Song Yuqi: The Untold Story of (G)I-DLE's Rising Star

Song Yuqi broke records with her debut mini-album "YUQ1," which sold an astonishing 550,170 copies in its first week of release, setting a new benchmark for the highest first-week sales by any K-pop female solo artist's debut EP. Born on September 23, 1999, in Beijing, China, Yuqi first made her mark in the K-pop industry as a member of the popular girl group (G)I-DLE, debuting on May 2, 2018, with their lead single "Latata".

While Yuqi has been an integral part of (G)I-DLE's success since 2018, her journey as a solo artist began in May 2021 with the release of her single album "A Page". However, it was her official solo debut in April 2024 with "YUQ1" that truly showcased her star power. Additionally, Yuqi has established herself as a versatile entertainer, serving as a cast member of the Chinese variety show "Keep Running" since 2019. Furthermore, she has collaborated with international artists like Alan Walker and Jvke on the single "Fire!", demonstrating her global appeal. Notably, Yuqi's intelligence earned her acceptance into Beijing 101 Middle School, the most prestigious school in her city, while her multilingual abilities in Chinese, English, and Korean have helped her connect with fans worldwide.

Journey to South Korea

In 2015, at just 16 years old, Yuqi's path to K-pop stardom began in earnest when she participated in the Cube Star World Audition in Beijing. Her performances of CLC's "High Heels" and G.E.M.'s "Bubble" impressed the judges enough to earn her a callback. What many fans might not realize is that this audition marked a pivotal crossroads in her career.

Cube Entertainment audition experience

Prior to joining Cube, Song Yuqi had already auditioned for SM Entertainment four times. "It was my dream to get into SM Entertainment because I loved Super Junior," she revealed on a Korean variety show. Surprisingly, both entertainment powerhouses extended offers to her simultaneously.

Although torn between the two companies, Yuqi ultimately chose Cube Entertainment after one executive provided a compelling incentive: "[They] informed me that I would be able to debut next year if I signed with them. I couldn't say no to that!". Moreover, she was drawn to Cube's girl group 4MINUTE and their "girl crush" concept.

Looking back, Yuqi feels she made the right decision: "I'm pretty and cute; I have the SM Entertainment look. But I have a deep voice. My voice goes better with CUBE Entertainment. It all worked out for the best anyway!".

Cultural and language challenges

Upon arriving in South Korea in 2016, the Beijing native confronted numerous obstacles beyond typical trainee pressures. First among these was mastering Korean quickly. Her secret weapon? Korean dramas. "I taught myself Korean because of the drama 'My Love From the Star,' starring Kim Soo Hyun," she explained. This unconventional approach proved remarkably effective—by 2020, she achieved Level 5 out of 6 on the TOPIK test with a score of 222, merely 8 points below Level 6.

Nonetheless, linguistic nuances created confusion. "Korean has a lot of Hanja, which came from Chinese, so I just mixed them up a lot during my first time in Korea," Yuqi admitted. Furthermore, adapting to Korea's strict age-based hierarchy proved challenging for someone with her outgoing personality. "In our country, 'unnie' and 'dongsaeng,' we don't have those things... I'm really outgoing and I just treat everybody as my friend".

Life as a trainee

After relocating from Beijing, Yuqi embraced the structured environment of trainee life. "I found my trainee days very exciting. As I have an MBTI of J (judgment rather than perception), having our schedules planned for us was very reassuring". Throughout this period, she focused on developing her distinctive vocal style: "I was able to develop my skills as a singer by learning more about what style suits my voice and different techniques to enhance it".

One significant difference between her pre-debut practice and group training stood out: "I would always practise alone before joining (G)I-dle. However, after joining, it was great to have a team to support and share parts of the song, which relieves some of the burden".

In this supportive environment, she trained alongside future members Soyeon, Minnie, and Soojin who were already at Cube. Several months into her training, Shuhua joined from Taiwan, giving Yuqi a fellow Chinese speaker to connect with. Miyeon completed the lineup in 2017, forming the group that would soon capture global attention as (G)I-DLE.

