iii Makes Surreal Debut with ‘Forbidden Midnight’
The era of virtual idols stepping into reality is here—and iii (pronounced “eye-eye-eye”) just proved it with a mystical bang. Performing their official debut title track ‘Forbidden Midnight (Real ver.)’ on KBS2’s Music Bank on July 5, the group ushered in a new wave of AI-inspired reality-pop crossover, complete with a revamped lineup and powerful visuals.
A Debut That Blurs Fantasy and Reality
After a long two-year wait following their pre-debut in 2023, iii—created with a futuristic concept in mind—finally dropped their official debut single ‘RE:AL iii’ on June 29. The centerpiece track, ‘Forbidden Midnight (Real ver.),’ carries an ethereal, almost otherworldly energy, combining haunting choreography with dreamlike synths that fans are still replaying in their heads.
According to their creative concept, the track explores the idea of stepping into a forbidden reality—specifically set at midnight—where the veil between the virtual and real world thins. Think Black Mirror meets K-pop, but with better lighting and cooler dance moves.
From Five to Six: A Roster Reboot
iii originally debuted as a five-member unit, but their latest incarnation introduced a six-member lineup. Notably, two new additions—Huran and Soobin—rose to fame through the SBS audition program ‘Universe Ticket’. They now join members Taeri, Namking, Hana, and Eunki, forming a dynamic ensemble with fresh chemistry and stage presence.
The transformation didn’t go unnoticed: the moment the comeback announcement dropped, fans who had followed the group since pre-debut days flooded social media with celebratory posts. Global anticipation skyrocketed, making the EP release one of the more buzzed-about indie idol debuts this summer.
‘Forbidden Midnight (Real ver.)’ Hits the Stage
Kicking off their EP promotions on Music Bank, iii took the stage in shimmering dark-toned outfits, delivering filtered vocals and precision choreography that matched the track’s eerie twilight vibe. The group’s synchronized moves flowed like a lucid dream, helping cement their identity as a “future-idol” concept group with both visual and vocal strength.
“It’s like they performed inside a sci-fi universe,” one international fan tweeted. “I didn’t know what to expect, but I’m frozen in awe.”
iii Takes Fan Content Seriously (and Seriously Fun)
Beyond stages, iii has been active on social media, releasing behind-the-scenes gems that fans can’t stop watching:
- A smooth dance practice video for ‘Forbidden Midnight (Real ver.)’
- A quirky dance cover of Red Velvet’s ‘Peek-A-Boo’
These releases showcase not just performance chops, but also the members’ budding personalities. From Huran’s charismatic stage energy to Taeri’s subtle winks in practice clips, the group is stitching together a genuine connection with their fandom—pixel by pixel.
What’s Next for iii?
The group isn’t slowing down anytime soon. According to their agency, future content will involve a mix of digital storytelling, more behind-the-scenes uploads, and possibly, web drama crossovers. With a growing global fanbase and a strong conceptual foundation, iii seems poised to become a standout figure in the fast-expanding future-idol genre.
As K-pop continues to experiment with tech-driven themes and AI aesthetics, iii could be the bridge between digital imagination and real-world performance. If you haven’t added ‘Forbidden Midnight (Real ver.)’ to your playlist yet, now is probably the time.
FAQs
Who are the members of iii?
As of their official debut, iii consists of six members: Huran, Soobin (from Universe Ticket), Taeri, Namking, Hana, and Eunki.
What is the meaning of ‘Forbidden Midnight (Real ver.)’?
The song plays on the concept of entering a forbidden time—midnight—when the virtual and real worlds blur. It reflects iii’s wider concept of existing between both realms.
Where can fans watch iii’s recent performances?
iii’s debut performance of ‘Forbidden Midnight (Real ver.)’ aired on KBS2’s Music Bank and is available on major K-pop broadcast platforms and social media channels.
