(G)I-DLE (pronounced Idle or Idol) are a force to be reckoned with. The six members, Soyeon, Miyeon, Minnie, Soojin, Shuhua, and Yuqi, have taken the words creativity and innovation to the next level. They are queens of concept and have been anything but idle in their career. However, I constantly feel they are underrated.
It’s not to say they are not popular at all, but why is it then that I hardly ever hear anyone talking about them? I don’t live under a rock (not completely at least) and more than that, their numbers don’t reach the heights some other groups in kpop do. I think this is partly to do with the fact that (G)I-DLE has not made a specific push into the US, although they have started in that direction with the English version release of LATATA and Oh My God. However, even without a specific push, I think these girls are merely getting overlooked and are definitely underrated.
In order to address this, I decided to compile a list of reasons they are underrated and why everyone should take a second look at (G)I-DLE.
1) They write their own music
Every comeback or new song they release is clearly made with much intention and forethought. Soyeon from the group is the main contributor to everything (G)I-DLE does. She writes, produces, and conceptualizes their music and image. This is truthly impressive in an environment that is mostly framed on music written for groups. When (G)I-DLE was on the singing competition show Queendom last fall they were the only group to write their own music. Soyeon had to prepare months before the other groups in order to have their finale song complete in time. This makes them wholly more authentic and that type of creativity and hard work deserves more attention.
2) Queens of Concept
(G)I-DLE goes hard. Whatever concept they are going for, whether it is dark, bubbly, powerful, or anything else, they nail it. Their stage presence is untouchable. Every single member fully commits to their role and they have some of the most convincing facial expressions I’ve ever seen on any performer, not just Kpop. This also goes back to Soyeon’s genius with concept and writing because she fully sets the stage to allow the whole group to shine.
3) Young but Seasoned
(G)I-DLE debuted in May of 2018. They have been on the kpop scene for just over two years and they perform like seasoned pros. They make their performances look effortless and impossible at the same time. They have a confidence on stage that is remarkable. It is evident how hard they work and that is where their confidence stems from.
4) Heavenly Vocals
These girls can sing. There is no if, ands, or buts about it; they can sing. More than that though, they have very unique vocal tones. Minnie being Thai, her voice has a quality that is unlike any other I have heard in Kpop. Her high note in the Lion gives me goosebumps every time. She also has a lower tone that stands out in a beautifully haunting way. Yuqi has a lower voice that is full of rich and interesting tones. Her voice is distinct and adds a large amount of interest to (G)I-DLE songs. Miyeon has a sweet clear tone that is eloquent alongside the other vocalists. She is also the main vocalist and carries a lot of (G)I-DLE choruses. Soojin has a sultry element to her singing and although she is the main dancer, she isn’t lacking in vocal talent at all. She has a softer tone that has been used to add depth and meaning to their songs. Shuhua is also more reserved like Soojin, but she has a high and sweeter tone to her voice. All of these unique contrasts create the powerhouse they are, especially when you add in Soyeon. She is the rapper of the group, but she doesn’t lack vocal talent either. She has a twang to her voice that stands out whether she is rapping or singing. She uses her rapping and vocals to spice up their songs and create a sound that is wholly (G)I-DLE.
5) Unique and Innovative
Watching an (G)I-DLE music video or performance is never going to feel like watching something stereotypical or the norm. They push boundaries and are always redefining their own standards. Visually they create imagery that sticks in your mind and vocally they make music that stays even longer. They are brimming with talent and they work incredibly hard to innovate their songs in a way that is fresh and exciting.
6) My Unofficial Reason
They’re lovely. Truly. In full disclosure, I haven’t watched a lot of behind the scenes kind of material with them and I mostly watched them on Queendom. However, it is still easy to see they are lovely people with an outstanding work ethic, not to mention true determination. They are truly a group I feel proud to stan and I hope others can see how amazing they are.
Suggested songs for new listeners:
- LATATA (Their Debut Song)
2. Lion
3. Uh-Oh
4. Oh My God
5. Dumdi Dumdi
