Ha Soo-young chose a stage name rich with meaning. Performing as Yves, she embraces the symbolism of rebellion and new beginnings. This south korean artist built a formidable career as a singer and dancer.
Her journey to a solo debut began years earlier. She first captivated audiences as the ninth member of the girl group LOONA in November 2017. That year marked her official entrance into the competitive K-pop landscape.
After nearly seven years of group work and training, she stepped out on her own. In May 2024, she released her first solo EP, “Loop.” This music project under Paix Per Mil management showcased her full creative control.
She personally shapes every aspect of her art. From songwriting to choreography direction, her hands are on the wheel. Her fandom, ENGDU, connects with this authentic approach across multiple platforms.
Recognition followed quickly. Her work earned placements on Billboard’s Best K-Pop Albums list. This solo chapter builds on a foundation of technical skill and a distinct artistic identity.
Early Beginnings and LOONA Debut
Long before the stage lights and performances, there were childhood dreams and formative experiences. The artist’s journey began in Busan, where early influences shaped her artistic vision.
Growing Up in Busan and Early Influences
Her mother’s vintage clothing shop served as an early classroom for fashion. She developed her visual identity trying on different styles. Photography sessions helped refine her artistic eye.
A defining moment arrived in 2007. Watching Wonder Girls perform “Irony” crystallized her determination to pursue professional music. This experience became the catalyst for her singing ambitions.
Training and Inspirations Behind the Dream
She invested years in formal training at two institutions. Dance Up Academy in Busan built her foundation. Dream Vocal & Dance Academy in Seoul’s Gangnam district advanced her skills.
Before her entertainment career took off, she lived the reality of many aspiring artists. Cramped student housing and part-time work taught resilience. Modeling for clothing brand MariShe introduced her to performance’s visual side.
| Year | Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Wonder Girls Inspiration | Decided to pursue music career |
| 2010-2015 | Dance & Vocal Training | Built technical foundation |
| 2016 | Modeling Work | Developed visual performance skills |
| 2017 | Hunus Entertainment Training | Formed industry connections |
November 14, 2017 marked her official introduction as LOONA’s ninth member. This was part of the group’s unique pre-debut strategy. Two weeks later, she released her self-titled single album.
The album contained “New” as the title track and “D-1” as the second track. It established her individual sound within the expanding LOONA universe. Fellow members noted her perfectionist tendencies, once telling her she was too hard on herself.
Rise to Fame with LOONA and yyxy
April 2018 brought a significant shift in the LOONA universe. The announcement of the third sub-unit completed the group’s ambitious pre-debut strategy.
Pre-debut Strategies and Member Revelations
The yyxy configuration positioned her as leader alongside Chuu, Go Won, and HyeJu. This final sub-unit represented a distinct sonic territory within the expanding LOONA concept.
Their EP “Beauty & the Beat” dropped in May 2018, reaching number 4 on the Gaon Album Chart. Billboard took notice of the innovative rollout strategy that built anticipation for months.
Breakthrough Moments and Key Performances
Three months later, all twelve members united for the official group debut. The EP “[+ +]” immediately hit number 2 on the charts, cementing their “monster rookie” status.
Her versatility shone through different formations. She adapted her performance style while maintaining powerful vocals that cut through group arrangements.
| Project | Release Date | Chart Position | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| yyxy “Beauty & the Beat” | May 30, 2018 | #4 Gaon Album Chart | Completed LOONA’s sub-unit structure |
| LOONA “[+ +]” | August 20, 2018 | #2 Gaon Album Chart | Full group debut after 2-year buildup |
| “Not Friends” Collaboration | 2021 | Digital Single | Showcased chemistry with select members |
Beyond music, she expanded into variety television as co-MC of “Fact iN Star.” This demonstrated her growing versatility within the entertainment industry.
Career Milestones and Legal Battles
The year 2022 marked a dramatic shift from musical collaboration to courtroom battles. Legal challenges became the defining chapter for the artist’s career progression.
Contract Disputes with Blockberry Creative
November 28, 2022, revealed a major lawsuit. Nine LOONA members filed to suspend contracts with BlockBerry Creative. They cited broken trust in company management.
The label denied all allegations. This set up a high-stakes legal fight over artist rights. The initial January 2023 ruling went against five members including Olivia Hye.
She described feeling trapped during this period. “Time moved forward while I stood still,” she recalled. The uncertainty tested her professional resolve.
Turning Points in the K-pop Arena
June 16, 2023, brought a crucial reversal. The Seoul High Court ruled in favor of the members. This suspended their exclusive contracts with BlockBerry Creative.
The victory freed all twelve LOONA members by mid-2023. It allowed new agency relationships and individual paths. This legal precedent impacted the entire K-pop industry.
March 2024 announced her exclusive contract with Paix Per Mil. GOLDEN MOON would handle management duties. The new label emphasized creative control and personal expression.
Millic, Paix Per Mil’s head producer, recognized her potential immediately. “An immensely compelling artist,” he noted after their first meeting. This partnership represented both a label change and artistic liberation.
Yves’ Solo Journey and Innovative Expression
A PowerPoint presentation became the unexpected starting point for her new musical direction. She pitched her vision to the Paix Per Mil team, blending her established ethereal image with fresh sonic exploration.
