Cover Story: Golden Girl, Minnie of (G)IDLE is Shining Bright
On the back of recently landing their number one album, 2, and racking up their fourth chart-topping single, (G)I-DLE makes ready for their third world tour and a new record. The K-pop girl group’s member, Minnie tells us more, declaring “a big surprise [is] coming”
When we first met Minnie in the third quarter of 2022, her group, (G)I-DLE was fresh from scoring its first number one single, “Tomboy” on South Korea’s Circle Chart. Between then and her second L’OFFICIEL SINGAPORE cover shoot, which took place last month, the K-pop quintet swiftly placed three more tracks — “Nxde”, “Queencard” and “Fate” — atop the official South Korea singles chart. The group’s second full-length studio album, simply titled 2, was released at the end of January and achieved “million-seller” status in, yes, just two days. Packed with (G)-IDLE’s signature empowering female anthems, the album put the girls’ heavy involvement in writing and producing — something that has always set them apart from their contemporaries — on full display. As the girls’ popularity burgeoned, luxury brands took greater notice and our cover star, Minnie was named a Miu Miu House Ambassador last year in August. Below, the star teases a “big surprise coming”, and what fans can expect from the K-pop act’s upcoming 2024 (G)I-DLE WORLD TOUR [iDOL].
Hi Minnie! We last saw you in early March at Paris Fashion Week. What have you been busy with in the past two months since then?
I spent some time in Thailand filming variety shows and singing shows while having some rest. We also finished promotions for our track, “Fate” in Korea and are working hard on our next album. I got a chance to work on a song, “Everytime” with YUQI for her solo album, and was actively doing a lot of drama OSTs as well.
Besides attending the Miu Miu show, is there anything you always look forward to when in Paris?
Shopping, of course. Other than Paris Fashion Week activities, I always look forward to shopping in Paris. Every time I go to Paris, I get a lot of good pieces from Miu Miu, and I did this time as well. Also, when I go to Paris, I have to take good pictures for my social media posts, so I usually wear pretty clothes and make sure to take pretty pictures on the street, or somewhere with a great view of the Eiffel Tower!
The last time we got to have a long chat was recently after “Tomboy” hit number one in South Korea, and I Never Die was released as (G)I-DLE’s first full-length album. Since then, “Nxde”, “Queencard” and “Fate” all topped the singles chart in South Korea. (G)I-DLE’s second full-length album, 2 and its title track “Super Lady”, along with “I Hate Feeling Sick (Fate)”, have also achieved significant commercial success, with the latter even climbing back up the charts. How would you express your feelings about these recent achievements?
It’s something that I could not have imagined. Our B-side track has never climbed back up the chart before, and this was our first time. It was so amazing, and I thought to myself: “Wow, I don’t know what’s going to happen in our lives!” Thanks to our fans, NEVERLAND, we got so much love and were able to chart it again. I am always thankful!
“I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S ALREADY BEEN SIX YEARS! I STILL remember THAT FEELING ON OUR DEBUT DAY, BEING PROUD AND amazed. WE ARE PREPARING A NEW ALBUM AND A CONCERT, SO PLEASE LOOK FORWARD TO IT!”
For 2, you contributed lyrics and music for “Vision” and “7 Days”. In an interview some years ago, you mentioned that you may reference your own story, other people’s stories or movies when you write music. Has this changed as you spend more time writing?
Since I write songs continuously, I feel that if I write songs based on my first feeling, it works the best. For example, when I first hear the beat, I think about a certain colour or a picture in my head. Based on these, I complete the songs with the best result. Trust your instincts! Trust your senses, and express what you want to through the melody and the lyrics.
The ‘Just Me ()I-dle’ World Tour took place in 2022, followed by the ‘I am FREE-T Y’ World Tour in 2023, which visited 18 countries worldwide. Both tours concluded in Singapore in October. Following this, the third world tour, ‘2024 (G)I-DLE WORLD TOUR [iDOL]’ was recently officially announced. Can we look forward to more frequent encounters with Minnie and (G)I-DLE in Singapore in the future?
It’s sad that Singapore isn’t part of this year’s world tour, but I always want to meet our Singapore fans whenever there is a chance!
(G)-IDLE celebrated its sixth anniversary since your debut on 2 May. Congratulations! In the months ahead, is there anything special that NEVERLAND fans can expect from (G)I-DLE?
I can’t believe it’s already been six years! Time f lies quickly! I still remember that feeling on our debut day, being proud and amazed. Thanks to our fans, NEVERLAND, who have always supported us, we have been able to work hard until now. We are preparing a new album and a concert, so please look forward to it!
Last year, we got your collaboration, “Expectations” with Anne-Marie. You’ve also spent some time in Thailand for activities. Is there more that fans of Minnie can look forward to this year in terms of solo activities?
I am working hard on our group activities but also preparing for solo activities as well. There’s a big surprise coming, so stay tuned!
Any final words for NEVERLAND fans?
Besides our group activities, I have a lot of plans for the future. I’m genuinely excited and can’t wait to share some good news with our fans! So everyone, please wait for me just a little while longer
Photography JI+DOH Styling KIM YOUNGMAN
Hair JANG HYEYEON
Makeup SEO OK
Nails KIM JIN SOL
Photography assistants TETRIS
Styling assistant LEE SUMIN
Production manager KIM YOU HAH
On-set production SEONG GEE SOO
