The representative K-POP girl group (G)I-DLE, known for its unique concept absorption, had Jeon So-yeon at the center of its contract renewal.

The 347th episode of MBC's entertainment program "Omniscient Interfering View," which aired on the 17th, depicted (G)I-DLE's first complete group variety outing after the contract renewal.

The broadcast that day drew attention as (G)I-DLE, the representative K-POP group, made its first complete group appearance after successfully renewing contracts. (G)I-DLE, which is currently operating under a one-member one-manager system post-renewal, moved to the shop with their dedicated managers. First, leader So-yeon showcased her close chemistry with their same-age manager, Park Se-in, while Yuqi raised the excitement by singing along with manager Jo Hyun-jin. However, the atmosphere differed sharply according to each member's personality, with the youngest Shuhua's vehicle surrounded by silence, generating laughter.

Meanwhile, (G)I-DLE's new song "Good Thing" was premiered on the broadcast, showcasing the hit maker that tops music charts with every release. The guests in the studio could not hide their excitement as they swayed to the rhythm.

(G)I-DLE revealed that their new song "Gathering for Listening" commemorating their 7th debut anniversary contains the concept of a "funeral" signifying sending away a girl (G). Under So-yeon's unique idea, the members interacted live with fans, building memories together. After their schedule, (G)I-DLE held a housewarming and 7th anniversary party at Minnie’s recently relocated home. Along with this, behind-the-scenes details of the contract renewal were also disclosed, capturing attention.

Just before stepping onto the awards stage, they revealed, "So-yeon conducted personal interviews one by one, and the contract renewal process was so secretive that even the manager was unaware of it," drawing attention. The members' announcement of a new beginning, based on deep trust in each other, heightened expectations for their future activities.

Jeon So-yeon officially announced the full group’s contract renewal with CUBE Entertainment after (G)I-DLE received the 'Record of the Year' award at the '2024 Melon Music Awards' held in November last year.

Among the total of four awards, the 'Record of the Year' went to (G)I-DLE, and upon stepping onto the stage, Jeon So-yeon of (G)I-DLE stated, "Next year will be our 8th year. For the past 7 years, I wondered, 'How do we receive a grand award?' and 'What kind of album should we create?'" She continued, "I have something to say at the end; these days, there have been many articles stating that we're disbanding or have ended because my contract is over." She then added, "The five of us made the decision to renew together, not just me alone. Before coming onto this stage today, we discussed it all together. It's not just me, it's all five members (renewing)," and expressed her hopes, saying, "We will be together for the next year, the year after that, and for life, so I hope fans won’t worry. We will repay you with good music next year and will strive even harder as (G)I-DLE," as she shed tears.

Previously, leader Jeon So-yeon had been embroiled in conflicts with the company leading up to the contract renewal, which fueled disbandment rumors; however, they eventually succeeded in renewing the contract.

Meanwhile, while renewing the contract, the group name was rebranded by removing 'girl' to become (G)I-DLE, to which So-yeon explained, "Before our debut, there was no 'girl’ in our name. I learned that from articles upon debut. We were originally (G)I-DLE. Suddenly, the 'G' and 'girl' appeared." Mi-yeon added, "It feels like we've found our name."

During the broadcast, Hong Hyun-hee remarked, "All the songs made by So-yeon have hit big. I can't imagine the copyright revenue," to which So-yeon candidly replied, "I think there are many misunderstandings. In fact, the copyright revenue is low. Even though I write and compose, the revenue from China is much more." Then Lee Young-ja inquired, "Then Yuqi should talk about the Chinese revenue," to which Yuqi responded with joy, saying, "Up until 7 years after our debut, all the earnings were split equally. After the renewal, it changed to personal settlements. I finally made money and gifted my parents a car," showing satisfaction.

[Photo] OSEN DB, captured from MBC broadcast

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