I-DLE Tease a Bold New Sound: 'Mono' with Skaiwater Arrives January 27

By  Kang Kyung-youn  | Jan 21, 2026

I-DLE Tease a Bold New Sound: 'Mono' with Skaiwater Arrives January 27
I-DLE
I-DLE are kicking off 2026 with a fresh digital single.

On Jan. 20, the group launched a “Play the Whole World in Mono” teaser across their official socials, starting the countdown to their return with Mono (Feat. Skaiwater). The release marks their first domestic drop in about eight months, following their eighth mini-album, "We Are."

The “Play the Whole World in Mono” clip distills the concept of "Mono" (Feat. Skaiwater), out Jan. 27, trading the group’s signature splashy visuals for stark, monochrome imagery that signals a new chapter. A minimalist, razor-sharp beat hints at an expanded, more experimental sound from the quintet.

The track features UK rapper Skaiwater, known for a distinct tone and fluid, off-kilter flow―plus a fashion-forward presence that’s made waves alongside the music. Fans are eager to see what kind of spark this cross-continental pairing ignites.

Riding the immediate buzz from the teaser, I-DLE will roll out a slate of promotions leading up to release day.

"Mono" (Feat. Skaiwater) drops Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. KST on major streaming platforms.

(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)