I-dle’s Special Album Release Triggers Heavily Divided Reactions Because Of Former Member Soojin
i-dle (formerly known as (G)I-DLE) has sparked majorly divided reactions after their special album release because of former member Soojin.
Ahead of their anniversary, the group officially changed their name to I-DLE, sparking intrigue with that and the announcement of special projects, including a new album.
Netizens thought that the rebrand seemingly referenced former member Soojin.
(G)I-DLE’s Rebrand Seems To Reference Former Member Soojin — Sparking Mixed Emotions
On May 2, the group released their special mini album called We are i-dle.
[🎧] i-dle (아이들) Special Mini Album [We are i-dle]이 발매되었습니다.
KR 🔗 https://t.co/vL1qHYMow4
GL 🔗 https://t.co/kL82wfPjIW#아이들 #idle#We_are_idle pic.twitter.com/bIZI80l4OH— i-dle (아이들) (@official_i_dle) May 2, 2025
When clicking, netizens noticed that rather than any hint of Soojin returning, the album saw the members release all of the old songs but with new versions just having the five current members.
While it was a shock, netizens thought it was top stop the ongoing theories upon every comeback that Soojin was returning. Others explained that the change in name and new album release was rather a way to honor the former member to keep her related to (G)I-DLE and move forward with a new chapter.
a clear message from IDLE: they’re five now stop with the theories and the delusion harmless fun accept it support the five and send love to Soojin too simple as that pic.twitter.com/KD3TRVWy4n
— Timy * (@_rarissime28) May 2, 2025
“it’s just disrespectful” they aren’t erasing soojin’s contributions to idle. they are making it clear that (g)i-dle & i-dle are different groups. they aren’t the same after soojin left, they are a different group. soojin can never be replaced.
— _ailey* (@soyeonenjoyer) May 2, 2025
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
— ؘ* (@planetidle) May 2, 2025
Some netizens criticized the decision, sharing their anger and frustration, accusing the album of trying to erase Soojin and being unecessary, adding they wouldn’t be listening.
literally what was the point of removing soojin pic.twitter.com/T8sB735PWo
— heath (@heathwav) May 2, 2025
can i say fuck them or am i getting cancelled https://t.co/pZUFsboXP0
— rea ✧ met everglow (@poisoneedhope) May 2, 2025
Did Soyeon hit her head or what.. randomly shaded Soojin and now this??? https://t.co/zwayUvEINe pic.twitter.com/3JMt8uHMlc
— JADE CHARTS AND UPDATES (@jadeownsquantum) May 2, 2025
we dont care we will be streaming the ot6 versionspic.twitter.com/NOcp8HMBcc https://t.co/LYiDDGQFbU
— angel 🇦🇹 (@_angeldmnguez_) May 2, 2025
sooo unnecessary, thank you next. https://t.co/dTuGK5AJLV
— ece 𖧷 (@iamchwece) May 2, 2025
nevies we have to let this flop 💔 https://t.co/0C7bter9lQ
— whisker (@whiskerssama) May 2, 2025
idle isn't idle without soojin… you can't delete her legacy pic.twitter.com/wqe6ptFdTj
— 🐦🔥chivan06_ | HAPPY BURSTDAY 250526 (@0xygen37144906) May 2, 2025
Yet, some fans acknowledged that while it hurts hearing the new versions without Soojin, it was something that needed to be done.
As disappointing as this is i think it’s time nevies move on, come on guys maybe one day in the future ot6 will happen but let’s just support idle and Soojin currently
— _ugar (@kirbyeons) May 2, 2025
Well it makes sense, I know it might be unnecessary for some people but she’s GONE gone and they probably want to move on once and for all https://t.co/qPDJmYXaIN
— irenenator3000 (@itzIooniz) May 2, 2025
The group will also release their 8th mini album on May 19.
