The Blog of uwelang

We know K-Pop in our area - but actually we only know Blackpink

I would not know them if my daughter did not came with strange songs to me :-) - ok Blackpink was the first girl group to enter Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia and was named Time's 2022 Entertainer of the Year - after listening a bit i found it at least interesting.

But there is more in Korea

Talking about South Korea of course- just found a band / projekt called I-dle, formerly known asI-dle, also a South Korean girl group formed by Cube Entertainment in 2018. The group consists of five members: Miyeon, Minnie, Soyeon, Yuqi, and Shuhua. Originally a sextet ensemble, member Soojin departed the group on August 14, 2021.

https://youtu.be/7HDeem-JaSY?list=RDCgCVZdcKcqY

And I like their music I have to confess

Apart from being a girl band with nice looking ladies - what is different? Music and appearance sounds similar but some things are new or different.

I-DLE achieved a landmark victory at the 34th Seoul Music Awards on June 21, becoming the first girl group to win the Grand Prize in 15 years. The quintet's triumph at Inspire Arena in Incheon marks their ascension to K-pop's elite tier and validates their recent strategic rebranding from (G)I-DLE.

Source

It seems there are a lot comparisons between them and Blackpink - let us see what exactly:

What I found is - Black Pink is for sure known globally while I-DLE or (G)-I-DlE mainly has international success in Japan or China, so Asia still. What about the rest of the world?

So… Who’s More Successful?

Globally: BLACKPINK

• Bigger brand, stronger global fanbase (BLINKs), more mainstream recognition, and global tours.

• Essentially the benchmark for K-pop girl groups worldwide.

Artistically/Creatively: (G)I-DLE

• More creative autonomy.

• Seen as a “musician’s group” with real artistic input from the members.

• Faster evolution in musical style.

Certainly. Here's a concise, narrative-style summary of why (G)I-DLE stands out musically, followed by links to their top music videos.

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Why (G)I-DLE Stands Out?

(G)I-DLE is one of the few K-pop girl groups that has built a reputation on artistic autonomy and conceptual depth. Unlike many idol groups where external producers shape the sound and image, (G)I-DLE, led by Soyeon, takes creative control over nearly every aspect of their music — from lyrics and composition to visuals and performance. This level of self-production allows them to take bold artistic risks, crafting songs that challenge genre boundaries and engage with themes rarely touched in mainstream pop, such as feminism, identity, and societal expectations.

Their music is characterized by constant reinvention. Each comeback introduces a new sonic and visual identity, ranging from punk rock to jazz, from baroque drama to Y2K satire. While other groups often stick to one stylistic formula for commercial consistency, (G)I-DLE treats each release as a chance to provoke, reflect, and evolve — not just entertain.

They are also known for telling complete stories through their music and videos. Songs like "Lion" and "NXDE" are not only genre experiments but also narratives of empowerment and critique. Their lyrics often carry emotional or intellectual weight, and their performances amplify these messages through striking stage design and choreography.

This combination of fearless musical direction, authentic storytelling, and self-sufficiency makes (G)I-DLE one of the most original and respected acts in K-pop. They don’t just follow trends — they set them.

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Some Music

https://youtu.be/Jh4QFaPmdss?list=RDJh4QFaPmdss

1. Tomboy (my favourite) A punk-inspired anthem of rebellion and gender nonconformity. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh4QFaPmdss

2. NXDE A jazz-pop critique of the male gaze and beauty standards, sampling Bizet’s Carmen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCO7f0SmrDc

3. Lion A powerful declaration of feminine strength with regal imagery and trap beats. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOxkGD8qRB4

4. Oh my god A haunting, emotionally intense track that explores temptation and inner conflict. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om3n2ni8luE

5. Queencard (see above the entry song) A playful, tongue-in-cheek pop song about self-confidence and social expectations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZUIwj3FgUY

6. HWAA A poetic and visually stunning ballad about overcoming heartbreak, infused with traditional Korean aesthetics. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj-VU9oK2Yo

What are your views about these two and do you also prefer (G) I-DLE?