Debut with (G)I-DLE

After completing her training period, Song Yuqi's K-pop dream officially materialized when Cube Entertainment revealed her as the first member of their new girl group (G)I-DLE on April 8, 2018. This announcement marked the beginning of what would become one of K-pop's most influential careers.

Official debut and group role

On May 2, 2018, Yuqi officially debuted alongside five other members with the release of their first mini-album "I Am" and its lead single "Latata". Within the group's structure, Yuqi quickly established herself in multiple crucial positions:

Lead vocalist
Sub-rapper
Face of the group

These roles perfectly suited her capabilities, allowing her to showcase her versatility across different aspects of performance. Throughout her early days with the group, Yuqi embraced these responsibilities wholeheartedly, contributing significantly to (G)I-DLE's distinctive sound and identity.

First album and public reception

The debut album "I Am" with its title track "Latata" immediately set (G)I-DLE apart from other rookie groups. Even as newcomers, they demonstrated remarkable artistic involvement - a characteristic that would become their signature. By January 2021, Yuqi had already begun contributing creatively, co-writing and co-composing the song "Lost" for their fourth extended play "I Burn".

Accordingly, this creative involvement continued as Yuqi helped translate their lead single "Hwaa" into Chinese later that month. Her contributions became even more substantial in October when she co-composed the tracks "Reset" and "Dark (X-File)" for their fifth extended play "I Love".

This pattern of musical development culminated in their landmark first studio album "I Never Die," released in March 2022. Critics praised the album for its "cohesiveness, concept, art direction, rock production, and lyrical themes," as well as the group's musical growth.

Yuqi's unique voice and stage presence

Perhaps the most distinctive element Yuqi brought to (G)I-DLE was her remarkably deep, husky voice - a characteristic that immediately set her apart in the high-pitched landscape of K-pop. Interestingly, this vocal quality resulted from an unexpected childhood incident. "When I was a child, one day when I was suffering from a high fever, my voice was hurt while yelling to find my mother. After that, I had a husky low-pitched voice," Yuqi explained.

Initially, this distinctive timbre caused insecurity. "I was hesitant to see if I could stand on the stage as a singer because of my voice," she admitted. Her peers even teased her, saying "it looks like a baby on the outside, but when I hear my voice, I sound like a man".

Fortunately, professional training transformed this perceived weakness into her greatest asset. "When I heard that my voice was attractive while receiving vocal training, I was naturally surprised... now I think my voice is my greatest weapon," she reflected. Coupled with her energetic performances and passionate stage presence, Yuqi quickly earned a dedicated fanbase both in South Korea and internationally.

Rise in Variety and Reality Shows

Beyond her musical career with (G)I-DLE, Song Yuqi has built an impressive presence in the variety show realm, establishing herself as a charismatic entertainer across both Korean and Chinese television landscapes.

Joining Keep Running

In April 2019, Yuqi made a significant career move when she was announced as a cast member of the popular Chinese variety show Keep Running. This program, a spin-off of the South Korean variety show Running Man, marked her formal entry into Chinese mainstream entertainment. Her natural charm and entertainment skills quickly resonated with viewers.

Yuqi's journey on Keep Running has spanned multiple seasons, though not without interruptions. After her initial success, she was confirmed to return for the show's eighth season in April 2020. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, she was unable to participate that year.

The idol later made a triumphant comeback for Season 9 in 2021 before temporarily departing prior to Season 10. In March 2022, fans were delighted when Yuqi was confirmed to return as a main cast member for Season 11, joining returning cast members including Li Chen, Angelababy, and Zhou Shen.

Hosting Learn Way

Yuqi further expanded her entertainment portfolio in September 2020 when she became the host of KakaoTV's original variety show Learn Way. The innovative program captured Yuqi's journey to become an "all-rounder" by meeting with expert mentors in various fields.

