by martina rexrode
photo courtesy of idid
With every new release that comes out of K-pop’s thriving fifth-generation, it’s easy to see why fans are so honed in on the groups driving the genre into the future. IDID is a seven-member boy group under STARSHIP Entertainment (MONSTA X, IVE, KiiiKiii) who’ve just come back with their second single album and first release of the year, all just under a year since their 2025 debut. The two tracks within this release are bright, energetic, and just what everyone needs to guide them into summer. We spoke to the members of IDID about this comeback, their rapidly growing confidence, and their visions of the future.
Congratulations on your new single album! What was your goal when preparing for this release? How did you want listeners to feel when they listened to each track?
JANG YONGHOON: “Our goal for this release was to make sure each member leaves an unforgettable impression on listeners. Through ‘FLY!’ we wanted to showcase our energetic sense of freedom; while ‘Attent!on’ delivers a refreshing and exciting burst of energy. We hope listeners can enjoy the different charms and emotions each track has to offer.”
PARK SEONGHYEON: “We spent a lot of time thinking about how we could showcase our performance in the most authentic way possible on stage. We believe that when we share our excitement with one another and genuinely enjoy ourselves, just like we do as IDID every day, that energy naturally reaches the audience as well.”
BAEK JUNHYUK: “Through ‘FLY!’ we hope listeners can feel the refreshing sense of freedom that is uniquely IDID. In contrast, ‘Attent!on’ showcases a more melodic and sentimental side of us. We hope listeners can not only enjoy the song’s sweeter melody, but also relate to the youthfulness and emotions we wanted to convey.”
Can you describe the meaning behind the title track to those who might not have listened yet?
KIM MINJAE: “Just like the word ‘FLY!’ suggests, this is a song that captures IDID’s refreshing and uplifting energy. It also reflects our determination to soar higher and higher as a group, so that more people can discover us, get to know us, and join us on our journey.”
Both “FLY!” and “Attent!on” take your sound into a more bright and confident direction. Where do you think this confidence came from and how did it bleed into your music?
PARK WON BIN: “Our ambition to keep moving forward and aiming higher is expressed through the confidence we bring to our music. Because we always approach everything with a ‘we can do it’ mindset, we think IDID’s bright, confident energy naturally comes across to the public.”
CHU YOOCHAN: “We think it’s important to fully immerse ourselves in the song and truly enjoy every moment on stage. When we perform with that level of passion and commitment, the free-spirited energy we experience naturally reaches our fans and allows them to connect with the performance on a deeper level.”
JEONG SEMIN: “These songs are filled with confidence and a sense of authenticity. When we perform, we approach it with the mindset of simply having fun together as members. As we sing and dance while genuinely enjoying ourselves, we think that natural chemistry comes across to the audience and helps showcase a side of IDID that feels authentic and true to who we are.”
After debuting last September — just about seven months ago — how are each of you feeling about releasing your first single of the year?
JANG YONGHOON: “We’re incredibly grateful and happy to be able to release this single album, which reflects the hard work and dedication of so many people. Throughout the preparation process, we learned a lot and grew both as artists and as a team, which made this a truly valuable and meaningful experience for us.”
KIM MINJAE: “We learned so much while preparing this album, and we believe it played a huge role in helping us discover and define IDID’s unique identity and sound. For our next comeback, we’d love to return with an album that tells even more of IDID’s story and allows us to share a deeper side of ourselves with our WITHID.”
PARK WONBIN: “While preparing and releasing our single album, FLY!, we learned so much along the way. Because we spent a long time working on it and grew even closer as members throughout the process, it’s an album that holds a very special place in our hearts.”
CHU YOOCHAN: “Since it’s been a while since we last returned with a new album, we’re feeling both nervous and excited at the same time. It also feels rewarding because we think we’re gradually showing people what IDID is all about and what we want to express as a group.”
PARK SEONGHYEON: “As this was both our first single album, so many people worked incredibly hard to support us. Throughout the process, we experienced and learned more than ever before. Thanks to that, we feel that we’ve grown in many ways, and we’re excited to keep improving and moving forward in the future.”
BAEK JUNHYUK: “We were so focused on preparing this album that we completely lost track of time. We approached this release with a strong desire to reach new heights, and that passion continues to drive us throughout this period as well.”
JEONG SEMIN: “As this was our first single album, we spent a lot of time reflecting on our journey so far while preparing for it. Looking back on our earlier days made us realize that IDID’s unique identity and musical color are gradually becoming more defined. It’s exciting to see a clearer picture of who we are as artists and where we want to go in the future.”
In what ways have you noticed your evolution as a team and as individual artists since your debut?
JANE YONGHOON: “As a team, we’ve built the kind of teamwork that makes us feel like we can accomplish anything together. Personally, I’m continuing to grow step by step and work toward becoming a better artist every day.”
KIM MINJAE: “We’ve grown into a team that can unite and overcome any challenge together. Our teamwork has become one of our greatest strengths, and we plan to keep developing it as we move forward. On an individual level, I’ve also been focusing on improving my skills and becoming a better artist with each step.”
PARK WONBIN: “As I’ve continued to work hard and take on the responsibilities that come with being an idol, I’ve gradually come to see myself growing through those experiences.”
CHU YOOCHAN: “By having more conversations with one another and sharing the same goal of moving forward together, we’ve learned to better understand and support each other. I think that developing a more proactive attitude toward helping and looking out for my fellow members has been one of my biggest areas of growth.”
PARK SEONGHYEON: “We’ve grown by constantly communicating and exchanging ideas to create the best results together. Personally, through a wide range of experiences — from performing on stage to filming photoshoots, music videos, and other content — I’ve learned more about how to showcase my individuality and express my own unique charm as an artist.”
BAEK JUNHYUK: “I’ve worked hard to become an artist who thinks more deeply and grows together with my fellow members. Personally, my goal is to continue challenging myself, putting in the effort, and developing further as an artist.”
JEONG SEMIN: “As a group, we’ve grown into a team that truly trusts and supports one another. On a personal level, I’ll be turning into an adult soon, and I feel like both my mindset and the way I approach things have become much more mature. It makes me realize that I’m gradually preparing myself for the next stage of life [laughs].”
Now that you’ve released new music this year, what other goals do you have for the rest of 2026?
JANE YONGHOON: “I hope to create many more unforgettable memories with both my members and WITHID.”
KIM MINJAE: “My goal is to become someone who can proudly represent IDID and share our music with even more people, making both the group and our fans proud.”
PARK WONBIN: “Our goal is to introduce IDID to more people and connect with listeners through our music, creating moments of understanding and shared emotion.”
CHU YOOCHAN: “We want to clearly communicate IDID’s identity to audiences around the world.”
PARK SEONGHYEON: “We hope to return with another great album filled with quality music.”
BAEK JUNHYUK: “We want to keep working hard and reaching more people so that everyone can come to know who IDID is.”
JEONG SEMIN: “My goal is to make IDID so widely known that people everywhere will recognize our name and music.”