Transition from Group to Solo Artist
The official announcement came April 30, 2024. Hankook Ilbo broke the news of her impending solo debut, confirmed hours later by Paix Per Mil. This marked a strategic shift after years of group work.
Her first EP “Loop” arrived May 29, 2024. The album featured four distinct tracks including “Diorama” and the title song “Loop” featuring Lil Cherry. It peaked at number 13 on the Circle Album Chart.
Collaborations and Music Releases: LOOP and Beyond
Three months later, she surprise-released “Tik Tok,” showcasing what Herald Pop called “sexy + delicate vocals.” This digital single later appeared on her second EP “I Did.”
Her creative process involves renting a studio where she works on pieces of songs day by day. She shares progress with ENGDU, assuring fans she’s always making music. The artist aims to create music that engages multiple senses beyond just sound.
When “Dim” unexpectedly topped TikTok’s US Viral 50 chart, she responded with the “Dim ∞” EP in April 2025. This contained four new versions of the popular track.
Musical, Visual, and Artistic Influences
Her creative process is a holistic endeavor, weaving together sound, movement, and image from the very beginning. She crafts detailed mood boards for each project, drawing inspiration from films and art exhibitions to build a cohesive world before a single note is recorded.
Songwriting, Production, and Choreography Insights
Her KOMCA credits reveal deep involvement in her music. The list spans from writing “Playback” for LOONA to composing “Strawberry Soda” for Loossemble.
This hands-on approach extends to choreography. For the hyperpop track “Viola,” she personally suggested incorporating bold hip hop movements. Her performance philosophy is equally deliberate. Facial expressions shift with the lyrics—neutral for heavy moments, bright smiles when casting off worries.
| Song | Year | Role | Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playback | 2022 | Writing | LOONA |
| Strawberry Soda | 2023 | Writing, Composing | Loossemble |
| Stars + Yves | 2025 | Writing | PinkPantheress |
| Ex Machina | 2025 | Writing, Composing | Solo Release |
Establishing a Unique Visual Identity
An early education in her mother’s vintage shop shaped her sharp visual eye. She applies this to every music video, collaborating with directors like Bang Jaeyeob for “Loop” and Eehosoo for “Viola.”
She personally develops dense symbolism for her videos. The “Viola” video features circular motifs, representing life’s emotional cycles. She explains the circle as a shape maintained by a centripetal force amidst internal collisions.
Outfits are chosen to reflect each song’s character. For “Loop,” she portrayed an otherworldly girl. For “Viola,” she suggested sporty, casual looks to match the lyrics’ raw emotion. Each track on an album showcases a different side of her.
Impact on K-Pop Culture and Global Tours
The global stage became her new canvas in late 2024. The Apple Cinnamon Crunch Tour launched in Berlin, marking a bold step into international solo performances. This tour demonstrated her ability to command a stage alone after years with a group.
She performed across Europe and North America in late 2024 and early 2025. The tour’s name reflected her signature symbol and themes of rebellion. It was a statement of artistic independence.
Apple Cinnamon Crunch Tour and International Engagement
The tour expanded significantly in 2025. It reached Latin America for the first time and continued across Asia and Australia as the Cosmic Crispy Tour. This series of concerts connected her directly with a worldwide fanbase.
To celebrate the tour, the label released the compilation LP “Apple Cinnamon Crunch” in July 2025. This album collected twelve tracks from her debut year. It served as a musical journey for new and existing fans.
Fan Culture, Media Recognition, and Awards
Her third EP, “Soft Error,” arrived in August 2025. The pre-release single “White Cat” built anticipation. The full album climbed to number 7 on the Circle Chart.
Critical recognition solidified her solo standing. Billboard placed her albums on their Best K-Pop lists. The Korean Music Awards nominated “I Did” for Best K-pop Album.
She maintains a close bond with her fandom, ENGDU, through blogs and unique events. This genuine connection strengthens her cultural impact beyond the music charts.
| Release / Award | Date | Chart Position / Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Cinnamon Crunch (LP) | July 10, 2025 | Compilation of debut year tracks |
| Soft Error (EP) | August 7, 2025 | #7 Circle Chart |
| Billboard Recognition | 2024 | “I Did” #8 on Year-End List |
| Korean Music Awards | 2025 | Nomination for Best K-pop Album |
Final Reflections on a Dynamic Star
Her creative sanctuary is a nearly soundproof room, a space for pure focus. She turns off the lights to practice singing or watch videos without interruption. This singer finds calm in a singing bowl gifted by her uncle, using its sound to quiet concerns.
Daily life involves relaxed moments with label head Millic. They watch soccer highlights and memorize lines from “Infinite Challenge.” This “cousins” dynamic fosters a supportive environment for creating new music.
She maintains a close bond with fans through her blog, even on busy days. Her goal is to create multi-sensory albums that build imagined worlds. This philosophy extends to the fashion in each music video.
Her motivation remains outward-focused. She creates not just for personal happiness, but hoping anyone connected to her work finds joy. After years of growth from her girl group sub-unit to a solo career, this connection defines her path.
