Currently topping the charts in South Korea is SOYEON’s I’m Gonna TOESA (which translates to I’m Quitting in English). It is her lead single from her first solo studio album, What a Wonderful Life, which dropped in early September. Since then. SOYEON’s new song has since been extremely successful on the charts, where it is currently earning multiple perfect all-kills (where the song simultaneously ranks number one on multiple real-time, daily, and weekly charts). I’m Gonna TOESA is also SOYEON’s first major solo release since 2021’s Beam Beam.
I’m Gonna TOESA is about the fantasy and romance of quitting a stressful job. Most of the song is in Korean, but I am sure it feels relatable and speaks to Korean audiences, as it is currently dominating the charts in South Korea. For a non-Korean speaker like me, the song doesn’t have as strong an effect. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it. The first thing that sticks out to me is that I’m Gonna TOESA isn’t the release you’d expect from SOYEON. We all know from i-dle works what SOYEON can pull out – something strong, empowering and bold. Whereas I’m Gonna TOESA is cutesy, retro, laid-back, and whimsical. This contrast is already quite intriguing and pulls me further into the song. I enjoyed the song’s vocal-forward nature, with moments that highlight SOYEON’s raspy, nasal vocals. The band instrumentation is quite simple but has an appealing feel-good vibe. The melodies, and the song overall, are easy on the ears, which helps it stand out in the current KPOP climate.
Watching the music video made me smile. I might be slightly envious that SOYEON quits her office job in the video, but I love how she curtsies as she leaves, only to flip the bird the next moment. That takes confidence on so many levels. From there, she portrays her newfound free schedule, which includes going on dates (even though she literally just waltzes up to a table and tries to woo the guy, who is already in a relationship), going to the karaoke bar (I feel like this is normal) and daydreaming about being an old lady.
Watching the performances also made me smile – even more than the music video. Each comeback stage felt different and refreshing, and you could tell SOYEON had a blast performing each one. The trip at the start kept things interesting and playful, while the aggressive twerking at the end of the first two choruses contrasts with the light and joyful “La La La” that follows is my favourite part of the entire routine.
Song – 8.5/10
Music Video – 9/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 8.8/10
