GI (group)
| Company type | Girl group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Simtong Entertainment |
| Headquarters | South Korea |
| Products | Music |
Global Icon (; abbreviated as GI) is a South Korean girl group created by Simtong Entertainment in 2013. Their debut single, "Beatles," was released on April 3, 2013. Originally, the group embraced a "boyish" image characterized by short hairstyles and masculine fashion, but following lineup alterations in 2015, they transitioned to a more feminine and alluring style.
As of October 8, 2023, Global Icon made a comeback featuring original member AI alongside newcomers Lili, Hyena, and Yebin.
2013: Debut, Follow-up, and "Don't Lie" Broadcast Issues
On March 20, 2013, Global Icon was introduced with a unique concept that set them apart from conventional K-pop girl groups. Early teasers showcased rappers OneKet and AI, followed by vocalists Eunji, Hayun, and Aram. Their debut track "Beatles" was launched on April 3, 2013, alongside their first live performance on Show Champion.
On July 1, Simtong Entertainment unveiled album cover images for their second digital single "Because of You," initially scheduled for release on July 3 but postponed to August 30 due to scheduling conflicts. Their first mini-album was subsequently released on September 3.
They secured an endorsement deal with the Korean restaurant chain "94Street," but the promotional visuals featuring glamorous styling attracted criticism for straying from their original "boyish" concept.
An October comeback was planned with the song "Don't Lie," but major broadcasting stations rejected the track for terrestrial airing. As a result, the group promoted "Giyeuk" as the primary single instead.
2014–2015: Member Departures and Comeback
On June 25, 2014, GI International Fanclub announced Aram's exit following her absence from social media after activities in Japan. While SimTong Entertainment initially indicated Aram's departure was still under consideration, they later confirmed that Global Icon would continue as a five-member ensemble with a new main vocalist replacing Aram. In June, Hayun shared rehearsal photos featuring two unidentified girls presumed to be new members; however, fans expressed discontent over the group's lip-syncing during live shows.
It was disclosed on November 14, 2014, that Hayun had also left the group back in August, casting uncertainty over Global Icon's future. Nonetheless, plans for releasing a new track were announced in January 2015.
On February 24, 2015, AlphaBat's Delta revealed that GI’s third single would drop on February 25. The next day, member OneKet initiated legal action to terminate her contract with SimTong Entertainment due to alleged mismanagement; SimTong responded by accusing OneKet and Aram of contract violations.
SimTong introduced three fresh members—Do Kyung, Ji A-min, and Hee So—on June 29. With this revamped lineup, Global Icon returned on September 2 and adopted a more feminine image for their 'Doligo Doligo' music video, departing from their previous tomboyish style. The song and video were met with harsh criticism and described as “laughable,” “inappropriate,” and “tasteless.”
2016–2023: Member Changes, Disbandment, and Subsequent Endeavors
Eunji announced her departure via Twitter on March 28, 2016; shortly after Dokyung deleted her posts, signaling the group's dissolution.
In May 2016, Heeso re-entered the music scene with AGirls before their swift disbandment. She later joined HEXE for their "Fallin' Fallin'" comeback under the stage name "Jin," then led Various until they disbanded in 2018. In 2020, she re-debuted with BLASTAR as "Jinsil," also serving as a backup dancer for Blackpink’s Jennie and choreographing performances for PinkFantasy.
Dokyung resurfaced in April 2017 as part of L.U.X., and following their disbandment formed the duo Musky under the alias Han.
By 2020, AI had established Rotiple Dance Studio and adopted the name Kim Nayeon.
2023–Present: Revival
On October 8, 2023, Global Icon revealed plans for a revival, reuniting original member AI with newcomers Lili, Yebin, and Hyena. AI obtained the rights from SimTong to relaunch the group, aiming to release fresh music in early 2024.
Current members
- AI () (2013–2016, 2023–Present)
- Lili () (2023–Present)
- Yebin () (2023–Present)
- Hyena () (2023–Present)
Former members
- OneKet () (2013–2015)
- Aram () (2013–2014)
- Hayeon () (2013–2014)
- Eunji () (2013–2016)
- Jiamin () (2015–2016)
- Heeso () (2015–2016)
- Dokyung () (2015–2016)
Timeline
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Colors =
id:a value:rgb(1,0,0) legend:FirstGeneration id:b value:rgb(1,0.5,0) legend:SecondGeneration id:c value:rgb(1,1,0) legend:ThirdGeneration id:d value:rgb(0,1,0) legend:FourthGeneration id:e value:rgb(0,0,1) legend:FifthGeneration
Legend = orientation:horizontal position:bottom ScaleMajor = unit:year increment:1 start:2014 gridcolor:black
PlotData =
color:blue width:7 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from bar:Aram from:start till:06/25/2014 Color:a bar:Hayeon from:start till:11/14/2014 Color:a bar:OneKet from:start till:02/25/2015 Color:a bar:Eunji from:start till:03/28/2016 Color:a bar:AI from:start till:end Color:a bar:Dokyung from:06/29/2015 till:03/28/2016 Color:b bar:Heeso from:06/29/2015 till:03/28/2016 Color:b bar:Jiamin from:06/29/2015 till:08/01/2016 Color:b bar:Lili from:10/08/2023 till:end Color:c bar:Yebin from:10/08/2023 till:end Color:c bar:Hyena from:10/08/2023 till:end Color:c
</timeline>
Extended plays
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOR | |||
| Tremendous |
|
21 | KOR sales exceed 756 copies |
Singles
| Year | Album information | Peak chart positions |
Track listing | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR | ||||
| 2013 | "Beatles"
|
158 |
|
10,561 (digital sales) |
"Because of You"
|
— |
|
— | |
| 2015 | "Echo"
|
— |
|
— |
"DoliGo DoliGo"
|
— |
|
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