The show's producer, Kim Ki-min, praised her performance: "Yuqi lived up to [my] expectations," noting how she consistently delivered "fun and laughter with a new look every time". This entertainment venture proved incredibly successful, with viewership exceeding 1 million by episode 19 and eventually surpassing 2 million views per episode.

Lee Ye-ji from Newsen attributed the show's popularity to "Yuqi's passion and positive attitude... in acknowledging her mistakes... and the chemistry between Yuqi and mentors". Viewers particularly appreciated her natural humor and genuine interest in learning new skills. The first season ran from September 2020 to May 2021, after which Lovelyz's Mijoo took over hosting duties for season two.

Notable appearances in Korean and Chinese TV

Alongside these major commitments, Yuqi has participated in numerous other television programs across both countries:

Stage Boom (iQIYI, 2021) - A Chinese survival show where she showcased her vocal talents
Mad Zenius (Mnet, 2022) - Served as MC
Chinese variety shows including Let's Fall In Love 3, 2060, and Shine! Super Brothers throughout 2021
Law of the Jungle (SBS, 2019)

Furthermore, she has appeared on various South Korean entertainment shows including KBS2 Happy Together 3, JTBC Knowing Bros, MBC Every 1 Korean Foreigners, and SBS Running Man.

Throughout these appearances, Yuqi has consistently challenged perceptions, noting that while she's "often seen as an entertainer," shows like Stage Boom provided opportunities "to showcase her vocal talents, especially in her home country where she might be less known than overseas".

Solo Career and Musical Growth

Parallel to her group activities, Song Yuqi has carefully cultivated an impressive solo career that showcases her distinctive musical voice and creative vision.

Release of 'A Page' and 'YUQ1'

Song Yuqi's journey as a solo artist officially began in May 2021 with her first digital single album "A Page". This debut release included two tracks: "Giant" and "Bonnie & Clyde," both demonstrating her distinctive deep voice. For "Giant," Yuqi participated in both writing and composing the song, giving listeners their first glimpse of her songwriting abilities.

In April 2024, Yuqi made an even bigger statement with her debut extended play "YUQ1". The mini-album accumulated more than 500,000 pre-order units and ultimately sold an astonishing 550,170 copies in its first week of release, shattering records for the highest first-week sales ever achieved by any K-pop female solo artist's debut EP. The album's title cleverly incorporated the number "1" to replace the letter "I," visually expressing her confidence in both the album and her future career.

Hit singles like 'Freak' and 'Radio (Dum-Dum)'

The lead single from YUQ1, "Freak," quickly became a fan favorite. This self-composed track transformed Yuqi into what Korean media described as "a cute eccentric," earning acclaim for its charming band sound and simple composition. About the song's memorable chorus, Yuqi explained, "I often talk about my strength as an artist and I saw a lot of comments asking, 'Why is she like that?' These comments actually gave me a lot of inspiration".

In March 2025, Yuqi released "Radio (Dum-Dum)", a medium-tempo boom bap hip-hop track featuring an acoustic guitar and bassline. Remarkably, the song had already gained tremendous popularity before its official release, as Yuqi had performed it during (G)I-DLE's world tour. The special clip video recorded 15 million views, plus the track was used in advertisements for Adidas and Tory Burch.

Songwriting and composition credits

Throughout her career, Yuqi has increasingly established herself as a legitimate songwriter and composer. For her own projects, she contributed to writing and composing most songs on YUQ1, including collaborations with:

pH-1 on "Drink It Up"
Lexie Liu on "On Clap"
Fellow (G)I-DLE member Minnie on "Everytime"

Beyond her solo work, Yuqi has contributed to several (G)I-DLE songs, including co-writing and co-composing "I'm The Trend" (2020), "Lost" (2021), "Doll" (2024), and "Dark (X-File)". Notably, she even ventured into production for other artists, producing "Fly Freely (Feat. YUQI)" by NOWZ, a junior group under her agency.

Acting and Global Collaborations

Expanding her creative horizons beyond music, Song Yuqi ventured into acting territory in 2023, showcasing her versatility as an all-around entertainer. Her growing portfolio of cross-media projects demonstrates her ambition to build a multi-faceted career spanning different entertainment sectors.

