I-DLE conducted a press conference on May 19 at the Chosun Palace in Gangnam, Seoul to introduce their 8th mini-album 'We Are'. The group discussed the upcoming promotion plans and the decision to rebrand the group name.
This marks the group's first comeback in about 10 months since the Klaxon release in July 2024. All members have renewed their contracts with Cube Entertainment, and the group has officially removed “(G)” and “여자 (Yeoja/ female)" from their name, a change that has garnered significant attention.
During the press conference, Miyeon mentioned feeling odd about the use of the 'female' label in parentheses since their debut, noting that they now feel they have claimed their true name. Yuqi expressed hope that the public will adjust to the new name along with the group.
Leader Soyeon mentioned their decision to involve all members in the songwriting and composing process for the first time since renewing their contracts, which initially raised some concerns but turned out to be a rewarding experience.
The group transitioned from their long-standing “I” series to a new “We” theme, showcasing unity and shared narratives. Each member contributed to the lyrics and compositions for the first time, emphasizing the concept of “we” in their music.
Soyeon discussed the title track “Good Thing,” incorporating autotune sounds popular in the 2010s to blend nostalgia with freshness. The track tackles a confrontational theme towards a cheating partner, showcasing a bold and unique approach by female artists.
Each member shared insights on the tracks they worked on, like Minnie's "Chain" depicting strong relationships within I-DLE and Shuhua's "It’s Okay" featuring fresh language expressions in the lyrics. The members expressed their aspirations for the album, including playful comments about achieving No.1 on Billboard.
Soyeon emphasized the need for a balanced agreement in their contract renewal, ensuring benefits for both the artists and the company. The group aims to explore diverse concepts and genres in their future performances and expressed their strong bond and determination to continue as I-DLE.
Addressing criticism on intense dieting and provocative concepts, Soyeon clarified that their songs reflect personal expressions rather than pushing a specific message. She acknowledged external influences on their creative process but highlighted the abstract nature of music, which may lead to varying interpretations.
With a new name, enhanced teamwork, and creative growth, I-DLE’s comeback ushers in a fresh phase highlighting their artistic development and unity.