Yuqi of (G)I-DLE Drops Teaser for Solo Single ‘Motivation’
Brace yourselves, Neverland: Yuqi is back—and this time, she’s not just singing, she’s laying bare her soul. With a gritty teaser poster hung on a chain-link fence, the (G)I-DLE star hinted at a fierce, emotionally charged solo comeback titled ‘Motivation’. The single album is set to drop on May 16 at 6 PM KST, and the countdown has already begun.
A Solo Chapter Begins: Yuqi’s Takeover
On May 5, fans got their first taste of Yuqi’s upcoming solo release when Cube Entertainment unveiled a tracklist teaser on (G)I-DLE’s official SNS accounts. The visual? A moody poster flaunting the track names, tacked to a metallic fence—sending the unmistakable message: this is personal.
‘Motivation’ features three tracks, all written and composed by Yuqi herself:
- “M.O.” – the title track
- “아프다 (It Hurts)” – a melancholic deep-dive
- “还痛吗 (Does It Still Hurt?)” – a Mandarin version of “It Hurts”
From lyrical introspection to multilingual delivery, this single album is Yuqi’s grand thesis on identity, emotion, and artistry.
What’s Your Motivation? A Concept That Hits Home
The central question driving this release—“What’s your motivation?”—is one Yuqi asks herself and her listeners. The album explores that theme through a mosaic of perspectives, pairing vulnerable lyrics with layered instrumentals.
Yuqi isn’t just dipping her toes into the waters of self-expression—she’s diving headfirst. And while the concept might sound abstract, one listen to her music proves it hits on something deeper: the drive to keep moving despite heartbreak, doubt, and fatigue.
Collaboration Meets Creative Control
Yuqi isn’t going it alone: rapper-singer-songwriter Wooseok from PENTAGON co-wrote and co-composed “It Hurts,” further deepening its emotional edge. Renowned producer Siixk Jun handled arrangement for all three tracks, ensuring continuity in sound and vision.
But make no mistake, this is Yuqi’s show. Having composed and produced songs for (G)I-DLE and other artists before, including her own well-received debut solo album ‘YUQ1’, Yuqi is no stranger to the mixing booth and the mic. Her latest producer credit? “자유롭게 날아 (Fly Freely)” by junior Cube group NOWZ, which she produced and featured in.
Solo But Never Alone: Yuqi’s Evolution
Yuqi fans—affectionately dubbed “YuQ-tees” on stan Twitter—have watched her evolve from (G)I-DLE’s quirky moodmaker to a legitimate singer-songwriter-producer. Her digital singles, B-side contributions, and solo debut all pointed toward one thing: she was never just an idol—she’s an artist.
‘Motivation’ is the natural next step. If ‘YUQ1’ was testing the waters, then ‘Motivation’ is Yuqi swimming full-speed ahead, proving that emotional storytelling and production expertise can coexist in pop music.
Release Info: When and Where to Stream ‘Motivation’
Set your alarms and prep your playlists: Yuqi’s first single album ‘Motivation’ drops on May 16 at 6 PM KST across all major streaming platforms. Whether you’re a K-pop regular or new to the (G)I-DLE universe, this release deserves a spot on your radar (and your Repeat playlist).
FAQs
What songs are on Yuqi’s single album ‘Motivation’?
The album includes three tracks: “M.O.” (title), “It Hurts,” and “Does It Still Hurt?” (Mandarin version of “It Hurts”).
Who worked on the songs with Yuqi?
Yuqi wrote and composed all three tracks. PENTAGON’s Wooseok co-wrote “It Hurts,” and producer Siixk Jun arranged every song.
When will Yuqi’s ‘Motivation’ be released?
Yuqi’s single drops on May 16 at 6 PM KST via all digital music platforms.
Photo Credit: Cube Entertainment
