Yuqi (우기)

Everything About Song Yuqi ((G)I-DLE): Profile and Career Highlights

Hailing from Beijing and capturing hearts globally, Song Yuqi has emerged as a multilingual powerhouse in the pop music industry, charming fans with her distinctive vocal timbre and dynamic stage presence. As a pivotal member of the widely acclaimed K-pop group (G)I-DLE, conceived by Cube Entertainment, Yuqi has not only contributed to chart-topping singles like "LATATA" and "FREAK" but has also ventured successfully into solo projects, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Her journey from aspiring singer to K-pop sensation serves as a testament to her dedication and talent, endearing her to Neverland (the official fandom of (G)I-DLE) and a broader audience worldwide. Yuqi's proficiency in various languages, combined with her skills in traditional Chinese instruments like the guzheng, underlines her multifaceted artistic identity.

This article unfolds the narrative of Song Yuqi, tracing her steps from early life and background in Beijing, through the crucible of training that shaped her into the vibrant performer she is today. It highlights significant milestones, including her impactful debut with (G)I-DLE, solo career flourishes with tracks like "Giant" and "Bonnie & Clyde", and her vibrant journey in the entertainment industry beyond music. The exploration extends to her public image, capturing her participation in variety shows like "Keep Running", which underscores her charismatic and relatable persona. Additionally, Yuqi's discography, including notable collaborations with fellow (G)I-DLE members Soyeon, Minnie, Miyeon, and Shuhua, and her contributions to the group's diverse musical achievements, illustrate the depth of her artistic contributions. Through this journey, the article aims to provide a comprehensive look at Yuqi's career highlights, offering insights into the talent and perseverance behind her success.

Stage Name: Yuqi (우기)

Birth Name: Song Yu Qi (宋雨琦/송우기)

Korean Name: Song Woo Gi (송우기)

Position: Main Dancer, Sub Vocalist, Sub Rapper, Face of the Group

Birthday: September 23, 1999

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Height: 163 cm (5’4″)

Weight: 47 kg (103 lbs)

Blood Type: O

MBTI Type: ESFJ (Her previous result was ENFJ)

Nationality: Chinese

Represenative Animal: Giraffe 🦒

Instagram: @yuqisong.923

Early Life and Background

Birthplace and Family

Song Yuqi was born on September 23, 1999, in Beijing, China, where she grew up as an only child. Her early exposure to music was significant; even during her mother's pregnancy, Yuqi was introduced to various musical genres through MP3 players, which likely sparked her initial interest in music. This early musical environment set the stage for her future career aspirations.

Education

Yuqi attended Beijing 101 Middle School, a prestigious institution known for its rigorous academic environment and exceptional facilities, including a vast library and multiple artificial lakes. It was here that Yuqi not only excelled academically but also engaged deeply with the arts. She practiced Chinese folk dance, specifically the Daizu dance, from a young age, enhancing her artistic expression. Her passion for K-pop blossomed during her secondary school years, leading her to spend considerable time mastering dance choreographies from various K-pop bands.

In 2015, her dedication to pursuing a career in music was evident when she participated in the Cube Star World Audition Beijing Station. Performing songs by CLC and G.E.M., Yuqi successfully passed the audition, marking the beginning of her journey as a trainee under Cube Entertainment. This pivotal moment was supported by her parents, who, despite initial hesitations, recognized her passion and allowed her to follow her dreams to South Korea.

Journey to Stardom

Song Yuqi's path to becoming a star began in earnest when she participated in the 2015 Cube Star World Audition in Beijing. At just 16, her performances of CLC's "High Heels" and G.E.M.'s "Bubble" impressed the judges, leading to a callback from Cube Entertainment. Despite the challenges posed by her parents' initial reluctance, Yuqi's persistent efforts eventually won their approval. This marked a significant turning point, allowing her to pursue her dreams in South Korea.

Initial Auditions

Yuqi's journey was fraught with emotional challenges, especially with her parents' skepticism about her becoming an idol. She frequently found herself pleading with them, shedding tears when they resisted her aspirations. However, her persistence paid off, and they finally consented, recognizing her talent and dedication. This support was crucial as she faced the daunting task of relocating to South Korea to begin her trainee life.

Trainee Life at Cube Entertainment

Once in South Korea, Yuqi embarked on her trainee journey with Cube Entertainment. The trainee period was challenging, particularly due to the cultural and language barriers she faced as a foreign idol. Fortunately, Yuqi was not alone; she joined other trainees who would later become her groupmates in (G)I-DLE, including Soyeon, Minnie, and Soojin, with Shuhua and Miyeon joining later. This supportive environment helped her navigate the difficulties of trainee life. Her quick adaptation to the Korean language, aided by her love for the drama "My Love From The Star," exemplifies her determination and intellectual prowess. In February 2018, she further showcased her readiness for idol life by participating in a public singing video, which gained attention on social media platforms.