Netflix debut in 'Celebrity'

In July 2023, Yuqi made her acting debut in the Netflix original series "Celebrity" portraying Zhang Wei, a Chinese influencer. This role marked her first foray into dramatic performance, adding "actress" to her already impressive list of talents. In a cover story for #legend magazine, Yuqi reflected on her acting experience with characteristic confidence, stating she's always believed she could succeed at "anything that [she] put her mind to".

Unlike many idols who express anxiety about acting transitions, Yuqi approached the challenge with remarkable ease, describing the experience as "not too difficult" and "very fun". Nonetheless, she revealed a depth of artistic self-awareness, expressing that she wishes she had "understood the character at a greater level". Her appearances in "Celebrity" occurred in Episode 9, featuring scenes depicting an airport arrival, factory visit, and a livestream session.

Collaborations with Alan Walker and JVKE

In December 2023, Yuqi's global reach expanded significantly through her collaboration with Norwegian DJ Alan Walker and American singer JVKE on the single "Fire!". The track was included on Walker's fourth studio album "Walkerworld".

The modern EDM composition featured a notably upbeat sound compared to Walker's previous work, with Yuqi and JVKE's vocal contributions receiving particular praise. Music critics noted how their voices complemented each other perfectly, with JVKE opening the track singing "Set my heart on fire / Pour gasoline all over my desire", followed by Yuqi's verse: "You know sparks gon' fly / Every time you look into my eyes".

Musically, reviewers described "Fire!" as "a very catchy and enjoyable EDM track" with "a lot of potential for pop success". The collaboration exemplified Alan Walker's commitment to working with diverse global talents, with Walker himself stating: "You all know how much I value collaboration and the magic that happens when people come together".

OSTs and webtoon soundtracks

Alongside her Netflix acting debut, Yuqi contributed to several soundtracks that further showcased her vocal versatility. In February 2023, she collaborated with fellow (G)I-DLE member Miyeon on "Sweet Dream" for the Netflix romantic comedy series "Love to Hate You".

Subsequently, she expanded her soundtrack portfolio by recording "Not Cinderella" for the Kakao Webtoon "I Wasn't the Cinderella". This project placed her alongside respected artists including Seomoontak in creating the official soundtrack for the popular digital comic.

Most recently, on February 27, 2024, Yuqi released "Bad Liar," a special track for the tvN series "Marry My Husband". This growing collection of soundtrack contributions illustrates yet another avenue through which Yuqi continues to expand her artistic reach and connect with audiences across different media platforms.

Brand Endorsements and Ambassadorship

Throughout her stellar career, Song Yuqi has emerged as a coveted face for prestigious brands, building an impressive portfolio that extends far beyond her musical accomplishments.

Major fashion and beauty campaigns

Even before her official debut, Yuqi was already making inroads in the beauty industry as a model for South Korean skin care line Rising Star Cosmetics during her trainee years. Following her debut with (G)I-DLE, she quickly secured her first official beauty model position with Vivlas in April 2019.

The year 2021 marked significant growth in her endorsement portfolio as she collaborated with several Chinese brands. These partnerships included Momenten (a sugar-free sparkling alcohol brand), Limeflare (fashion and jewelry), and cosmetics brand Carslan. In August that same year, Yuqi was selected as the face of luxury eyewear brand Ray-Ban in Greater China, with the company citing her "brave expression of her true self and positive energy" as key factors in their decision.

Becoming the face of Fendi, Adidas, and more

Yuqi's status as a global fashion icon solidified in 2024 with several major ambassadorships. On January 8, she was announced as a brand ambassador for Italian luxury fashion house Fendi, marking her entry into the high-fashion realm. This partnership quickly proved fruitful as she starred in Fendi's campaign for the Peekaboo ISeeU Petite Handbag, where she showcased contemporary, elevated casual looks paired with Fendi Match sneakers.

