Rookie Group iii Channels Virtual Reality in ‘Forbidden Midnight’
What happens when you blend artfully curated mystery, multidimensional idols, and a cyberpunk-slick performance on live TV? K-pop’s rising rookies iii (pronounced “eye-eye-eye”) might just have the answer. The group made waves on July 4 with their dazzling stage on Mnet’s ‘M Countdown’, presenting the title track “Forbidden Midnight (Real ver.)” from their debut single, “RE:AL iii.”
‘Forbidden Midnight’: A Debut Bathed in Mystery
In a world of noise, iii made their grand entrance with something quieter—but more potent: intrigue. The stage for “Forbidden Midnight (Real ver.)” was all moody lighting, shadowy elegance, and choreographed microrhythms. From their ethereal vocals to surgically sharp dance moves and eerily graceful expressions, iii left their mark on viewers who might’ve blinked and missed it if they weren’t paying attention.
The performance, riding on a sultry nighttime aesthetic, emphasized the group’s dreamlike concept, blurring the line between what’s real and imagined. And yes, it’s not just a vibe—it’s lore. The “Real ver.” nods to the group’s world-building, centered around crossing over from a virtual world into reality.
iii’s Universe: From Virtual Idols to Real-World Breakthrough
What exactly is iii’s deal? Before their debut, they already had fans buzzing thanks to their unique sci-fi/fantasy angle. Positioned as idols who’ve ‘crossed over’ from a virtual space into the real world, iii isn’t just selling songs—they’re selling a story. This debut single, “RE:AL iii,” cleverly fuses the words ‘Real’ and the group’s name, anchoring their concept in both sound and semantics.
The teaser campaign hinted at future content that might expand the narrative further—think music videos, story-driven webtoons, or even an app-based alternate reality experience. SM Entertainment’s aespa walked so iii could do an elegant moonwalk through the metaverse—but twisted toward a slightly darker, synth-pop lane.
Who’s in iii? The Members Behind the Mystery
If you’re wondering who pulled off all this chic charisma onstage, iii isn’t just aesthetic—it’s talent in six parts. The group features six multinational members: four from South Korea, one from Japan, and one from Thailand. Among them are Huran and Subin, both already household names to some thanks to their appearance on SBS’s audition program ‘Universe Ticket’.
The group’s diversity is a quiet strength that plays into their sci-fi storytelling: six different personas, connected across cultures, fused into one digital-turned-real force. That kind of casting doesn’t just broaden appeal—it future-proofs them for global fanbase domination.
What’s on RE:AL iii? More Than Just a Title Track
While “Forbidden Midnight” is the lead single, the mini release “RE:AL iii” also includes the charming B-side “Guilty.” A brighter, breezier contrast to their sleek debut stage, “Guilty” gives fans a taste of iii’s emotional versatility. It hints that this group isn’t going to ride one concept to exhaustion—they’re mixing it up early, and we love to see it.
Both tracks are currently available for streaming on all major platforms, so curious listeners can plunge into their universe—and maybe even catch a hint of what their next aesthetic might be.
Fan Buzz and Future Theories
- Fans on Twitter are already theory-crafting about iii’s universe—some believe the group will soon reveal a villain or ‘corrupted idol’ arc.
- Others noticed hints in choreography and styling that suggest a deeper time-travel or multiverse narrative.
- Reddit threads are speculating that each member might represent a different ‘facet’ of reality—much like RPG game avatars.
Whether any of that pans out remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain—iii is more than your average girl group debut. They’ve planted the seeds of something cinematic and platform-spanning. Now it’s a matter of watching them grow.
Final Verdict: A Debut Worth Watching Twice
If K-pop 5th gen is about fierce performance and 4D storytelling, iii has officially clocked in. Their Mnet debut wasn’t just good—it was a flag planted in this year’s rookie race. If you blinked during the show, it might be time to rewatch “Forbidden Midnight (Real ver.)” once, maybe twice. Or three times—one for each ‘i’ in iii.
FAQs
Who are the members of iii?
iii consists of six members: four from South Korea, one from Japan, and one from Thailand. Members Huran and Subin are especially known for their appearances on SBS’s ‘Universe Ticket’ audition program.
What is the concept behind iii’s debut?
iii’s debut centers on a virtual-reality concept in which the members are idols who’ve stepped out of a virtual world into reality. Their debut single “RE:AL iii” highlights this narrative theme.
Where can I watch iii’s debut performance?
You can find iii’s “Forbidden Midnight (Real ver.)” performance on Mnet’s ‘M Countdown’ archives and official streaming platforms like YouTube.