Debut with (G)I-DLE

Song Yuqi's debut with (G)I-DLE marked a significant milestone in her career. On April 8, 2018, Cube Entertainment officially announced Yuqi as a member of the new girl group, signaling the start of a new chapter for the talented artist. The group's formation was strategically revealed through a series of announcements, introducing the members in pairs, which included Yuqi paired with Miyeon.

Group Formation

The anticipation for (G)I-DLE's debut was built meticulously by Cube Entertainment. Starting on April 5, 2018, the agency began unveiling the group's lineup, with Yuqi and Miyeon being introduced on April 8. This strategic reveal helped in creating a buzz around the new group and set the stage for their upcoming debut.

Debut EP and Title Song

(G)I-DLE's debut EP, titled "I Am," was released digitally on May 2, 2018, and physically the following day. The EP features six tracks, with "LATATA" serving as the lead single. This song, composed by member Soyeon, showcases a blend of various musical genres and was crafted with the unique personalities of each group member in mind. The group held a live showcase on the same day as the EP's release, performing "LATATA" along with other tracks from the album.

The promotional activities for "LATATA" began on May 3, with performances on several major South Korean music shows. These performances were pivotal in showcasing the group's talent and charisma, quickly garnering attention and leading to their first music show win on May 22, 2018, on SBS MTV's "The Show". This early success was a testament to the group's appeal and Yuqi's significant role as a vocalist and dancer within the group.

Solo Career

First Solo Debut

Song Yuqi's journey as a solo artist began with significant anticipation and support from her fans. In 2021, she focused primarily on promoting her solo career in China. The official announcement of her solo debut came on May 6, 2021, when Cube Entertainment revealed that Yuqi would release her single album A Page on May 13. This album featured the lead singles "Giant" and "Bonnie & Clyde," marking her first major step as a solo artist.

Latest Solo Comeback

Yuqi's latest solo comeback was marked by the announcement on March 22, 2024, that she would make her Korean solo debut in April of the same year. The confirmation followed shortly after, with the release date set for April 23, 2024, for her first EP titled Yuq1. The pre-release single "Could It Be" was launched on April 5, setting the stage for the full release. The EP included the lead single "Freak," accompanied by its music video, showcasing Yuqi's evolving artistic expression and her ability to captivate audiences with a unique blend of bossa nova rhythms and organic instruments.

Public Image and Personal Life

Personality and Interests

Song Yuqi's public image is shaped significantly by her diverse interests and unique personality traits. She has openly expressed her confidence and emotional resilience through her music, stating, "I tried to capture the YUQI that's real and confident in this album. No matter what other people say about me, I'm not the weird one. But, in fact, I think everyone is a 'freak,' too". This sentiment reflects her approach to dealing with public perception and her personal journey in the music industry. Additionally, Yuqi has experimented with various hairstyles and explored numerous musical genres, indicating her willingness to innovate and adapt. Her efforts to design her album and compose songs demonstrate her deep involvement in her artistic pursuits.

Yuqi's relationship with her groupmates also reveals aspects of her personality. According to her fellow (G)I-DLE members, Yuqi is known for her strong presence, mood-making ability, and distinctive deep voice, which they consider her charm. Her dislike for being alone to the extent of listening to music even in the shower highlights her need for constant engagement and interaction. Furthermore, her culinary preferences, like her fondness for sweet zongzi, typical of Northern Chinese cuisine from Beijing, add a personal touch to her public persona.

Public Perception

Yuqi's public perception is complex, influenced by her nationality and the political landscape. Some fans perceive her as being pro-CCP, primarily due to the necessity for safety and career security, which is a common expectation for Chinese celebrities. However, this perception is nuanced by her interactions and relationships within the group, especially with Shuhua, who is Taiwanese. Despite potential ideological differences, Yuqi and Shuhua maintain a friendship, suggesting that personal relationships can transcend political boundaries.

Her approach to handling sensitive political issues appears to be cautious and calculated, aiming to maintain her safety and public image without causing controversy. This strategy reflects a broader understanding of the implications of her public statements and actions, particularly in the context of international entertainment where political sentiments can significantly impact a celebrity's career.

