Melon Music Awards in 2018, returned triumphantly in 2024 to claim their first grand prize (Daesang), solidifying their status as a top-tier global act.
Preceding the official release of ‘We are’, the group unveiled the track ‘Girlfriend’, a sweet anthem that consoles a friend after heartbreak, marked by vibrant group vocals and catchy hooks — a preview of the fresh sonic direction ahead.
From ‘I’ to ‘We’, (G)I-dle is evolving into something greater than the sum of its parts. As they redefine their identity and expand their soundscape, global K-pop fans are eagerly watching where Idles will go next.
