The group, known for their confidence and honesty, has raised the bar with this release, and opinions on the explicitness vary. Despite criticism, (G)I-DLE’s storytelling is likely to extend beyond the explicit content of “Wife”. The song, part of their second full-length album “2”, features unique and sophisticated pop track elements with lyrics penned and composed by member Soyeon.
Reactions to the song have been mixed due to its explicit lyrics, including Korean phrases and English lines with suggestive meanings. Criticisms have emerged, expressing concerns about the high level of explicitness, particularly considering the group’s younger fanbase. However, supporters argue that the members, being adults, have the freedom of expression and that it is essential to respect that.
While it is challenging to view “Wife” as a non-commercial song, given its status as the lead track for a regular album, determining whether K-pop lyrics with such explicit content are appropriate remains a complex issue. Drawing parallels with global hits like BTS’s “Dynamite” and Cardi B’s “WAP”, the comparison highlights the diverse nature of K-pop lyrics. The global appeal of K-pop is often attributed to its universally relatable and non-explicit content.
It is difficult to impose restrictions on K-pop artists regarding lyrical content. The uniqueness of (G)I-DLE’s approach, breaking stereotypes and expressing what they want to convey first and then addressing prejudices, has been a consistent pattern in their recent releases. However, concerns arise about the potential escalation of explicit content in future releases, possibly overshadowing the genuine messages they aim to deliver.
In conclusion, (G)I-DLE has successfully garnered attention with their pre-release track, and the upcoming full album may bring further praise or criticism. The group’s ability to convey their message effectively amidst heightened explicitness is a point of interest, especially considering their previous albums’ subtle twists in delivering messages.
Source: Daum