Filmography and Videography

TV Shows and Hosting

Song Yuqi's presence in television has been marked by a variety of roles across different genres and formats. She became a cast member of the Chinese TV show Keep Running for its seventh season in 2019. That same year, Yuqi expanded her variety show portfolio by joining The Gashinas, which aired its pilot episode in May. Her adventurous spirit was showcased in Law of the Jungle in Myanmar, confirming her participation in June 2019. Further demonstrating her versatility, Yuqi appeared in I'm a Survivor, a reality show focusing on survival training for natural disasters, in October. Her engagement with audience interaction continued as she participated in G-Star 2020 with Krafton, an e-sports reality show, and Seoul Connects U, a variety travel show, both in November.

Acting Debut

2023 marked a significant year for Yuqi as she made her acting debut in the Netflix original series Celebrity, portraying the role of Zhang Wei, a Chinese influencer. Her performance added a new dimension to her career, bridging her musical talents with acting. Later in 2023, she joined the cast of Star of Star Girls, a show by Studio X+U, further solidifying her position in the entertainment industry.

Discography

Albums and Singles

Song Yuqi's discography includes a mix of extended plays and single albums that highlight her versatility as an artist. Her extended play, Yuq1, was released on April 23, 2024, under Cube and Kakao labels. It reached number 2 in Korea and 42 in Japan, with sales figures of 627,781 in Korea and 1,389 in Japan, earning a 2× Platinum certification from KMCA. Her single albums include A Page, released on May 13, 2021, and Grey Track, which had its debut in China on November 15, 2023, and worldwide on November 28, 2023.

Collaborations and Features

Yuqi has also made significant contributions as a lead artist and featured artist. Her singles as a lead artist include "Giant" and "Bonnie & Clyde" from A Page, and "Could It Be" and "Freak" from Yuq1. She featured in the song "Hate Rodrigo" by Choi Ye-na in 2023, which peaked at 117 in Korea, and "Fire!" by Alan Walker and Jvke. Her soundtrack appearances add depth to her portfolio, with tracks like "造亿万吨光芒" from Keep Running OST and "Happy Seasoning" from Please Pay Attention Visitors OST.

Yuqi's involvement extends to composition, where she has credits in songs like "Dumdi Dumdi" (Chinese version) and "Giant", showcasing her skills beyond performing.

Fun Facts

Interesting Tidbits

Song Yuqi, known for her vibrant personality and diverse talents, has a variety of unique traits and experiences that contribute to her charm. She has shown a strong affinity for music from a young age, auditioning for SM Entertainment four times before ultimately choosing to sign with Cube Entertainment due to a quicker debut promise. Her decision was influenced by her belief that her voice was better suited to Cube's style. Yuqi's talents extend beyond singing; she is also skilled in playing the guzheng, a traditional Chinese string instrument.

Yuqi's physical prowess is notable as well; she is considered the most agile and strongest member of (G)I-DLE, relative to her weight. Despite her strength, she humorously admits to having a very weak punch, never scoring over 650 on a one-punch machine. Her leadership skills were evident even during her school days when she served as the president of the street dance club.

Her culinary preferences are quite specific; she enjoys jokbal (pig's feet) and has a high tolerance for sour foods, favoring pickled radish and white vinegar. Interestingly, she has a distinct dislike for cheese and espresso coffee.

Popular Quotes

Yuqi's public statements often reflect her determination and cultural pride. She has expressed a desire to emulate the success of Victoria from the K-pop group f(x), highlighting her ambition and the challenges she faced training alone in Korea as a Chinese national. This sentiment underscores her resilience and dedication to her craft.

Her humorous and down-to-earth nature is captured in her self-introduction as "(G)I-DLE's cutie," which endears her to fans and underscores her approachable persona. Additionally, Yuqi's quotes often reveal her thoughtful and introspective side, particularly when discussing her public image and personal aspirations.

Talent and Skills

Musical Talents

Song Yuqi's musical journey is marked by her early exposure to diverse genres, which ignited her passion for music. She officially registered with the Korea Music Copyright Association with 19 songs to her name, reflecting her active role in songwriting and composition. Yuqi's talents extend beyond singing; she is proficient in playing the guzheng, a traditional Chinese string instrument, which adds a unique flavor to her musical performances. Her involvement in the composition of tracks like "Lost," "Polaroid," "Liar," "Reset," "Dark (X-File)," "All Night," "Peter Pan," "Doll," and "Rollie" showcases her versatility and deep engagement with music.

