(G)I-DLE's Soyeon commanded the stage at the 2024 MAMA with a captivating rap performance that addressed past controversies and delivered a pointed message to industry critics.
During her solo stage for "Breaking News: The Shout," Soyeon captivated the audience with bold lyrics that directly referenced the departure of former member Soojin, who left the group in 2021 following bullying allegations. "You said it back in '21, 'What would you amount to without Soojin?'" she rapped. "Even if it means dealing with contract termination or the company myself, I wouldn't have made it this far if I was affected by that."
Soyeon's lyrics also seemingly addressed a recent internal document from HYBE that drew criticism for its evaluation of (G)I-DLE. The document, authored by a former Weverse Magazine editor, contained remarks about the group's styling and questioned Cube Entertainment's understanding of the group's direction. Soyeon's lyrics, "Creative criticism, passionate fingers with sincerity, but if it's from those in the industry, my cheeks burn red," are interpreted as a direct response to this critique.
This powerful performance highlighted (G)I-DLE's resilience and unwavering dedication to their artistry despite facing challenges. Soyeon, who serves as the group's leader, main rapper, and producer, emphasized the group's unity and dismissed any doubts about their future. "What I want to say is (G)I-DLE equals eternity," she declared. "Those worries are pointless. It's a known fact that those who pretend aren't real fans anyway."
The performance also comes amidst speculation about Soyeon's contract renewal with Cube Entertainment. While reports of failed negotiations surfaced recently, the agency denied these claims, stating that discussions are ongoing and scheduled activities, including the MAMA performance and world tour, will proceed as planned.
Soyeon's bold statement at MAMA 2024 has ignited discussions about industry practices and the pressures faced by artists. Her fearless address of sensitive topics and unwavering confidence in (G)I-DLE's future have solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with in the K-Pop world.
Check out the full performance above!
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