K-pop singer SOYOU is starting anew. The singer has established a recognisable sonic identity over the years, first as part of girl group Sistar—who were known for vivacious, high-energy summer anthems—and later, as an emotive vocalist through the ballads and R&B hits she released as a soloist. Now, after spending over a decade with K-pop agencies like Starship and BPM Entertainment, the singer is beginning a new chapter under indie label Magic Strawberry Sound. Returning with the follow-up to her 2024 EP Summer Recipe, SOYOU spoke to ELLE Singapore about her new single “PDA”.

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Infused with Miami bass, the breezy dance-pop number marks a departure from her usual aural range while remaining perfectly in theme with the season. In it, SOYOU sings of the moment when a pair of lovers finally close the distance between them, casting off their inhibitions in a daring show of affection. "I had a lot of concerns," she said of her new creative direction. "But the song itself was just so good—it pulled me in."

Ahead, SOYOU discusses new beginnings, feeling bold and shares fond memories of Sistar.

Congratulations on the release of “PDA” and the start of a new era. Tell us about the song and this new sound you are exploring with it?

Since this is a fresh start, I wanted to be recognised for trying something new—something I hadn’t done before. That’s why I decided to take on this challenge.

To be honest, this wasn’t the genre I had dreamed of doing from the start. The company really recommended it, and I had a lot of concerns. But the song itself was just so good—it pulled me in.

It’s your first single under Magic Strawberry Sound, following past releases under big K-pop labels. How was this experience, and were there differences in the creative process?

Since it was our first time working together, getting in sync wasn’t easy. They suggested a lot of things I hadn’t tried before. I usually don’t take many photos, but they shot them so quickly and cleanly—it was a relief. Fans always ask for photos, but I’m not someone who takes them well, so I was especially thankful.

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“PDA” is all about being bold and letting your instincts overtake reason—when do you feel the boldest?

The word “bold” can mean a lot of things, but if we’re talking about being courageous and daring—I think I become that way when I’m obsessed with something. That’s true for music, and also for the highball business I’m working on. But when people around me describe me as bold, it’s usually when I suddenly go on solo trips. That’s when they really say it.

Moving forward, is there anything else you would like to explore musically?

I’m not the type to think too far into the future. I tend to focus on what’s right in front of me. Right now, I just want more people to hear “PDA” and promote it well. Since this song was a new genre challenge for me, I don’t have another genre in mind at the moment.

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It has been a while since you last performed for fans. Can we look forward to more live performances soon? What do you love most about being on stage?

I’m not doing music shows this time, so I’m trying to show more through dance performance content. Of course, a concert would be the best. But for now, I’m doing my best to create chances to meet my fans. When I’m on stage, I’m always happy. There’s some nervousness, and that gives me dopamine. So most of the time, performing brings me joy.

It has been eight years since Sistar disbanded, but the members remain close. Do you miss your days in a girl group, and do you plan on making music together again?

I do miss it a lot. These days, the memory that stands out most is the disbandment. Back then, it didn’t feel very real. But as a solo artist, I get these questions often, and the feelings are a bit different now. We haven’t talked about getting together or planning anything, but if the opportunity arises one day, we might show something again.

How do you like to unwind?

These days, on my days off, I don’t do anything at all. I just lie down, zone out, and watch whatever’s on—OTT shows, movies, anything. That’s what rest feels like to me now.

You debuted at such a young age, and have come a long way since. Is there anything you wish you knew at the beginning of your career?

If I could say something to my younger self back then, I’d say: “You’re enduring it well. Keep preparing, and your time will come."

Finally, how would you define the current chapter of your life?

Turning 30 didn’t bring any huge, dramatic change. But now, it feels like that moment might finally be here. If I had to sum it up in one line: Don’t be afraid. Just go for it.

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.