There are voices that are born inside a group and, over time, they learn to vibrate with their own light. Yuqi’s voice of the i-dle has never been only a piece of a whole, but a recognizable flame, capable of illuminating even when around an entire firmament. In her there is that rare force that is not built on stage, but which comes from a natural intensity, from a presence that cannot be contained. Today that voice returns to the center with Mo, the single that marks the debut of its first solo project Motivation: a job that is not a simple return, but the declaration of a woman who has chosen to tell her alone.
Mo is much more than a song: it is an emotional map. A song that pulsates with its most intimate energy, sculpted on an essential boom-sauce rhythm, crossed by lyrics that oscillate between force and vulnerability. Yuqi’s voice, rough and unmistakable, settles on words like a brand that leaves no escape, transforming music into a confession without filters. It is a singing of resistance, but also an ironic smile addressed to the future; It is an act of courage, which has always inhabited its history. Because from the first days as Trainee in Seoul, Yuqi has never chosen the easiest way: he has chased authenticity.
His soloist path is not born today, but feeds on fundamental stages that have designed a coherent and, at the same time, surprising path. From debut with a Page (2021) to collaborations with international artists such as Alan Walker and Jvke, up to the Netflix soundtracks and television programs in China, Yuqi has always shown to know how to go beyond the borders. Each project was an act of independence, a piece of a mosaic that tells a multifaceted and free personality.
His imprint does not stop at the performance. Yuqi is also the author and producer: her name in the credits of songs such as Lost, reset, dark (X-File) or All Night reveals her double soul, that of the artist who lives the stage and that of the creator who shapes music from the beginning. It is not a detail, but the key to understanding who he really is: an artist who does not suffer his career, but builds it.
With Motivation, and in particular with Mo, Yuqi closes a circle and opens another. It is no longer just the soloist who joins an iconic group, nor the young promise he learns from successes. She is a woman who has learned to keep in collective balance and individuality, belonging and autonomy. A voice that does not fear to be fragile and, at the same time, indestructible. In every note of this project there is the most authentic reflection of what has become: a global artist who does not stop surprising, to cross borders, to continually rewrite his own story.
Panorama spoke exclusively with her.
You released your first single album Motivation. How would you tell the essence in a few words?
As the title suggests, the essence of this work is truly the “motivation of Yuqi”. More than following rules or expectations, I wanted to show that my push comes from the trust me of my intuition. It is that trust that allowed me to go on and it is the energy that I wanted to transmit to the listener.
The title track Mo He melts the BAOM BAP 90s with your safety figure. Why did you choose this sound and how to reflect your artistic identity today?
The 90s boom Bap has always been one of my favorite genres and I was waiting for the right time to try my hand. It has a rough energy with which I feel a strong connection. With Mo I wanted to channel that force in a song capable of telling the most daring side of me as an artist, right now.
You described the song as a revealing of your “most authentic motivation”. Is there a personal experience that really shaped this motivation?
Growing in the midst of many different people has had a great impact on me. Each meeting left me teachings and inspirations that made me look at the world with new eyes. I understood that, to go on, I have to believe in myself, love me and never lose trust. This is the mentality that guides me today as an artist.
How did you deal with the creative process of this single: did you start from the texts, the beat or the concept?
The process for this single, especially for Mowas born in a very natural way. I was experiencing a moment of frustration and, instead of holding it, I poured those emotions directly in the song. I heard that hip-hop was the perfect form to give them depth and transform them into a language that really represented me.
Trust in yourself has always been an integral part of your image, but Motivation Have you also shown more vulnerable sides or new emotions?
Yes, absolutely. Trust has always been my distinctive feature, but with this single I wanted to show a different side. With Mo My safer and more daring part emerges, but in the other songs I tell a more emotional and vulnerable face, which I have never shown so far.
If Motivation It was a film, how would you imagine the initial scene?
I see it as me that I make all negative people fall asleep. It is a dramatic but also a little playful scene, because it means turning off negativity and opening the way to trust, fun and motivation.
What does this single stands out from your previous solo works and what new Yuqi sides has revealed?
I think the difference is right in the unpublished sides he showed. He introduced my most hip-hop identity, but also revealed more emotional and vulnerable colors. I believe that through this project the listeners have discovered a more ripe Yuqi musically and with an even stronger image.
Are there rookie groups or soloists of the K-Pop scene that have recently impressed you?
Lately it has struck me a lot Allday Project! Since I trained with Woochaninitially I followed them for that link, but I really love their music and their path. I can’t wait to listen to their future albums and follow their activities.
If I could collaborate with a K-Pop artist, who would you choose and what kind of song you would imagine together?
I would like to collaborate with the Sunbaenim of Super junior. They experienced many different styles and I think that a hip-hop track with them would be exciting, and maybe even a little playful. I can already imagine how fun it would be to work together.
Are there international artists who inspire you in style or performance?
Dua lipa It is a great inspiration for me. I love the way his songs transmit confidence and groove at the same time. In addition, the way it dominates the stage with charisma and gives powerful performances is something that I admire a lot.
You have already worked with international artists: how did you approach collaborations with different cultures?
These experiences taught me to remain open, curious and adaptable. I focused on understanding their perspective, both musical and personal, while sharing my ideas and my style. I believe that communication and mutual respect are the elements that make these collaborations natural, stimulating and significant.
If there is an emotion that Mo He left in the listeners, what would you like it to be?
I wish it was the trust, together with the strength. Mo It embodies my attitude: bold, full of energy and self -confident. I hope these sensations remain with people even long after listening to the song.
If I had to define you with a single word, what would it be and why?
The word I always use to describe myself is “superstar”. Not because he believes he is already, but as a reminder to bring trust, passion and energy in everything I do. It pushes me to inspire others always giving the best and motivates me to grow up to become the superstar I dream of being.
