IDID, a new boy group from MONSTA X and IVE’s label Starship Entertainment, will offer a glimpse into their musical universe with the pre-debut single ‘STEP IT UP’ on July 24, raising expectations as the breakout act poised to turn the tide in K-pop.
The group, consisting of JANG YONGHOON, KIM MINJAE, PARK WONBIN, CHU YOOCHAN, PARK SEONGHYEON, BAEK JUNHYUK and JEONG SEMIN, is Starship Entertainment’s first boy group in about five years. The group name, short for ‘I did it,’ reflects their determination to accomplish anything through hard work.
‘STEP IT UP’ showcases IDID’s fearless journey in forging their own path with outspokenness and a free-spirited attitude, marking a first confident step for this rookie act aiming high. The bright yet weighty rap, set against a heavy 808 bass and hard-hitting track, radiates fierce energy that highlights how IDID ‘steps it up’ on stage in their own unique way. It was co-written by Dem Jointz – who has previously worked with pop stars like Dr. Dre and Eminem, as well as K-pop artists Jennie (‘ExtraL,’) aespa (‘Supernova,’) and NCT 127 (‘Cherry Bomb’ and ‘Kick It’) – alongside other internationally acclaimed producers.
The song not only illuminates the septet’s empowered sense of freedom shaped by a self-directed attitude, but also their musical identity rooted in the high-teen hip-hop genre. IDID pursues romance and novelty with a youthful, liberated spirit, while creating a refreshing contrast by marrying familiarity and freshness – all grounded in classic K-pop performance. At the heart of the group lies the keyword ‘#ClassicHip,’ a dynamic interplay of refined, weighty hip-hop, the emotional depth of youth and empowered freedom.
IDID is composed of the winners from Starship Entertainment’s ambitious debut project ‘Debut’s Plan,’ which aired earlier this year and gained significant popularity. Shortly after the project, IDID performed ‘Blooming CROWN’ on Korean music shows – a track featured in ‘Debut’s Plan’ that conveys a message of turning hardships into stepping stones for growth, ultimately allowing their dreams to blossom. The special stages, showcasing IDID’s already-polished performance skills, garnered positive reviews and signaled the emergence of a new performance-driven act.
Ahead of their debut, IDID also joined the global K-culture fan platform Berriz to foster connections with fans around the world. Since then, the group has actively engaged with their growing global fanbase.
IDID also drew attention for releasing their original YouTube content series, ‘Fly High! IDID!’ It showcases the members as they try out things they’ve wanted to do before debut and work toward goals they aim to achieve after debut. By highlighting each member’s unique personality and charm, ‘Fly High! IDID!’ has become a platform for fans to get to know the group on a deeper level.
IDID is slated to make their official debut with their 1st EP ‘I did it.’ on Sept. 15 and hold a debut showcase at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul. In previous teaser content, IDID introduced a series of keywords hinting at their upcoming musical activity, including: ‘Ice,’ ‘Blue,’ ‘Sunglitter,’ ‘Water,’ ‘Goodvibes,’ ‘Fresh,’ and ‘Energy.’ ‘STEP IT UP’ will also be featured in the ‘I did it.’ album.
Source: Press Release
