“We talked a lot during the contract renewal process. It actually became an opportunity to get closer with the members.”
Minnie (28) from the group (G)I-DLE said this regarding the renewal of their contract with their agency, CUBE Entertainment.
(G)I-DLE had some noise surrounding their contract renewal with the agency. This was due to leader Soyeon making several negative comments about the renewal, hinting that she might leave the team. However, the reality was different. The members became closer and envisioned their future together.
Ultimately, (G)I-DLE announced their contract renewal through their agency on December 2 of last year. Notably, the members drew attention by personally announcing the renewal news on November 30, before the official announcement, during the '2024 Melon Music Awards' stage.
In a recent meeting with Maeil Business Star Today, Minnie recalled, “After receiving the grand prize at the awards ceremony and announcing the contract renewal, I received a lot of messages from people around me. I got congratulatory messages from family, friends, and even my Korean and English teachers.”
After the contract renewal, Minnie was chosen as the member to kick off their first activities in 2025. He started his solo artist activities by releasing his first mini-album 'HER' on the 21st.
Minnie stated, “Since this is our team's first activity after the contract renewal, I feel ambitious. I want to try everything I want to do and show a wonderful side so that fans won't be disappointed.” He added, “We talked about wanting to do music together for a long time. We want to come together more and create strong bonds. I think that’s how our team can last longer.”
The contract renewal seems to have been a significant catalyst for Minnie's future activities. He reflected, “I think I’ve had various experiences over the past seven years. There were some tough times, but through those experiences, I was able to find what I can do well and my true self.” This solo album was also created based on these thoughts, summarizing the capabilities that Minnie can excel in.
Minnie participated in writing and composing all the songs on this album to ensure its quality. The album includes a total of seven tracks, including the title track 'HER' and the pre-released song 'Blind Eyes Red', as well as 'Drive You Crazy', 'Cherry Sky', 'Valentine Dream', 'Familiar', and 'Obsession'. Minnie explained, “This is my first solo album since my debut. I took my time preparing it and aimed for high quality. I’ve been preparing the album in my spare time,” adding, “I think my voice goes well with winter, so it came out now.”
Minnie continued, “I worked with the intention of showing my various sides. I want to show many new and unseen aspects of myself.” He briefly expressed himself, saying, “If you only look at my image, you might think I’m charismatic and strong, but in reality, I also joke a lot and have a lovely side.”
Minnie, who is from Thailand, is proficient in Korean to the extent that communication is smooth. It was noticeable that he expressed his thoughts in this interview without any special interpretation. However, writing lyrics in Korean is still challenging for him. Minnie said, “When I write Korean lyrics, I get help from team members and staff. But I try to write as much as I can myself. I have the producer I work with review it,” while also admitting, “Honestly, writing Korean lyrics is really hard. I do a lot of searches and think a lot about the language that I can express.”
Among them, the member who has been a great support for Minnie is Jeon Soyeon. Minnie praised Soyeon, saying, “She always gives a lot of advice. Since we often work together on the team’s album tracks, I learn a lot by watching and listening.”
Minnie asked to be seen as 'Dawn Emotion' Minnie through this album. He pointed out, “The whole song has a dreamy yet diverse and chic feel. I hope you look at my new side.”
As it is his first solo album, he poured everything into it. Minnie emphasized that there are no remaining songs and that he needs to start working on the next album soon. He also expressed, “I think I exist because of the team, and the team exists because of me. Above all, fans are the most precious. I hope this album becomes a New Year’s gift for the fans who have waited a long time.”
Additionally, Minnie revealed that after finishing his solo activities this year, he will begin preparing for the team album, raising expectations.
In conclusion, Minnie said, “Looking at the future of (G)I-DLE, I’m also excited. I think we will be more grown than now. We plan to do diverse and wonderful music both as solo artists and as a team. We are people who gathered for the same dream. Now we have become close enough to understand each other just by looking at each other. We will continue our wonderful activities in our own language,” hinting at a (G)I-DLE that has grown even more after the contract renewal.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
