From Virtual Idols to Reality—iii’s Big Leap
The rising K-pop girl group iii (read as ‘eye-eye-eye’) has officially made its debut. On August 29, the trio dropped their debut single ‘RE:AL iii’ across major streaming platforms—marking a symbolic shift from the digital world into the real-time charts.
‘RE:AL iii’—Where Fairytales Meet Funk
More than just a cute name, iii stands for “inspiration”—and that’s exactly what this debut is aiming to deliver.
Front and center is the title track ‘Forbidden Midnight (Real ver.)’, a reimagining of their 2023 pre-debut release. This version blends K-pop sensibilities with the dramatic flair of Edvard Grieg’s In the Hall of the Mountain King. Think storybook whimsy meets dark-edged synths—perfect for blasting after midnight.
The group explained that remixing their previous track in a new style reflects a message of hope: shedding a darker past and stepping into a more vibrant reality.
‘Guilty’ Pleasures? Definitely.
The B-side ‘Guilty’ flips the mood entirely. With its upbeat bassline and cheeky lyrics, it’s the quintessential crush song. Imagine confessing your feelings with a smile and a wink: “If love’s a crime, I’m guilty.” It’s playful, spunky, and serves as proof that iii can do bright just as well as broody.
iii’s Universe: From AI to IRL
With a backstory rooted in fantasy—originally promoted as an AI idol group—iii has built tons of intrigue even before debuting. Their concept of “crossing from virtual to real” feels fresh in a K-pop landscape already filled with unique origin stories.
According to their agency Big Ocean ENM, iii plans to bring this lore into future performances and visuals, leaving fans itching to see what comes next.
Catch Them on Stage—and in Your Playlist
The group is set to hit major music shows like KBS2’s Music Bank and SBS’s Inkigayo, part of a broader rollout all the way through mid-September. Physical preorders for ‘RE:AL iii’ are open through September 14, for those who want to hold a piece of this crossover moment in hand.
What’s Next for the iii Revolution?
With a genre-bending concept, cross-dimensional storytelling, and a duality of charm and intensity, iii has entered the scene with more than just a flashy single—they’ve arrived with a mission. Can they keep walking that tightrope between fantasy and reality?
One thing’s for sure: this isn’t the last we’ll hear of them—on stage or in our imaginations.
[Image courtesy of Big Ocean ENM]
