K-pop Powerhouse i-dle Announces Long-Awaited Comeback with 8th Mini Album

Cube Entertainment has officially announced that the popular K-pop girl group i-dle will return as a full group on May 19, marking an exciting new era for the quintet. On May 2, the agency posted a teaser video titled for (G) via the group’s official social media channels, which featured members Miyeon, Minnie, Soyeon, Yuqi, and Shuhua in black robes, dancing and smiling under a symbolic rain of wine.

The emotionally charged video appears to pay homage to their past identity, specifically saying goodbye to ‘G,’ a reference tied to their former group name, (G)I-DLE. As the video closes with the burning remnants of the ‘G’ casket, fans hear the haunting echo of a line from their debut track “LATATA”: “Who’s afraid?”.

The teaser ended by hinting at the release of their upcoming 8th mini album, with significant dates—May 5, 6, 9, 14, 16, and 19—flashing across the screen, generating a buzz of fan speculation online. Pre-orders for the album have also begun, which will be available in three versions. Each pre-order includes a special bonus poster.

To commemorate their 7th anniversary, the group has officially changed their name from (G)I-DLE to i-dle, symbolizing a broader artistic identity by removing “G” (which stood for “Girl”) and the parentheses. This rebrand comes after all five members renewed their contracts with Cube Entertainment in December 2023, reaffirming their dedication to pushing musical and conceptual boundaries.

This comeback not only promises a sonic evolution but also demonstrates i-dle’s commitment to continuously reinventing themselves. With bold visuals, nostalgic callbacks, and a clear message of rebirth, i-dle’s 8th mini album stands to redefine their place in global K-pop.