[Edaily Starin KIM HYUNSIK Reporter] The popularity of “I’m Quitting,” a solo song by Soyeon of the group iDLE, has continued for a month. After sweeping the top spots on major music charts, the song also took home two wins on music shows even after her promotional activities had ended. Observers attribute the song’s sustained popularity to its catchy, accessible melody, a message that resonates deeply with listeners, and consistent media exposure.

“I’m Quitting” is the title track from Soyeon’s first solo full-length album, *An Amazing Life*, released on the 7th of last month. Since its release, it has claimed the No. 1 spot on major music platforms including Melon, Genie, Bugs, YouTube Music, FLO, and Vibe. As of the 6th, it continues to maintain its popularity by topping real-time charts, including Melon’s Top 100.
She maintained this momentum even after her TV promotions ended. Following her No. 1 win on Mnet’s “M Countdown” on the 1st, Soyeon also took the top spot on SBS’s “Inkigayo” on the 4th. By winning two music show awards with this song, she also set a record for her first No. 1 finish on a terrestrial music program since her solo debut.
“I’m Quitting” is a song that conveys the message to break free from a stifling reality and enjoy the present moment without regret. Using quitting one’s job as a starting point, the song unfolds a narrative about travel, bucket lists, and a romantic life, conveying a sense of liberation. It is also characterized by a bright and upbeat band sound, combined with a simple melody and a strong hook, making it easy to listen to and sing along to.
It also drew attention for being an homage to EX’s “Please Take Care of Me,” the Grand Prize-winning song from the 2005 MBC University Song Festival. She reinterpreted the bright band sound and the romantic spirit of youth in her own unique way, infusing it with a modern sensibility.

◇So-yeon’s True Potential Proven Once Again Through Her Solo Track
After wrapping up her TV appearances, she continued to gain popularity through performances at college festivals. So-yeon connected with students by performing “I’m Quitting My Job” at college festivals across the country. As footage from these live performances went viral through fan-shot videos and short-form clips, the song remained a hot topic online. What began as a song that resonated with office workers went on to gain traction among college students, broadening its audience.
Pop music critic Seong Si-kwon commented, “It’s a song that’s simple, fun, and catchy,” adding, “The fact that it relieves the stress of office workers through the story of quitting a job and fosters a sense of empathy is also a key factor in its popularity.” He continued, “You don’t have to make difficult or esoteric music to be recognized as a musician,” and assessed, “So-yeon has shown that she can be fully recognized for her songwriting abilities even with audience-friendly songs.”
Derivative content continues to emerge. Following the popularity of a dance challenge featuring fellow celebrities, content utilizing generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology has recently gained traction on social media. This involves superimposing users’ faces onto footage of Soyeon’s music show performances to create videos that make it appear as though they are performing on stage themselves.
Since IDOL’s debut, Soyeon has established herself as a hitmaker by writing the group’s signature songs herself. This time, she has once again proven her competitiveness as a songwriter by sweeping the top spots on music charts and music show rankings with her self-penned solo track.
This is also a welcome achievement for iKIDs. While the group’s recent domestic music sales had slowed somewhat compared to the period when they scored back-to-back hits with “TOMBOY” and “Queencard,” So-yeon has lifted the team’s morale by returning to the top of the charts with her solo track.
It remains to be seen whether U-Gi, another member of iDOL, will continue the positive momentum So-yeon has created. U-Gi is set to release her new solo album, “二十七” (27), on the 8th. All eyes are on whether U-Gi, following in So-yeon’s footsteps, will also garner a positive public response through her solo activities.