Netizens buzz as (G)I-DLE rebrands to ‘i-dle’ across social media

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iHeartRadio Channel 95.5's Jingle Ball 2023 - Show (Image via Getty)

Fans were surprised on May 1, 2025, when the K-pop group (G)I-DLE changed their official name on social media. Their X handle changed from @G_I_DLE to @official_i_dle. Just like that, the G was gone. Many fans noticed this small change and quickly started talking about it online.

Some were shocked, while others felt excited. People wondered if this meant something big was coming. The timing made fans even more curious as the group’s seventh anniversary is on May 2, so the name change feels related to that. (G)I-DLE has always been known for doing things their own way. So even a small change like this felt like a big deal to fans.


Fans react to the name change from (G)I-DLE to i-dle

Online platforms were full of fan comments after the update. A lot of fans said they had already called the group "i-dle" anyway, so the change felt natural. Others said they never really understood what the G stood for. Some fans felt a little emotional, especially those who had followed the group since their debut. They said it felt like the end of something special, but also the start of a new era.

A few fans pointed out that in Korean, the group is already called and pronounced idle, without the G. So this change makes the English name match better with the Korean one.

An user @bubblefring commented,

"damn that means they boutta kick G out. who in the group name start with G??"

Another user @Scope360Journal commented,

"even though it's not a big change it's still a good one"

The user @arianasbbl commented,

"OMG??? I think this is better tbh"

Another user @KotoneBaby commented,

"I always called them idle instead of (G)I-DLE"

An user @thepropheecy89 commented,

"Lowkey better than their original name"

The user @amelia_ziva commented,

"didn't fit with the "G" either if we are honest"

Another user @wonarias commented,

"For everybody asking why cube Entertainment just announced for their 7th anniversary Soojin is rejoining i-dle and they are starting a brand new journey with the name. New era, new name, new sounds etc."

The user @prodhwan commented,

"omg they removed the (G) monarch!!"

Another user @rmbpink commented and guessed,

"Soojin is coming back?!"

Fans also noticed something else: the group announced their upcoming album just after the name change. The album is called 2, and one of the songs teased is titled “for (G)”. This made fans even more curious. What does the “G” mean now?

Some fans think the “G” still stands for “girl” and that the song “For (G)” might be a tribute to their old name. Others think it could stand for “goodbye,” meaning they’re saying goodbye to their old identity. A few even said it could mean “growth,” showing how the group is moving forward.


What is next for i-dle?

The K-pop group is known for its strong image, powerful songs, and unique style. With this name change, it feels like they are getting ready for a new chapter. Maybe this is part of a bigger plan for their anniversary, their next album, or both.

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Fans are waiting to hear more during the group's seventh anniversary livestream. Many think the members will talk about why they changed the name and what it means for the future. Even though it is just one letter, this change means a lot to the fans.

Edited by Anshika Jain