(G)I-DLE's 8th EP 'We are' Sparks Debate Among Fans
On May 19, 2025, K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE—who recently rebranded as just "I-DLE"—released their highly anticipated 8th mini album titled 'We are'. It marks the group's first official project under their new name, signaling a fresh chapter in their musical journey.
The album is more than just a release—it's a declaration. All five members participated in writing and composing the tracks, putting their fingerprint on the project. With a focus on unity and self-expression, 'We are' showcases the group’s evolution in both artistry and identity.
What's in the Album?
'We are' sends a message of togetherness. The title alone—"We"—emphasizes the group’s tight-knit bond. The album contains six tracks: the lead single 'Good Thing', along with 'Girlfriend', 'Love Tease', 'Chain', 'Unstoppable', and 'It’s Okay' (translated from Korean “그래도 돼요”). These songs explore different genres, giving fans a peek at the group's versatility.
The musical range—from catchy pop hooks to emotional ballads—speaks to I-DLE’s confidence in experimenting while maintaining their distinctive sound. Their collective input brings authenticity to the tracks and contributes to storytelling that goes beyond surface-level pop.
What's the Buzz About?
Support: A Bold New Identity
Fans who back the new direction praise the group’s growth. The decision to drop “(G)” from the name is seen as a symbolic step toward a more mature identity. Many commend the members’ hands-on role in production, noting that I-DLE is evolving from pop performers into true artists.
Experimenting with genre and style is risky, but it also opens the door to wider appeal, especially among international audiences. Songs like 'Good Thing' are upbeat and addictive, drawing comparisons to earlier K-pop crossovers like BTS's 'Dynamite' or BLACKPINK's 'How You Like That'.
Supporters argue that the group is making a natural progression. Growth, they suggest, means being unafraid to change—even if some nostalgic elements are left behind along the way.
Criticism: Straying Too Far from What Worked
However, not every fan is on board. Some worry that dropping the "(G)" from the name erodes the group’s original concept—the powerful, feminine energy that made them stand out. "I-DLE" without the "G" feels bland to these critics, as if the group has been stripped of its edge.
Fans also raise questions about musical cohesion. While diversity is generally praised, others believe the wide range of genres makes the album feel scattered and less impactful as a whole. One fan wrote on Reddit, “Each track is good on its own, but together they don’t feel like a unit.”
Additionally, change—especially sudden—can alienate long-time fans. Some express disappointment, feeling that the group they once loved is now chasing international trends rather than staying true to their K-pop roots.
So What Should We Take Away?
'We are' is a significant milestone in I-DLE’s career. It’s more than an album—it’s a reintroduction. While it’s natural for some to resist change, others welcome the bold leap forward.
The key for I-DLE will be balancing innovation with authenticity. They’ve shown they can write and perform music that’s honest and artistic. Now, it’s about building on that without losing the spark that made fans fall in love with them in the first place.
Fan reactions might be split, but in the end, the divided opinions only highlight the impact of the album. It’s prompting discussion, stirring emotions, and encouraging deeper engagement with the group’s future direction—which is, arguably, what any meaningful album should do.
