On Oct. 15, Yves released “Soft Error: X,” A deluxe version of her EP from earlier this year. It includes the new song “Ex Machina,” an acoustic ballad with layers of strings and harmonies.
Since leaving LOONA, Yves has emerged as one of K-pop’s most promising solo stars. While her roots are in that world, Yves has branched out into diverse musical styles. Last year’s “Viola” feels like Charli XCX electropop, while her two recent collaborations with PinkPantheress take on early 2000s dance music.
During a visit to Los Angeles, we met up with Yves to talk about the evolution of her music, collaborating with PinkPantheress, and her visual influences.
The “Ex Machina” visual memo is amazing. What is the video about and what inspired the cinematography?
The video wasn’t created with a fixed storyline — it was designed to let viewers interpret it in their own way. The character opposite me could be a robot, or perhaps another version of myself. The director translated my lyrics and story into such beautiful imagery, and I’m truly grateful for that.
The song has acoustic R&B vibes, which reminds me of early ’90s Janet Jackson. Can you tell us about writing and recording that track?
It all began when IOAH sent me a topline layered with guitar over the second chorus. I fell in love with it right away, so we kept building on the idea together and ended up finishing most of the melody that very first day. While discussing the lyrics, IOAH mentioned how deeply he’d been moved by the film Ex Machina, which sparked the concept of contrasting my onstage persona with my private self — like a human and a robot mirroring each other. It turned into a really fun and meaningful theme to explore.
Speaking of musical styles, do you still consider yourself a K-pop artist
When people think of K-pop, they often expect a certain format or sound. But recently, it’s become a category that constantly evolves — expanding and breaking its own boundaries. It’s no longer something that can be neatly defined, and that’s what makes it so exciting. I like to think of myself as one of the artists helping to push those boundaries and show how diverse K-pop can truly be.
Who were your favorite vocalists growing up?
There are many artists I admire, but if I were to choose one from Korea to introduce to global fans, it would be Lyn. I’ve always loved how she sings as if she’s speaking directly to you — her voice carries such honesty and emotion. I still remember being a student, listening to her songs and feeling so moved that I wanted to sing with the same kind of sincerity. She really taught me that a powerful voice isn’t just about technique, but about how deeply you can make someone feel.
How did the PinkPantheress collab happen? Did you record together in person?
It actually started when our mutual fans attended each other’s fan events and said things like, “You two should collaborate!” PinkPantheress has been a huge inspiration for me since I started my solo journey, so when she agreed to feature on my track, it honestly felt surreal. I’m so thankful to her for being so open and warm about the collaboration. We were about 5,000 miles apart during the recording, so we worked remotely — but we finally got to meet in person in New York just a few weeks ago. She’s such a lovely person with an incredibly kind heart.
How does making music as a solo artist compare to making music as part of a group? I’m sure there are advantages and disadvantages.
In terms of vocals, performing as part of a group allows you to use a wide range of vocal colors — blending tones to complement and enhance each other within a song. But as a solo artist, I rely solely on my own voice to fill that space, which makes me more conscious of every tone and texture I create. It’s both challenging and rewarding because it pushes me to explore new ways of expressing emotion through my voice.
The way I use the stage also feels completely different now. When I was in a group, I focused on balance — creating harmony and synergy without standing out too much. As a solo artist, I try to exaggerate a little more, to fill the entire stage on my own. There’s definitely more pressure and responsibility, but it also gives me the freedom to express myself fully.
You have great personal style. Who are your fashion idols?
I don’t have a specific fashion idol, but my mom used to run a vintage shop when I was young. I spent a lot of my free time there, mixing and matching different pieces just for fun. Looking back, I think those moments really shaped my sense of style and how I express myself through fashion today.
What have you been listening to lately?
I’ve always loved R&B, so it’s the genre I listen to the most in my daily life. Recently, Daniel Caesar — one of my longtime favorite artists — released a new album, and I’ve been listening to it on repeat. Every track is amazing, but “Emily’s Song” and “Sign of the Times” really stood out to me. I remember hearing just the intro melodies and instantly thinking, “This is it,” before adding them to my playlist. Songs like these are actually harder to express vocally, but I love how delicately he delivers the emotion — it’s something I really admire and want to learn from.
What’s next for you?
I plan to focus more on songwriting and release an album that features more of my own compositions. I want to keep evolving as an artist and continue sharing my music as actively as I can.
