On May 8, i-dle officially kicked off their comeback season with the release of their bold and visually striking music video “Girlfriend.”
This MV sets the stage for their 8th EP, marking the group’s seventh year in the K-pop industry. In tandem with the release, the group also announced a brand redefinition, dropping the “(G)-” from their name to become simply i-dle.
A standout in every comeback, Shuhua once again dominated the spotlight this time, in a more controversial fashion. Known for her captivating visuals and outspoken personality, Shuhua turned heads with a risqué lyric line: “His night is just 5 seconds.” The phrase, interpreted as a reference to sexual intimacy, sparked surprise among listeners, especially given K-pop’s generally reserved approach to such topics.
In their 7th year, i-dle continues to challenge K-pop norms with a bold, feminist image. Their new MV features explicit language and unapologetic themes, earning praise for its confident, pro-female message. While other girl groups face scrutiny for breaking the mold, i-dle embraces rebellion as their signature style—Girlfriend being the latest example.
Shuhua, in particular, has grown into a polarizing yet standout member. Despite past criticism for weak performance skills and controversial social media behavior, she has steadily improved as an idol. Her straightforward, sometimes blunt manner of speaking has drawn both fans and detractors. However, Neverland (i-dle’s fandom) often interprets her “dry humor” and unfiltered remarks as part of her unique charm.
Girlfriend follows their June 2024 track, Klaxon, and acts as a sonic and visual warm-up for their forthcoming EP. While the track’s concept of “dangerous allure” feels slightly forced in its execution, it shines musically. The pre-chorus stands out with its cheeky tone and easy-to-listen-to pop-rock arrangement, evoking the same vibrant energy as previous B-side hits like Allergy and Fate.
However, the chorus lacks the punch to anchor the song fully. The inclusion of rap segments creates a tonal split, making the track feel somewhat disconnected. Coupled with its short duration, Girlfriend may not leave a lasting impact on first-time listeners.
As fans anticipate the full EP We Are, i-dle’s transformation continues to intrigue and challenge the K-pop status quo.