Other Skills and Abilities

Yuqi's abilities are not confined to the musical domain. From a young age, she was involved in Chinese dance, specifically the Daizu dance, which enhanced her stage presence and performance skills. Her early life experiences, including teaching herself the choreographies of K-pop songs, have contributed to her dynamic stage performances, making her a fan-favorite for her energy and charisma. Additionally, Yuqi's multilingual skills allow her to connect with a diverse international audience, further amplifying her influence as a global artist.

Influence and Impact

Awards and Nominations

Song Yuqi and (G)I-DLE have garnered significant recognition in the music industry, evidenced by a comprehensive list of awards and nominations. Since their debut, they have received accolades across various prestigious platforms. Notably, (G)I-DLE won the "Rookie of the Year – Music" at the Asia Artist Awards in 2018 and continued to secure nominations and wins each year, including the "Best Emotive Award" in 2020. Their international appeal is highlighted by winning "Best Group (Overseas)" at the Asian Pop Music Awards in 2022, and their consistent impact is underscored by multiple nominations at the APAN Music Awards across several years.

Cultural Impact

Beyond the trophies and titles, Song Yuqi's influence extends deeply into cultural spheres. Her involvement in (G)I-DLE's music production, particularly in composing and writing lyrics, showcases her artistic identity and resonates with a global audience. This cultural imprint is further magnified by her solo projects, where she explores and integrates diverse musical styles, enhancing her personal and the group's international footprint. Her ability to connect with fans across different cultures, partly due to her multilingual skills, solidifies her status as a significant figure in the global music landscape.

Fashion and Endorsements

Fashion Brands

Song Yuqi has been actively involved with several high-profile fashion brands, enhancing her visibility and influence in the fashion industry. Notably, she has been a model for Rising Star Cosmetics during her trainee years, which marked the beginning of her endorsements. Her collaboration with Chinese brands such as Momenten, a sugar-free sparkling alcohol brand, and Limeflare, a fashion and jewelry brand, further exemplifies her appeal in diverse market segments. Additionally, her engagement with Carslan, a cosmetics brand, in 2021, showcases her versatility and ability to resonate with a broad audience.

Ambassador Roles

In a significant expansion of her role within the fashion industry, Song Yuqi was announced as a brand ambassador for Fendi on January 8, 2024. Her involvement with Fendi began earlier, attending their show at Milan Fashion Week and promoting their upcoming collection, which solidified her position in their global team alongside other well-known stars like Kim Da-Mi and Greg Han. This partnership is seen as mutually beneficial, aligning Yuqi's empowering image with Fendi's brand identity. Furthermore, her ambassador roles do not stop there; she was also appointed as the face of Ray-Ban in Greater China on August 6, showcasing her bravery and positive energy. In addition to these, she took on roles with Dekavv, an online clothing brand, and Anessa, a Japanese sunscreen brand owned by Shiseido, in 2024, underscoring her growing influence in fashion and lifestyle sectors.

Public and Media Perception

Fan Base

Song Yuqi's unique voice and charismatic stage presence have cultivated a dedicated fan base. Despite not always being in the spotlight as much as some other members of (G)I-DLE, her compelling mezzo-soprano voice has drawn attention and admiration. Fans particularly appreciate her authentic emotion and grit in performances, notably in her solo track "Giant," where she effectively holds her own against a powerful instrumental backdrop.

Media Coverage

Yuqi's media coverage has highlighted her as a standout artist within the music industry. Critics have compared her vocal abilities to those of established artists like Lee Hi, noting that her voice brings a distinct and rich texture to both her group and solo performances. This unique quality has led some to suggest that she could excel in a diverse range of musical styles, much like Marina and the Diamonds' "Electra Heart"-esque repertoire, which could suit her distinctive vocal and artistic style.

Conclusion

Throughout the expansive journey of Song Yuqi's career, from her early beginnings in Beijing to her current global influence as a multitalented artist, she has consistently demonstrated a remarkable level of dedication, versatility, and artistry. Her contributions to (G)I-DLE’s success, coupled with her compelling solo endeavors, have not only showcased her dynamic talent pool but have also significantly impacted the K-pop industry and its global reach. Yuqi's ability to blend traditional cultural elements with contemporary sounds, all while engaging with her fans in a myriad of languages, exemplifies her unique position in the music world.

As Yuqi continues to navigate her flourishing career, the implications of her achievements extend far beyond the charts. They signify a broader cultural exchange and understanding through music, highlighting the power of diversity and creativity in forging connections across borders. Her story encourages aspiring artists worldwide to pursue their passions with resilience and open-mindedness. Yuqi’s journey, marked by her distinctive voice and multifaceted talent, underscores an inspiring blueprint for artistic evolution and international musical dialogue, promising even greater contributions to the cultural tapestry in the years to come.