i-dle’s Soyeon returns as a solo artist after 5 years, releasing her first full album, blending many genres and sharing a romantic theme.

i-dle’s Soyeon made a comeback as a solo singer with “Best Life.” On the 7th of this month, Soyeon released her 1st full album, “Best Life,” and began full-scale activities. Her comeback as a solo artist is about 5 years and 2 months since her 1st mini album, “Windy.” The title track, “I’m Quitting My Job (Narr. Kian84),” is a track that expresses the keyword “quitting a job,” something that every office worker can relate to, with lyrics that are realistic yet witty. With the addition of a light band sound, it is a song that delivers warm comfort to listeners. This album, “Best Life,” is drawing attention by showing a new side of Soyeon that has never been seen before and bold genre experiments. As i-dle’s representative producer, she participated in writing and composing all the songs on this album. Eight tracks that stand out for their diverse musical spectrum, from rock to hyperpop, disco, and band sounds, deliver pleasure. — As “solo artist” Soyeon, how do you feel about making a comeback after such a long time? Soyeon: It has been 5 years and 2 months since my comeback, so I am very nervous, and the pressure to work even harder is also great. I prepared hard, so I would be happy if many people love it. — You participated in the production of all the songs on “Best Life,” and collaborated with many producers including Groovyroom and R.Tee. The genres are also very diverse, from rock to hyperpop. What part did you focus on most during the preparation process for the album? Soyeon: Because it took a long time, I made many challenges, and the credits became a diverse lineup. I challenged myself with various genres and went through a process of finding the color that suits me. In that way, I found the color that suits me best. This is an album that I made while feeling that even the colors that did not fit became one with me. — The title track “I’m Quitting My Job (Narr. Kian84)” is impressive for its lyrics and melody that evoke sympathy from office workers. How was this song made? Please also tell us what led to Kian84’s participation in the narration, and the highlights of the music video. Soyeon: I think it is a story that not only office workers but everyone can relate to. Of course a stable future is important, but I wanted to convey the message that I hope this moment right now is happy. Rather than anxiety about the future, I wanted the present reality to be happy. I thought Kian84 is the person among the people I know who lives the most romantically. For that reason, I wanted Kian84 to do the narration. The music video references many 2000s dramas, so I think you can feel the romance and emotion of that era. — The lyrics of “I’m Quitting My Job (Narr. Kian84)” mention romance, and even the last track is “Sending Romance,” so this is an album full of “romance.” What does “romance” mean to you, Soyeon? Soyeon: For me, romance is a feeling that is moist and somehow refreshing, like the scent just before summer changes into autumn. It is a slightly sad memory, but looking back, I think the moments that make my heart flutter the most are romance. — Tracks such as “icebluerabbit,” which was pre-released during the world tour, and “STAR” and “Vegetable-Hating Song,” performed at festivals, also became major online topics. Could you briefly introduce each track? Soyeon: First, “icebluerabbit” was something I tried because I wanted to find a new self and a new color. It is made up of things I used to hate, but now I like it. “STAR” is a song that really shows my personality most strongly. It is a song full of fun and entertaining elements. “Vegetable-Hating Song” is a song that only I could sing! I hated vegetables, and I still hate them. “Bankroll” is a song with really frank lyrics, and it is so detailed that I wondered whether I had ever spoken about love this specifically before. In a sense, I think it is the love story of Soyeon on stage, and the Soyeon that people imagine. “Can’t I Just Love You As You Are?” is very honest, and I think it can be said to connect with “I’m Quitting My Job (Narr. Kian84).” It contains the worries before saying a certain word, and the situation where self-hatred and self-esteem have become low. The last track, “Sending Romance,” is a story about the “romance” I thought of. — From the surprise release of music videos for the included tracks, festival stages, SNS posts, and even the incense-burner-shaped album, you drew attention with various promotions and content. Is there anything that left the strongest impression on you, or any reaction that stood out? Soyeon: The music video for “STAR” stands out in my memory. I planned it, and I also handled the filming and editing. There are immature parts, but it was very fun to create everything from A to Z. — Do you have any goals you want to achieve through this activity? And please say a word to NEVERLAND, who always send you lots of love and support. Soyeon: My goal for this activity is to deliver good music to many people. I want to spend this promotion happily with Neverbba (NEVERLAND’s nickname), whom I am always grateful to and love. — What is “Best Life” as you see it, Soyeon? Soyeon: I think any life becomes “Best Life” when you become a grandmother. I think I am living such a life.