On May 1, 2025, the popular South Korean girl group (G)I-DLE officially announced a significant change: they are rebranding themselves as i-dle. This announcement coincided with their 7th debut anniversary, marking a fresh start for the group, which debuted on May 2, 2018.
The decision to drop the 'G' from their name is a deliberate move to redefine their identity. By becoming simply i-dle, the group aims to transcend traditional gender definitions, emphasizing that they are not confined to the labels of 'femininity' or 'gender'. This shift is expected to allow them to explore a broader range of musical styles and concepts, as they will no longer be associated with the constraints that the original name implied.
Alongside the name change, i-dle unveiled a new logo that reflects their evolved identity. The logo features the lowercase letters 'i-dle', designed with circular dots that symbolize the group's infinite potential and organic connections. This structural design employs the principles of 'dots, lines, and surfaces', showcasing the unity and individuality of the five members. Notably, the logo's symbol, formed by five 'i's gathering to create an asterisk, represents the unique personalities of the members coming together as one cohesive unit.
The rebranding is not merely cosmetic; it signifies a bold step towards a new artistic direction. All five members—SOYEON, MIYEON, MINNIE, YUQI, and SHUHUA—renewed their contracts with CUBE Entertainment in December 2024, indicating their commitment to this new phase. With this strong foundation, i-dle is poised to reconnect with their fans, promising a stronger teamwork dynamic and an impactful musical presence.
i-dle has garnered a significant following thanks to their hit songs, including "LATATA", "Oh my god", "DUMDi DUMDi", "HWAA", "TOMBOY", "Nxde", and "Queencard". Their success has been marked by topping both domestic and international music charts. Last year, their title track "Super Lady" from their second full album "2" (Two) achieved remarkable chart success, while the song "Fate" created a stir in the music scene. Additionally, their summer hit "Klaxon" from the seventh mini album "I SWAY" further solidified their status as a leading act in the industry.
In 2024, i-dle embarked on their third world tour, the "2024 (G)I-DLE WORLD TOUR [iDOL]", engaging with fans across 14 cities worldwide. Their performances have been celebrated, and they have received numerous accolades, including the Grand Record Award at the "1st Korea Grand Music Awards (2024 KGMA)" and the Record of the Year at the "2024 Melon Music Awards (2024 MMA)". This recognition underscores their impact and popularity in the music industry.
Looking ahead, i-dle is set to make their first appearance at the renowned "SUMMER SONIC 2025" festival in Japan, which is expected to draw significant attention from fans and media alike. The anticipation surrounding their rebranding and upcoming performances has generated excitement among their followers.
The recent changes in i-dle were highlighted during a surprise appearance on the TBS program "Love it!" where MC Akira Kawashima expressed his admiration, referring to i-dle as his "first push in life." This moment resonated with fans, as it showcased the group's growing influence and popularity in the entertainment industry. The interaction, particularly Kawashima's dramatic reaction of collapsing in surprise, quickly became a hot topic among viewers.
The transition from (G)I-DLE to i-dle represents more than just a name change; it embodies a commitment to artistic evolution and inclusivity. As they move forward, the group aims to deliver music that resonates with a diverse audience, free from the constraints of traditional gender definitions.
As i-dle prepares for this new chapter, their fans eagerly await the next steps in their journey, hopeful for innovative music and performances that reflect their redefined identity.