In July 2024, she joined fellow Chinese actress Meng Ziyi for Fendi's digital campaign featuring the Match Platform Sneakers with Charms. The collaboration emphasized friendship among Gen Z girls, positioning Yuqi perfectly to connect with younger audiences.

Toward the end of 2024, Yuqi added two more prestigious partnerships to her résumé – luxury women's fashion label Tory Burch in November, followed by global sportswear giant Adidas in December. For Tory Burch, she starred in both their Holiday 2024 campaign and Pre-Fall 2025 collection.

Impact on brand image and sales

Yuqi's influence spans approximately 13 brands, strategically positioning her across diverse categories including accessories, clothing, footwear, and electronics. Her selection as a brand ambassador consistently reflects calculated business decisions that capitalize on her unique position as a Chinese K-pop idol with international appeal.

Her effectiveness as a brand representative stems partly from her substantial social media presence, with 9.3 million Instagram followers comprising both Chinese and Korean audiences. Industry insiders note that her "youthful and vibrant personality" makes her "the perfect addition for targeting Gen Z consumers", consequently strengthening each brand's connection with younger demographics.

Awards, Achievements, and Legacy

Song Yuqi's remarkable talent has garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success throughout her career, cementing her status as one of K-pop's brightest stars.

Music show wins and chart records

In September 2025, Yuqi achieved her first-ever music show trophy as a solo artist when "M.O." won on Show Champion. This milestone came after her single "Motivation" recorded impressive initial sales of 414,547 copies. The track dominated digital platforms, simultaneously topping daily digital album bestseller charts on QQ Music and KuGou Music, plus reaching number one on Bugs' real-time chart in South Korea. Previously, her 2024 single "Radio (Dum-Dum)" had gained tremendous popularity before its official release after being performed during (G)I-DLE's world tour.

Solo and group accolades

Yuqi's debut EP "YUQ1" shattered industry records with 550,170 copies sold in its first week, marking the highest sales ever achieved by a K-pop female solo artist's debut EP. In 2025, she received the "Influential Dance Singer of the Year" award at the Tencent Music Entertainment Awards, where she likewise won "China Digital EP of the Year" for "YUQ1". Secondly, as a member of (G)I-DLE, she contributed to the group's impressive collection of 67 wins across 199 nominations. Indeed, (G)I-DLE accumulated major awards including several rookie awards from Asia Artist Awards, Gaon Chart Music Awards, and Melon Music Awards.

Influence as a Chinese K-pop idol

Throughout her career, Yuqi has expertly leveraged her unique position as a Chinese K-pop idol. In 2021, she was appointed as the ambassador for the International Day of the Deaf. Her influence extends beyond music, with Korean media complimenting her "Yoo Jae-seok-class sense of entertainment" and "outstanding Korean skills". Precisely because of this cross-cultural appeal, brands like Fendi strategically selected her to expand their reach across both Korean and Chinese markets.

FAQS

Fans often wonder what makes Song Yuqi stand out in the competitive world of K-pop. Throughout interviews, the (G)I-DLE star has shared candid insights about her journey.

When asked about challenges during her trainee period, Yuqi revealed, "I didn't have friends at first so it was really hard for me". This glimpse into her early struggles highlights the emotional hurdles she overcame before achieving stardom.

Regarding her career aspirations, Yuqi once stated, "I'm Chinese and I came to Korea alone and train hard... I wish to be as good as Victoria sunbaenim [member of K-pop group f(x)]". This demonstrates her admiration for pioneering Chinese idols in the K-pop industry.

In a fascinating revelation about her self-perception, Yuqi declared, "My #legend is myself as I believe I can be the best in the world!" Yet this confidence comes with nuance, as she quickly clarified: "Personally, I don't believe that I've succeeded yet. I always think of how I'll continue to develop and grow".

Ultimately, Song Yuqi's philosophy toward achieving her goals remains refreshingly straightforward: "Just remember to dream big and constantly take action to reach those dreams". This mindset perhaps best explains her remarkable trajectory from Beijing to global stardom.