The K-pop industry is notorious for its glitz, glamor, and exhausting expectations. After surviving a rigorous training system, the impossibly high standards will continue to dictate nearly every move.
Women in particular continue to face systemic barriers, along with less creative control and less leeway for mistakes. These suffocating rules are set in place in an attempt to present a certain “idol” image that agencies deem acceptable to the general public.
i-dle, previously known as (G)I-DLE, is a group of five spirited young women whose music and concepts often tackle social issues and break stereotypes. Miyeon, Minnie, Soyeon, Yuqi, and Shuhua don’t shy away from proudly raising their voices to encourage girls and women to embrace their nature and, at the same time, discover their potential in a world that seems determined to break their spirits.
Check out these songs that channel i-dle’s celebration of self-love, strength, and sisterhood through bold lyrics, fierce confidence, and unapologetic energy!
1. Miyeon – “Softly” (2023)
“Softly” reflects Miyeon’s signature calm and feminine personality as she defines clear boundaries with love and lays out what she wants from a potential lover. While she wants care, affection, and a meaningful relationship, she also knows how to stand firm with her expectations, demonstrating how being gentle doesn’t mean being passive.
2. Minnie – “HER” (2025)
Minnie’s “HER” is a song that discusses self-worth, authentic identity, and the way that others perceive another person based on their own biases. She cheekily calls out those who think they know better and make assumptions about who she is, all while oozing charm and staying secure in her own skin.
3. Yuqi – “Radio”
“Radio” is about reflecting on love and heartbreak as it recalls a past relationship. Yuqi sings about going from being completely infatuated to refusing to settle for someone who doesn’t respect her enough and learning to move on. The lyrics emphasize self-worth and the immense strength to be completely at peace despite hearing a familiar voice that once made their heart race.
4. Soyeon – “Is this bad b****** number?” (2021)
Soyeon maximized the bad bitch energy in “Is this bad b****** number?” by picking up the phone, looking for daring women just like her to connect with, and having BIBI and Lee Youngji answer the calls. The song celebrates assertiveness, individuality, and self-expression, and encourages community with like-minded people.
5. “Allergy” (2023)
“Allergy” centers around the feelings of insecurity that social media tends to stir up as the desire for self-validation feeds the need to fit into certain standards. Its music video addresses these feelings of inadequacy, reassures the viewers that they do not need to comply with the unending chase for public approval, and reality is different from what they think, while they wallow in self-doubt.
6. “Uh-Oh” (2019)
The retro hip-hop track takes pride in the group’s identity and reprimands those who approach them with false facades, with the intent to take advantage. “Uh-Oh” brings a sense of empowerment and self-worth, unabashedly acknowledges that they’re good enough to attract others who try to take advantage of their success.
7. “My Bag” (2022)
“My Bag” was written by leader Soyeon as a piece to showcase the group’s pride in their identity and show how their individuality makes them complete instead of driving them apart. The song compares each member to precious gems and allows them to show off their unique musical styles one by one through specific solo sections in the song.
8. “Nxde” (2022)
This track conveys a defiant message against social norms and expectations, embracing one’s true self without fear. “Nxde” is a strong refusal to be objectified for simply existing and challenges the audience to reflect on their way of thinking instead.
9. “Queencard” (2023)
“Queencard” is a fun track that acknowledges the pressure to fit the image of being perfect and encourages the listener to love yourself as you are. The song also highlights that what makes someone attractive is their confidence and being comfortable in their own skin, unapologetically owning their quirks and flaws.
10. “TOMBOY” (2022)
This fiesty track is a rebellion against expectations placed on women. Its lyrics sing about refusing to be a perfect doll or a stereotype and, instead, presenting themselves as a contradiction to what others assume them to be. Loud, messy, independent, they are secure in who they are, they know what they want, and they will push back against those who want them to step back in line with zero hesitation.
11. “Lion” (2019)
“Lion” is a powerful song about strength and authority, flipping the stereotype of the female sex being submissive followers. It recognizes women as both fighters and leaders, likening them to lions that are fierce, majestic, and beautiful as they take control.
12. “Oh my god” (2020)
Haunting and filled with symbolism, “Oh my god” is about an intoxicating and maddening kind of love. It doesn’t describe love as pure, warm, and sweet. Instead, depicts it as both black and white and something closer to a religious experience, where desire, temptation, and inner conflict run amok. The use of “she” detaches the song from the conventional and opens it up for the audience to freely represent who and how they interpret love. Self-trust is the very core of this track, relying on knowing oneself when deciding to fall despite the confusion that surrounds them and believing it is the right call.
13. “Super Lady”
“Super Lady” is loud and daring in its message of empowerment. It sings praises to women’s strength, beauty, and potential while refusing to be boxed by what society thinks they should be. The song calls on young girls and women to take courage and defy expectations, recognize their self-worth, and build sisterhood.
Let us know your thoughts by tweeting us at @whatthekpop1 or leaving a comment on Facebook and Instagram!
Katherine grew up watching Korean dramas and other Asian shows. Although she first learned to appreciate Korean music through OSTs broadcast locally in the early 2000s, it wasn’t until 2011 that she began to pay proper attention to K-pop. She is fond of SEVENTEEN and NCT and would recommend (G)I-DLE, Dreamcatcher, and XG to whoever cared to listen.
MEDIA: Cube Entertainment