Pop Culture

6 Times (G)I-DLE’s SOYEON Was The Realest Idol Out There

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Queencard.
BY Nica Glorioso
11.15.2024

One thing about (G)I-DLE’s Soyeon—she’s not afraid to speak her mind and chart her own path.

Related: (G)I-DLE Talks Growing More Confident And Becoming Your Own ‘Super Lady’

Having debuted as the leader of K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE in 2018, Soyeon has made a name for herself as a trailblazing figure in K-pop. A recent interview with Cosmopolitan Korea pulled back the curtains on who the idol really is and how she thinks, and it’s a refreshing jaunt down someone’s unique perspective.

It’s necessary to point out how no person, and of course, no idol, is perfect or should be put on a pedestal in any way, but the way Soyeon has established herself as an outspoken, empowering idol that is unafraid to let her thoughts be known is admirable—and rarely seen in pop culture. She isn’t one to mince her words, is willing to take accountability, open about overcoming criticism about her looks, and so much more. Here are just a few instances where the idol proves she’s a true Super Lady.

TALKING ABOUT WOMANHOOD THROUGH SONG

One thing about Soyeon—she’s a girl’s girl. And by that we mean she’s a confident young woman who strives to empower other women, as well. (G)I-DLE’s music often touches on themes involving women, their beings and bodies, and their place in society. From problematizing popular perceptions of the female body in Nxde to challenging traditional gender roles in Wife, Soyeon breaks barriers and stereotypes and tackles female empowerment in an industry that often looks down on bold, self-confident, empowered women unafraid to be themselves.

She has also called out the double standards for men and women in the music industry and in society in general (Wife was banned in South Korea for having “inappropriate” lyrics). “It’s not a crime or dirty for a woman to desire sex or sing about it,” she says in the Cosmopolitan Korea interview. Often paired with tongue-in-cheek satire or bold, powerful statements, the messages in Soyeon’s and (G)I-DLE’s music are intentional and draw from women’s experiences as well as the artists’ awareness of the state of culture and society.

ADVOCATING FOR ARTISTIC FREEDOM

Everyone who knows Soyeon and (G)I-DLE knows they’re not averse to experimentation, whether in terms of concept or sound. In part due to Soyeon’s leadership and creative direction, and her insistence on advocating for artistic and creative freedom, the girl group does things like no one else. And Soyeon, whether as a composer, leader, soloist, or mentor, stands by freely expressing your thoughts and feelings through art.

IN THE NAME OF FAIRNESS

As a judge and mentor on MBC’s survival reality show My Teenage Girl a couple of years ago, Soyeon took her role seriously—as she should! When a duo that was less than stellar came onto the show, Soyeon expressed her disappointment and even called out the voting audience. Contestants for the show had to pass auditions where audiences had to vote for them, and this duo made it through, leading Soyeon to think the voters weren’t taking their responsibility seriously.

She also expressed her disappointment at the notion that plenty of other talents were unable to make it through because they didn’t make it to the mentor’s judging panel. As a mentor in these survival shows, the idol became known for being brutally honest and saying exactly what she thinks—not to hate, but to be very frank with aspiring artists, hone their ability, and find the best of the best.

OPEN ABOUT HER MENTAL HEALTH

Whether she’s talking about her severe ADHD or the unwarranted criticism she’s received about her looks, Soyeon’s refreshingly candid about who she is and what she’s facing. Knowing how difficult it is to be an idol, Soyeon being open about herself and her struggles is admirable as she normalizes conversations about mental health, the toll the industry takes on people, and more.

CALLING OUT HER COMPANY

If you’re a K-pop stan, you know exactly how companies can be the cause of trouble not just for fans, but for their artists’ career, as well. Soyeon’s not one to keep silent about issues arising between her and her company, and will take a stand not only to reassure fans, but to address any kind of misinformation, like when her company released a statement about certain lyrics she rapped during a concert.

She also recently made headlines with reports that she will not extend her contract and will leave her current company after said contract expires this year. Whatever her choice may be, we know she’s set to take steps towards being a freer artist, more in control of her career. That doesn’t mean she’ll leave (G)I-DLE, though, so don’t lose hope.

HER THOUGHTS ON THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY

Soyeon was also candid about her thoughts on queerness. In a culture where speaking up about certain social issues—gender and sexuality in particular—is far from common, the idol stands out. She doesn’t care if her friends are queer—she has no prejudices and will support them all the way. If she herself starts to harbor feelings for a woman, she wouldn’t question it. It’s not a big deal to her, and she doesn’t limit herself or impose limits on how others “should be”.

Continue Reading: Glowing Confidence: (G)I-DLE Let’s Us In On Their Secret To Being Unstoppable

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