Jeon So-yeon, who ignored the sensationalism controversy, wants a long run as (G)I-DLE's producer

(G)I-DLE's Jeon So-yeon, who is leading the team's growth from the front, needs to have more mature producing abilities.

On the 31st, Jeon So-yeon was listed on the list of 30 people promoted to regular members in 2024 released by the Korea Music Copyright Association (Chairman Chu-yeol Chu, hereinafter referred to as the Korean Music Copyright Association). Every year, in accordance with the Association's regulations, the Korean Music Association promotes 27 people from the entire music field and 3 people from the non-popular music field (pure music, Korean traditional music, children's songs, and religion) to full members among associate members based on the higher copyright fee standards for each membership period.

Jeon So-yeon, who was recently included as a regular member of the Korean Music Association, has a tremendous presence in the (G)I-DLE team. He is in charge of being the leader and main rapper, and further serves as the general producer. In addition to writing, composing, and arranging the new album's title song and included songs, I am also fully involved in the album's concept, storytelling, visuals, and music video.

Jeon So-yeon, who has consistently participated in (G)I-DLE's work, stood out to the public starting with the first full-length album 'I NEVER DIE', which was released in March 2022. Including the title song 'TOMBOY', 'Nxde' from the 5th mini album 'I Love', and 'Queencard' from the 6th mini album 'I feel'. A hit song was born. Jeon So-yeon's producing ability is evaluated as driving (G)I-DLE's growth.

This promotion to full member of the Korean Music Association can also be interpreted as recognition of Jeon So-yeon's capabilities as a hit song maker. Prior to Jeon So-yeon, senior singers BoA and IU were listed as regular members in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Jeon So-yeon became the third female K-pop artist to become a regular member of the Korean Music Association.

Jeon So-yeon's growth like this did not happen overnight. Jeon So-yeon has been a Cube Entertainment trainee for a long time and has been steadily focusing on studying lyrics and composition. In addition, he achieved rapid growth in a short period of time by appearing in survival programs such as Mnet's 'Produce 101' and 'Unpretty Rapstar 3'.

As a composer, I didn't just walk on a smooth path. There was also trial and error. Jeon So-yeon was recognized for her producing ability and participated as a trainer in the 2022 MBC girl group survival audition program 'After School Excitement' and composed the program's final song 'SUN', but controversy over plagiarism arose. The chorus melody of 'SUN' is similar to the group ATEEZ's song 'WAVE'.

Jeon So-yeon admitted. He said, “I thought it was appropriate to apologize for the similarities that were raised after the broadcast, even if only in part, so I informed the composer of the controversial song of the matter and apologized.” He added, “We apologize to the composer for causing confusion.” “I sincerely apologize to the artist and the fans. I will pay more attention in the future. I am sorry,” he said, bowing his head.

Since then, Jeon So-yeon has overcome plagiarism suspicions through the success of 'Queencard' and has established herself as a creator to some extent, but it is true that there are still some dangerous points as (G)I-DLE's producer.

Previously, (G)I-DLE was embroiled in controversy over the selection of ‘Wife’, which was released on the 22nd. ‘That’s not all. Eat the cherry on top too.’ It was pointed out that lyrics such as 'From head to toe, just chop, chop, chop' and 'Now that you've learned it, now try getting on it too' are blatantly reminiscent of sexual acts. Since this song does not have an age restriction, some have voiced that it may have a negative influence on minors. Accordingly, KBS ruled 'Wife' unfit for broadcast due to 'overly sensational lyrics'.

However, according to the wishes of Jeon So-yeon, who created this song, the lyrics were not modified, and the song is still being streamed in its original form. Rather than accepting controversy and criticism, he chose to remain stubborn as a creator. Cube Entertainment, the agency, seems to have overlooked 'Wife' by making an official statement that it is "a song unrelated to this broadcast," but the stubborn attitude of not giving up without feedback from the public's voice leaves an unpleasant impression. For idol groups that have a great influence on youth, the controversy over sensationalism is a very important issue and one that must be taken seriously.

As Jeon So-yeon is the core identity that drives (G)I-DLE's growth and success, she needs to be a little more cautious and listen to the public's voice. This is because a general producer should not only create unique creative works that are free from plagiarism disputes, but also pay special attention to what message the team is trying to convey through its activities and how to establish communication points with the public.

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr