Yuqi
The powerhouse Chinese vocalist and producer who became a vital, outspoken creative engine for the groundbreaking K-pop group (G)I-DLE.
Born 1999 (age 27)·Chinese singer-songwriter·Birthday: September 23·Generation Z
Biography
Song Yuqi, known simply as Yuqi, shattered the mold of the quiet foreign member in K-pop. Joining (G)I-DLE, she immediately stood out with a husky, resonant vocal tone that defied expectations and a vibrant, fearless personality. She refused to be just a performer; she quickly involved herself in songwriting and production, contributing to the group's distinct, often self-composed sound. Her charm translated seamlessly to variety shows, where she became a beloved fixture in both South Korea and China, hosting programs like 'Learn Way' and joining the cast of 'Keep Running.' Her 2021 solo debut, 'A Page,' was a statement of personal artistry, blending Mandarin and English with confident pop sensibilities. Yuqi represents a new generation of K-pop idols: transnational, creatively empowered, and unapologetically themselves.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Yuqi was born in 1999, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Yuqi Was Born
The biggest hits of 1999
#1 Movie
Star Wars: Episode I
Best Picture
American Beauty
#1 TV Show
ER
Yuqi's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1999Born
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2004Started school
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2012Became a teenager
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Could drive
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2017Could vote
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2020Turned 21
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 27 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as a main vocalist and later a contributing songwriter/producer for the South Korean girl group (G)I-DLE, known for their self-produced music.
- Released her solo debut single album 'A Page' in 2021, which included the tracks 'Giant' and 'Bonnie & Clyde.'
- Became a long-term cast member of the popular Chinese variety show 'Keep Running' (Chao Pao), expanding her profile domestically.
- Hosted the South Korean reality program 'Learn Way,' where she attempted to master various skills and jobs.
Did You Know?
She is fluent in Mandarin, Korean, and English.
She is known for a uniquely deep and raspy singing voice, which contrasts with her bright speaking tone.
Her solo song 'Giant' features lyrics she wrote herself, addressing themes of resilience and growth.
She attended Beijing Contemporary Music Academy before becoming a trainee.
“I want to be a giant. I will go higher, I will go higher.”
