The Hidden Message of (G)I-DLE's New Song "NXDE"!

(G)I-DLE burst onto the K-Pop scene in 2018 with "Latata", earning them the title “monster rookies”. (G)I-DLE is one of Cube Entertainment’s most successful K-Pop girl groups -- in fact, they’re one of the most successful girl groups in all of K-Pop right now, and they aren’t even signed to one of the “big three” labels (SM, YG, JYP). Their agency isn’t nearly the same size as those behind acts like BLACKPINK or TWICE, which makes their success all the more impressive. 

The group consists of Soyeon, Yugi, Minnie, Shuhua, and Miyeon -- an amalgamation of Chinese, Thai, and Korean culture. With their unique combination, they’ve managed to cultivate a sound unheard of in K-Pop before. Soyeon, the main rapper, is responsible for arranging their music, and along with other members, mainly Yuqi and Minnie, they write their lyrics. This is not the traditional route in the K-Pop world, where most groups add their vocals to a purchased track predetermined by their agency. 

Songs like “Nxde” further prove that (G)I-DLE is a creative force. This comeback’s concept is burlesque with a mix of Old hollywood. The music video shows the girls performing on a stage similar to Lil Kim, P!nk, Christina Aguilera, and Mya’s 2001 hit "Lady Marmalade". With Madonna’s bullet bra, Marilyn Monroe’s pink dress, and Banksy’s shredding artwork, the girls try to dismantle the public’s notions of beauty and what it means. They clapback against the commodification of the sexy-but-stupid trope and the “too sexy” demonization of women. 

Soyeon begins, “Why you think that ‘bout nude? / Cause your views so rude / Think outside the box / Then you’ll like it...” Women are sexualized daily, their bodies almost turned into something vulgar for just existing. Soyeon later sings that she was born nude while the other members take turns singing “Yes, I’m nude / I don’t give a love...” What you see is what you get; they are not going to put on a character or play a part in order for you to like them. They are not a dumb caricature created just to look pretty and wear a tiara. There’s so much more behind the curtain. That’s why we love the burlesque theme! Well, that and for the *aesthetic*! 

If you enjoy “Nxde”, we encourage you to check out (G)I-dle’s latest EP I Love, now streaming on Spotify!