Written by Daphne Bryant
With the release of their newest single“ DEPENDS,” idol group and powerhouse XG leans into ambivalence. Coupled with the track’s infectious groove are lyrics that flirt overtly with fluidity, positioning indecision not as paralysis but as an equal-opportunity playground. And, who’s more equal-opportunity than a bisexual?
For decades, harmful discourse has fundamentally denied the validity of bisexuality by framing it as a temporary state, confusion, or stepping stone rather than a complete and stable identity. Depictions of love in pop culture have often mirrored this anxiety, forcing protagonists into binary dilemmas where choosing no one—or choosing everyone—is framed as a character flaw. “DEPENDS” reframes that inability or refusal to conform as being in a position of absolute power. Lyrically, this hits home when the second pre-chorus arrives and Hinata’s line“ keep a good boy on a tight leash” effortlessly turns into“ keep a good girl on a tight leash.” Even though Cocona, XG’s maknae, is outwardly queer and thus, the group often touches on queer themes, I was admittedly gagged by the switch. Suddenly, “DEPENDS” became an unapologetic bisexual anthem.
It D-E-P-E-N-D-S
I might call you, might call my ex
Oh, damn, I got you in distress
I love to, love to, make you (Sweat)
Verse 2, featuring XG’s rap line, comes in strong with the lyrics:“ Baby, I got options, I’m bad at decisions / I would take my chance if I was in your position / Taking back control, like Janet.” Here, attraction is an expansive, revolving door, and god, aren’t they clever? In tandem with the single’s launch, XG officially debuted personal Instagram accounts. Historically, idol groups stick to a unified group account for years and years, but this coordinated rollout felt like an intentional extension of the song itself. Each member made their debut with distinct posts showcasing their sensibilities, quirks, and aesthetics. Just as“ DEPENDS” insists that attraction and identity aren’t one-size-fits-all monoliths, launching these profiles reinforced that XG comprises seven individuals with their own unique stories to tell.
Of course, we have to touch on the accompanying (and gorgeous) music video too! Rather than casting human love interests to fulfill romantic tropes, the visual introduces fantastical bug-like creatures, each serving as an otherworldly companion to one of the members. Chasing and interacting with these entities across rapidly morphing landscapes functions as a poignant visual metaphor: desire is whimsical, fleeting, and untethered from reality. The dance break anchors this dreamscape, and the visual identity defining this era underscores that refusal to be neatly categorized. Drifting away from the intense cyber-alienism of their previous concepts, the aesthetic of“ DEPENDS” (even down to the keyboard cover art) pivots toward retro-futurism. The styling combines‘ 70s and‘ 80s tailoring—think deconstructed, playfully draped neckties and electric neon pops—with relaxed late‘ 90s street fashion. As always, XG pays homage to American R&B and hip-hop culture. I could have never anticipated just how catchy, fun and cheeky“ DEPENDS” would be, but guess what? XG has done it again!
