i-dle’s Yuqi releases self-written second EP ‘27’

Yuqi, the Chinese vocalist of the South Korean girl group i-dle, has released her second solo extended play (EP) titled “27,” a project that reflects her personal journey at her current age through music entirely penned by herself. The EP, which debuted on a recent Thursday, comprises six tracks including the lead single “Stay” and the pre-release song “I Like You.”

Distinctively, Yuqi chose to write the album’s lyrics predominantly in her native Chinese language, alongside English, allowing her to share her story with greater authenticity and intimacy. This linguistic choice highlights her desire to communicate more directly with her audience while embracing her cultural roots.

The theme of the EP centers on self-acceptance and resilience, with Yuqi emphasizing the importance of maintaining love for oneself despite life’s challenges. The title track “Stay” embodies this message by portraying hope and the belief in better days ahead, a sentiment Yuqi intends to resonate deeply with listeners through its bilingual lyrics.

Ahead of the EP’s full release, the music video for “I Like You” was made available on YouTube and quickly climbed the charts on China’s QQ Music platform. This early success underscores Yuqi’s growing presence as a solo artist beyond her work with i-dle.

“27” arrives nearly two years after Yuqi’s debut solo EP named “Yuq1,” released in 2024. The earlier project marked a period of exploration for her, as she ventured into new genres and expanded her musical palette. With this second EP, Yuqi continues to experiment while honing her songwriting skills, aiming to deliver a more personal and mature narrative.

Yuqi first gained recognition as part of i-dle, which debuted in May 2018 under Cube Entertainment. The group, originally known as (G)I-DLE, rebranded to i-dle in 2025 and currently features members Miyeon, Minnie, Soyeon, Yuqi, and Shuhua. Known for chart-topping hits such as “Tomboy,” “Nxde,” and “Queencard,” i-dle has established a strong presence in the K-pop industry, with Yuqi emerging as a distinctive voice both within the group and as a solo performer.

The release of “27” not only marks a milestone in Yuqi’s artistic trajectory but also reflects a broader trend of K-pop artists taking creative control of their music and narratives. By writing and composing her entire EP, Yuqi asserts her individuality and artistic vision.

While details about the production aspects and collaborations on “27” remain limited, the emphasis on self-composition and bilingual storytelling offers fresh insight into Yuqi’s evolving identity as an artist. Fans and critics alike are now watching to see how this new phase will influence her future works and impact her standing within the competitive music scene.

Overall, Yuqi’s “27” stands out as a heartfelt declaration of self-reflection and perseverance, capturing the complexities of young adulthood through a blend of cultural expression and musical innovation. This release reinforces her commitment to personal artistry and signals promising developments in her solo career.