In K-pop, taking a risk usually means dying your hair a crazy color or having an edgier, mature concept.
Girl group i-dle (formerly (G)I-DLE) takes a big risk with “Mono”.
The song dropped on January 27 as a sleek, minimalist house-pop track with a feature from British artist Skaiwater. The song breaks one of K-pop’s biggest rules: acknowledging politics, sexuality and gender identity.
“You’re from the right or from the left / Whether East or West / Whether straight or gay.”
K-pop is designed to be apolitical
The Korean music industry has a simple rule: don’t get political.
You almost never hear idols mention current events or anything that could be interpreted as “taking a side.” South Korea is a conservative country where one “wrong” comment can kill an idol’s reputation. Being apolitical and neutral makes it easier for idols to appeal to different demographics. So the safest option is to keep your mouth shut.
The lyric, “you’re from the right or from the left” doesn’t endorse anything. It does acknowledge the political spectrum everyone lives on. For K-pop, that’s already crossing a line.
Then you have the line “whether straight or gay.” In K-pop, lyrics like that are unheard of. Queer themes exist, but it’s usually tongue and cheek. You get suggestive boy love/girl love concepts in music videos, some fan service and that’s it. The industry gets to look inclusive without actually taking a stand.
“Mono” skips the metaphors. The song is a bold declaration of accepting all the parts that make you unique. It’s asking for people to find some connection with one another in spite of our differences.
Why i-dle can do release a song like this
If any random group tried this, it would feel like a stunt. But i-dle have built their reputation on boundary-pushing concepts. “Tomboy” calls out gender expectations. “Nxde” drags the male gaze and exploitation. “Allergy” tackles insecurity and the need to fit in. Their brand is “unbothered, self-aware idols who will say what’s on their mind.”
On top of that, Soyeon’s role as producer is a big advantage. Most idol groups rely on writers their agency picked for them. All the members of i-dle are involved in songwriting and producing, with Soyeon usually taking the lead.
That gives them room to take risks that feel natural. “Mono” is a return to their roots, with Soyeon saying they intentionally avoided metaphors to keep the lyrics direct. Minnie explains that the production strips layers away to highlight identity.
In other words, their boldness is the next step of their artistic identity.
“Mono” as a metaphor for stripping the noise
The concept of “Mono” could have been just a simple aesthetic. Monochrome visuals, cool filters, sleek styling. An easy win.
Instead, they “turn the effects down.” There’s no maximalist production. Just a steady pulse with enough room for the lyrics to take center stage. The song is one channel, one shared frequency where your expectations and filters fade away, until all you have left is a person and their heartbeat.
Global expansion is forcing these changes
In 2026, more K-pop artists are expanding their reach outside of Korea to engage with international fans. In many cases, overseas fans are the driving force behind a group’s success.
These fans expect representation, diversity. They want their faves to use their status to make a difference in the world. At the same time, Korean society and media still avoid topics that are considered “taboo.”
“Mono” carefully shares a message that will resonate with a global audience without alienating their Korean fanbase too much.
That alone makes the track a turning point, whether the industry admits it or not.
