Maps of Music

I NEVER DIE (2022)

Where the lyrics of I NEVER DIE take you, and where it was really made.

This first studio album was the group's first release as a quintet, coming after member Soojin left in August 2021.

Key places

Where the album was recorded (2022)

Recording site CUBE STUDIO — Cube Studio is listed as the recording location for I Never Die. The point marks the recording credit, not an exact view of the building. Google Maps · Apple Maps

How to get there: See the map for directions.

Album story

Overview

• I Never Die is the first studio album by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle
• Released digitally on March 14, 2022, and physically the following day by Cube Entertainment
• Comes in three physical versions: RiSKY, CHiLL and SPOiLED
• Contains eight tracks, with the lead single "Tomboy"
• The standard edition runs about twenty-four minutes
• First release as a quintet after member Soojin left in August 2021
• Fifth release in the "I" series, following I Burn (2021)

Background

• I Burn, released January 2021, was the group's fourth EP and their final release as a sextet
• On February 24, 2022, the label announced the album for March 14
• Track listing revealed February 28, with "Tomboy" as lead single
• Concept photos released March 2 to 4, audio snippet March 7, music video teasers March 11 and 12
• Released on the same day as the music video for "Tomboy"
• In support of the album, the group went on the Just Me ( )I-dle World Tour in 2022

Recording

• Soyeon co-wrote and produced most of the album, including the lead single
• Yuqi took part in writing "Liar" and "Polaroid"; Minnie took part in "Already" and "Escape"
• Soyeon, Minnie and Yuqi served as the primary producers and songwriters

Cover

• Physical package includes a CD, photobook, lyric paper, sticker, secret pocket, photo evidence 1 and 2, photocard and mini poster
• RiSKY version uses a close noir concept; CHiLL a relaxed revenge squad concept; SPOiLED a protagonist who is hard to hate

Sources: en.wikipedia.org · en.wikipedia.org · en.wikipedia.org · en.wikipedia.org · en.wikipedia.org · en.wikipedia.org

Tracklist

Sources: musicbrainz.org

Artist

Formation

• Formed by Cube Entertainment in 2018 as (G)I-dle, a six-member girl group; renamed I-dle in May 2025.
• Debuted on May 2, 2018 with EP I Am and lead single "Latata".
• Soojin departed on August 14, 2021, leaving five members.

Members

• Current members: Miyeon, Minnie, Soyeon (leader, rapper), Yuqi, Shuhua.
• Former member: Soojin (2018–2021).

Career

• Praised for musicality and for self-producing their material, breaking idol stereotypes.
• "Tomboy" (2022) from debut studio album I Never Die became a viral hit and topped the Circle Digital Chart.
• "Nxde" also topped the chart; the group was the only artist with two perfect all-kills in 2022.
• "Queencard" from EP I Feel (2023) marked a third consecutive number-one single in South Korea.
• Second studio album 2 and EP I Sway were released in 2024; contracts were renewed the same year.
• Describes an artist with self-written material and a fanbase called "Neverland".

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Reception

At release

• NME: Raj Tanu gave the album four stars out of five
• IZM: Yeom Dong-gyo called it an album that gives persuasive power to a solid concept, praising its colorful style and rock production
• Genius: Maddison Murray called it the group's strongest work to date
• Time: Kat Moon praised the production and lyric writing
• Critics generally gave favorable reviews, praising cohesion, concept, art direction and musical growth
• Criticism focused on the album's short length

Records

• Circle Album Chart: debuted at number two, with over 200,000 copies sold in the first week
• Korean Music Content Association: double-platinum certification
• China: second best-selling album by a K-pop act in 2022, after Born Pink, with over 560,000 digital units sold
• Lead single "Tomboy" reached number one on the Circle Digital Chart and K-pop Hot 100
• "Tomboy" stayed in the top ten of those charts for multiple weeks

Sources: en.wikipedia.org · en.wikipedia.org · en.wikipedia.org · en.wikipedia.org

Trivia

• "Tomboy" was released on the same day as the album
• The group performed "Tomboy" on M Countdown on March 17, Music Bank on March 18, Show! Music Core on March 19 and Inkigayo on March 20
• On March 8, 2022, a one-minute video for "My Bag" showed backup dancers and flashy white sports cars on an empty road
• The CD adds an explicit version of "Tomboy"
• The closing track "My Bag" features rapping from all five members over a hip-hop instrumental

Sources: en.wikipedia.org · en.wikipedia.org · en.wikipedia.org

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