i-dle leader Jeon Soyeon has candidly discussed the challenges of pursuing a career in music, revealing just how difficult it can be for artists to achieve success in an increasingly competitive industry.
During a recent appearance on cartoonist and television personality Kian84’s YouTube channel, the singer shared honest reflections on the pressure of producing music, entering the charts, and preparing her long-awaited solo comeback.
The conversation took place in a video titled “With Soyeon,” uploaded to the YouTube channel Life84 on October 9, 2026.
Soyeon’s remarks quickly attracted attention, particularly when she explained that even working extremely hard does not guarantee success.
Her comments offered a glimpse into the uncertainty artists face behind the scenes, challenging the assumption that talent and dedication alone are enough to achieve recognition.
Soyeon Reveals the Difficult Reality of Achieving Success in Music
During the conversation, Kian84 asked Soyeon about her experiences as a singer and her approach to creating new music.
In response, she spoke openly about the difficulties of entering music charts and the intense effort required to prepare a solo release.
“Being a singer is really not easy. It’s very difficult to enter the music charts.
When I was preparing for my solo debut this time, I literally exhausted myself,” Soyeon explained.
She also acknowledged that the pressure extended beyond her own workload, revealing that the staff members working alongside her had been pushed to their limits as well.
“All my staff were worn out together,” she said.
Soyeon went on to explain why she believes artists should be careful about the music they release.
In an industry where considerable effort can still lead to disappointing results, she feels that creating meaningful new material is essential.
“In a world where you have to work yourself to the bone to barely succeed, I don’t think it’s right to just give out any song.
I think new songs need to be written,” she stated.
One of her most striking observations concerned the uncertainty surrounding success.
Soyeon remarked that even working hard does not necessarily mean an artist will achieve the desired outcome.
“It’s not even a matter of whether you will succeed if you work hard. There’s a 90% chance of failure,” she said.
Her comments resonated with the broader challenges faced by musicians trying to stand out in a crowded market.
Although the industry often celebrates chart achievements and viral hits, Soyeon’s account highlighted the extensive preparation and uncertainty that can precede a successful release.
Soyeon Spent Five Years Preparing for Her Solo Comeback
Soyeon also surprised Kian84 by revealing that she had spent five years preparing for her latest solo album.
When he reacted with disbelief, she clarified that the project had not been released earlier because she lacked confidence about how to approach her solo career.
“I prepared for 5 years,” she explained.
She continued,
“I wasn’t able to release it for 5 years. I wanted to do solo activities, but I wasn’t confident it would go well. I didn’t even know how to go about it, so I kept worrying.”
According to Soyeon, she eventually found a song that she believed was right for her and decided that the time had finally come to release the project.
“But only recently did I find a song that could succeed when I came out.
That’s why I finally released it. I don’t know when I will release my next solo work,” she added.
Her latest solo album, What a Wonderful Life, was released on September 7, 2026.
It marked her first full-length solo studio album and her return to solo activities approximately five years after her debut solo EP, Windy, which came out in July 2021.
The album’s title track, “I’m Gonna Toesa (feat. Kian84),” explores the relatable subject of quitting a job through direct lyrics and a band-driven sound.
Kian84 contributes narration to the song, making his conversation with Soyeon particularly relevant to the album’s creative direction.
The track subsequently topped major South Korean music charts, demonstrating that her long preparation had connected with listeners.
Through her candid remarks, Soyeon has offered fans a more personal perspective on the work, doubt, and perseverance behind her music.
Her experience serves as a reminder that even established artists face uncertainty as they continue developing their careers.
