Starship Entertainment's IDID Debuts September 2025: 7-Member Boy Group Targets Rookie of the Year
Survival show winners launch debut album "I did it" with ambitious goals for 2025 awards season
Starship Entertainment launched its newest boy group IDID on September 15, 2025, marking the agency's first male idol group debut since CRAVITY in 2020. The seven-member group held their official debut showcase at YES24 Live Hall in Seoul, introducing their first mini-album "I did it" to fans and media.
Survival Show Origins and Member Lineup
IDID emerged from Starship's YouTube survival program "Debut's Plan," which ran from March to May 2025. The show followed 33 trainees competing for debut spots, ultimately selecting eight members. However, Park Junhwan departed in June 2025 due to personal reasons, finalizing the current seven-member lineup.
The group consists of leader Jang Yonghoon (20), Kim Minjae (20), Park Wonbin, Chu Yoochan, Park Seonghyeon, Baek Junhyuk, and Jeong Semin. Kim Minjae ranked first in the survival show competition, demonstrating his popularity among both judges and viewers.
Debut Album and Musical Direction
Their debut EP features eight tracks, with the title song "제멋대로 찬란하게" (Jemeotdaero Chanranhage) leading the release. The Korean title translates roughly to "Brilliantly Wayward" or "Shining Freely," capturing the group's youthful rebellious spirit.
Producer Dem Jointz, known for collaborating with Dr. Dre, Eminem, and K-pop acts like aespa and NCT 127, contributed to the album. The collection includes their pre-debut single "STEP IT UP" released in July 2025, plus tracks "SLOW TIDE," "ImPerfect," "So G.oo.D," "STICKY BOMB," "Through Your Dreams," and "Blooming CROWN."
Group Identity and Concept
IDID positions themselves with a "#ClassicHip" concept, blending hip-hop elements with youthful energy. The group name abbreviates "I did it," carrying the message "I Did It. Finally I Made It!"
Their penguin mascot symbolizes being "first penguins" in the industry - leaders willing to take risks. This metaphor extends to their relationship with fans, emphasizing mutual support and filling each other's gaps.
Industry Connections and Mentorship
As labelmates to established acts MONSTA X, IVE, and CRAVITY, IDID benefits from senior guidance. The members shared receiving encouragement from their predecessors, with CRAVITY advising them that "the stage is all about energy" and IVE's Rei providing performance tips.
The group made their international debut at KCON LA 2025 in August before their Korean launch, gaining early global exposure.
2025 Rookie Award Ambitions
IDID set clear goals for their debut year. Member Baek Junhyuk stated their primary objective: winning a rookie award in 2025. This ambitious target reflects both their confidence and the competitive nature of K-pop's newest generation.
Leader Jang Yonghoon expressed longer-term aspirations, hoping to eventually perform at major festivals like their senior labelmates and become "a group that symbolizes an era, like Coldplay or Bruno Mars."
Market Positioning
At an average age of 18, IDID targets the evolving 5th generation K-pop market. Starship describes them as artists "whose eyes change the moment they step on stage," highlighting their performance-driven identity.
The group's debut comes during a particularly competitive period for new boy groups, making their rookie award goal both challenging and significant for establishing their market position.
With strong agency backing, international pre-debut exposure, and clear artistic direction, IDID enters the K-pop landscape positioned to make an immediate impact in the highly competitive 2025 debut class.