i-dle (formally (G)I-DLE) prepares to start 2026 with two major projects: a new group album and a large-scale world tour. Together, these plans will be the beginning of a new chapter for the group after contract renewal with CUBE, rebranding, and successful solo activities.
The group has officially announced a new digital single titled “Mono (feat. Skaiwater)”, set to be released on January 27, 2026, at 6 PM KST.
The song will arrive just weeks before they begin their large-scale “Syncopation” world tour. The announcement was shared through the group’s official social media accounts, where fans first saw the title and release date.
“Mono” features British rapper Skaiwater, an artist known for electronic and hyperpop-inspired music. The collab hints at a new and experimental sound, while still keeping the strong identity i-dle is known for.
Previously, JTBC Entertainment report cited that i-dle is in the final stages of preparing a new album scheduled for release in January. It is expected that i-dle will release an album after the digital single. The comeback is already being described by fans and insiders as a “queen’s return.” The group spent much of 2025 focusing on individual and unit work rather than group promotions.
During that period, all five members—Miyeon, Minnie, Soyeon, Yuqi, and Shuhua—remained active. Miyeon and Minnie released solo albums that were met with positive critical and fan response. Soyeon and Yuqi also worked on and hinted at their own solo projects.
In December 2024, all five members renewed their contracts with Cube Entertainment. Despite having differences with the label, the girls are committed to continue their journey together as a group.
“Mono” will be i-dle’s second comeback under their new name. In May, the five-member group officially changed their name from “(G)I-DLE” to “i-dle” to celebrate their seventh anniversary. The removal of the “G,” which stood for “girl,” was intended to represent artistic freedom and a move beyond gender-defined concepts.
That same month, the group released their eighth mini-album, We Are, to start this new phase. Billboard described it as a major turning point and named it one of the 25 Best K-pop Albums of 2025.
Following the album release, i-dle will begin their “Syncopation” World Tour, which was announced on December 3, 2025. The tour name comes from a musical term that refers to unexpected rhythm and reflects the group’s aim to deliver performances that break from fixed styles. The tour will begin in South Korea and later expand across Asia and Oceania.
The opening concerts will take place in Seoul on February 21 and 22, 2026, at KSPO Dome. After Seoul, the tour is scheduled to include stops in Taipei, Bangkok, Melbourne, Sydney, Singapore, Yokohama, and Hong Kong. More locations and dates are expected to be revealed at a later time.