(G)I-DLE Openly Answers If Their Inclusive Lyrics Are A Sign That They Might Switch To Using Gender-Neutral Pronouns In The Future
(G)I-DLE is famous for breaking barriers in the K-Pop industry. Leader Soyeon, for instance, has frequently opened up about the gender norms that constrict female idols like her.
When I said I wanted to compose and produce, everyone wondered, ‘Why?’ When I mentioned GD and Zico who are both idols and producers, they said, ‘But they’re men.’ When I heard this, I wondered, ‘Why does that matter?’
— Soyeon
In a new interview with Billboard, the members were asked about this history of defying gender norms. Even their group name alone was a statement against being put in a box. They deliberately made the “G” in “(G)I-DLE” silent to represent that they are more than what meets the eye.
We came from a mindset that we do not want to conform to any kind of social boundary or prejudice. It doesn’t just have to do with gender but that was one of the easiest ways of showing that mindset, especially since we have the ‘G’ in our names. That’s just one of our ways of showing that we don’t want to be stuck in any boundaries, regardless of gender—and not just gender but prejudices in general.
— Soyeon
The magazine then asked if their frequent resistance to the idea of gender norms is related to the possibility of them ever changing their pronouns as well. Some examples in the Western entertainment industry of people who did so include Demi Lovato, Sam Smith, and Elliot Page who use “they/them” pronouns instead of the traditional “she/her” or “he/him.”
Artists are opening up when they’re more comfortable using gender-neutral pronouns for themselves and in their lyrics. When there can be certain expectations of girl groups, is this a related idea?
— Billboard
All five members, Soyeon answered, are aware of this movement to switch to gender-neutral pronouns. However, they do not have plans to do the same as of now. She emphasized that the goal of the group is to not be conscious of labels and instead “be a genre” on their own.
We’re very aware of gender-neutral terminology, but what we’re doing now isn’t primarily because we want to find a gender-neutral term but it’s more of trying to make a genre of our own.
— Soyeon
Thus, even if they want to break barriers in regards to gender norms, it does not automatically follow that the way they refer to themselves will change as well.
We want (G)I-DLE to be a genre of our own, regardless of gender, age, anything.
— Soyeon
Minnie chimed in to add that although they will retain their “she/her” pronouns, they still support all those who choose to do otherwise.
We respect everything.
— Minnie
In their last comeback, “TOMBOY,” (G)I-DLE had a famous verse that exemplified their openness to all preferences. Rather than focusing on their sex, they stated that they want to be known first and foremost for their individual selves.
It’s neither man nor woman
Neither man nor woman
Just me, IDLE
It’s neither man nor woman
Neither man nor woman
Just me, loving tomboy— “Tomboy” Lyrics
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