On May 2, 2025, K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE officially marked a new era by rebranding themselves as I-DLE and releasing a special mini album titled “We are i-dle.”
While the project was intended as a celebration of their journey ahead of their anniversary, the decision has triggered a storm of divided reactions—largely revolving around former member Soojin, whose departure in 2021 followed bullying allegations that were never fully resolved in the public eye.
The group’s announcement of the rebrand—removing the “(G)” from their name—immediately sparked conversation among fans and netizens.
Many interpreted it as a symbolic act: drawing a line between the group’s past as a six-member team and their present and future as five.
The album, which consists of re-recorded versions of older songs with only the current five members’ vocals, added to this narrative, solidifying the group’s intent to define a distinct identity separate from their former iteration.
Supporters: Moving Forward with Respect
Many fans and commentators praised the group’s bold decision, seeing it as a necessary step to move forward.
They highlighted that the group wasn’t attempting to erase Soojin, but instead acknowledging that (G)I-DLE and I-DLE are fundamentally different entities.
“They aren’t erasing Soojin’s contributions to IDLE. They are making it clear that (G)I-DLE and I-DLE are different groups. Soojin can never be replaced.”
Some even viewed the act as a bittersweet tribute—preserving the “(G)” as a symbol of the six-member past, and allowing I-DLE to exist as their current selves, without the looming shadow of reunion rumors.
“I think it’s so sweet that they want to keep the name (G)I-DLE to mean six members in order to honor Soojin, while I-DLE will be their name as five.”
Others expressed relief, saying that the re-recorded songs might help silence ongoing rumors and wishful theories that emerged with every comeback, which often distracted from the current members’ efforts.
Critics: A Painful Erasure
On the other hand, a vocal segment of the fandom and general public responded with frustration and sadness.
They criticized the decision as tone-deaf, unnecessary, and even disrespectful—arguing that removing Soojin’s vocals felt like a denial of her legacy and a deliberate attempt to erase her contributions to the group’s success.
“Idle isn’t idle without Soojin… You can’t delete her legacy.”
Some expressed anger at Cube Entertainment, accusing the company of using the album release and name change to manipulate public sentiment and control the narrative of the group’s history.
A few also pointed to prior tensions, including leader Soyeon’s rumored shade toward Soojin, as part of a pattern of distancing.
The Middle Ground: Acceptance and Healing
Still, there were fans who acknowledged their mixed feelings but urged the community to embrace the current group and support both Soojin and I-DLE separately.
These fans recognized that while the transition is painful, it also represents a necessary step in growth and closure for both parties.
“As disappointing as this is, I think it’s time nevies move on. Maybe one day OT6 will happen, but let’s just support IDLE and Soojin currently.”
“It might feel unnecessary to some, but she’s gone gone, and they probably want to move on once and for all.”
