As described by
Billboard's Tamar Herman, "Idol" is a "traditionally inspired track" featuring different classical Korean instruments. According to media outlets, the song and the music video were inspired by Korean genre
pansori and
John Woo's 1997 movie
Face/Off.
Yonhap reported, "The song is
electronic dance music in the style of South African dance music. The African beats are layered with traditional Korean rhythms, as well as the pounding of a
Korean folk percussion instrument used in the performance of traditional Korean farmers' ensemble.
Rolling Stone India said, "According to the group's label Big Hit Entertainment, "Idol" was inspired by
gqom, a style of
house music that originated in
Durban, South Africa. Gqom combines powerful traditional thumping drum with
bass and house
synths in a balance between tradition and trend." adding, "The track's blend of Korean instruments like the
gakgung (the Korean horn-bow which explains the
shehnai-like sounds) with African rhythms,
trap rap and
electronica contribute to expanding its culturally rich, diverse, global sound". "Idol" is in the key of C♯ minor and incorporates various styles such as
pop,
world,
contemporary R&B, and
K-pop. Both versions are 126 beats per minute. One of the writers, Ali Tamposi, stated the rep from
Big Hit wanted the song to feel intense. In 2020, the lyrics of "Idol" were displayed in a special exhibition titled "Korean Pop Lyrics: Melodies of Life" at the
National Hangeul Museum in Seoul. == Music video ==