As one of K-pop’s most distinctive self-produced groups, i-dle continues to stand out through the individuality and creativity of each member. Now in the eighth year since their debut, the group has entered a bold new chapter with a renewed name, perfectly embodying the spirit of “Challenge is Beautiful.” Through music that reflects their determination to choose their own path rather than wait to be chosen, i-dle continues to evolve.
In this exclusive interview, we speak with SOYEON, the group’s leader and producer, about her music, her creative philosophy, and what it means to be part of i-dle.
SOYEON
The Leader Driving i-dle Forward with Unwavering Conviction
Organza Dress ¥165,000 / T-shirt Dress ¥46,200 / Boots ¥66,000 / Necklace ¥35,200 (All by Coach)
—This is your first appearance in CLASSY. Could you introduce yourself?
I’m SOYEON, the leader of i-dle. I’m a rather quiet person, and I enjoy spending my free time reading manga.
—Which i-dle song would you recommend to CLASSY. readers?
Every song carries my thoughts and a message to myself. I’m truly happy that so many people receive those messages as encouragement and courage. Our recent release, ‘Mono (Feat. skaiwater)’, is a song I created with the hope that it would reach even more people. I hope CLASSY. readers can also find courage through it.
—When do you feel most proud to be part of i-dle?
Every song we make contains our own thoughts and stories. No matter where we’re performing, there are moments when I realize, “This is a song that we created ourselves.” Those are the moments that make me feel proud every time.
—Have you ever felt overwhelmed by trying too hard to live up to other people’s expectations?
I always want to live up to people’s expectations, so there are times when I struggle because of that. But at the same time, I’m truly grateful that people care enough to have expectations of me. I try to turn those feelings into strength and keep moving forward.
—When do you think, “I want to continue being part of i-dle”?
All the time. The members are not only work partners, but also my closest friends. I hope the five of us can continue performing together for a long time.
—Finally, do you have a message for your fans in Japan who are looking forward to seeing you perform?
We’re preparing a world tour that’s quite different from last year’s concerts, so I hope everyone is looking forward to it. We can’t wait to see you.
Why i-dle Is Loved Around the World
1. A Truly Self-Produced Group
With SOYEON playing a central role, the members take creative control over every aspect of their music—from writing, composing, and arranging songs to creating choreography and developing each album’s concept. Their debut track ‘LATATA’, earned an impressive nine Rookie of the Year awards in Korea, making it one of the most celebrated debuts by a K-pop girl group.
2. Empowering Lyrics That Encourage You to Be Yourself
By challenging social stereotypes and conventional expectations, i-dle’s music encourages listeners to embrace themselves for who they are. Their empowering messages have resonated with fans around the world. Their global hit ‘Queencard’ has surpassed 440 million views on YouTube.
3. Outstanding Performances That Captivate Audiences Worldwide
Known for their confident stage presence and exceptional performance skills, i-dle continues to captivate audiences across the globe. This year marks the group’s fourth world tour, and each member also serves as an ambassador for leading fashion and luxury brands, further establishing the group’s influence beyond music.
9th Mini Album [We made]
i-dle 9th Mini Album [We made] was released on July 6. The five-track album features the title track ‘Gimme Dat Love’, along with ‘Mono (Feat. skaiwater)’, featuring rising British artist skaiwater, the uplifting ‘Morning’, the powerful hip-hop track ‘Crow’, and the emotional R&B ballad ‘Love Is Pain’. Showcasing a brighter, more playful side of i-dle, [We made] presents a fresh pop sound unlike anything the group has explored before.
Photography: Kim Hyeongsang
Hair: Kim Sunwoo, Ryu Hyeji (WOOSUN)
Makeup: ISEUL, Choi Yuri (WOOSUN)
Styling: RIKI YAMADA
Coordinator: Song Shin Hae, Senji Fujimoto
Interview: Ayaka Sato
Editor: Keiko Suzuki
Text Adaptation: Bravoworks, Inc.
Originally published in the July 2026 issue of CLASSY. as part of the feature “What i-dle Has Taught Us.”
Information is accurate as of the magazine’s publication date. Some featured products may no longer be available.