[Photo &] Kids Make a Daring Comeback With Sensual Summer Song “Gimme Dat Love”

The ease of a ninth-year act returning with a sensual summer song, and musical provocation that breaks boundaries

The girl group (G)I-DLE subdued the heat of summer with sensual, exotic melodies. A nine-year veteran presence did not settle into comfort—it led to a bold musical provocation unlike anything before. At a showcase celebrating the release of the group’s ninth mini album ‘We made’ (We made), held at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin District, Seoul, on the 6th, they declared a transformation with no limits. Member Mi-yeon said of the new song “Gimme Dat Love” (Gimme Dat Love), “We packed in the hot, back-and-forth energy that breaks the mold,” showing off fierce confidence. “We dressed ourselves in a variety of summer colors so we can keep playing with music without getting bored of ourselves,” their statement reflects the example of an evolving artist.

It marks a return six months after the digital single ‘Mono’ (Mono released in January. Led by the title track, the album includes five songs in total, such as the R&B ballad “Love Is Pain” (Love Is Pain), with Yu-qi participating in writing and composing, “Crow” (Crow), and “Morning” (Morning), proving the group’s expanded musical spectrum.

The essence of Latin pop crafted from their beginnings, and perfect synergy with a global roster of producers

Mi-yeon, who has endured the pain of creating with every album, said, “I returned to that pure ‘0’ moment when I first loved music, weaving in authenticity.” The title track is a lethal love song that paints an intense thirst for each other. Top-tier producers such as Daramola and Samantha Camara, who lead the Latin pop scene, joined in and brought the record’s exotic character to its peak.

Above all, the point where this new release wins praise from the public and music critics is an unflinching message aimed at social solidarity. The unconventional lyrics of ‘Mono’ (Mono), along with the music video for the new song, shine a spotlight on various forms of love—including love involving sexual and gender minorities—without prejudice. Leader So-yeon said, “We support the love of all kinds that exist in this world, and we hope our music becomes a steady comfort in someone’s life,” making clear her conviction.

K-pop’s status that breaks down language barriers, and an unrelenting global push leading to Lollapalooza

Their performance on the global stage is also ongoing. The large-scale world tour ‘Syncopation’ (Syncopation), which kicked off in Seoul in February this year, has been logging sold-out crowds day after day. Riding the momentum, on the 31st—when they take over the stage at the world-famous music festival ‘Lollapalooza’ (Lollapalooza) in Chicago, the United States—they are expected to dramatically expand the reach of their global fandom.

Yu-qi said, “Whenever we stand on huge stages like Taipei Dome and Hong Kong Stadium, I feel an overwhelming thrill that’s hard to put into words,” adding, “I express endless gratitude for being able to connect with fans around the world through K-pop as a medium, overcoming the barriers of language and culture,” revealing the weight of responsibility and pride as a global artist.