Last month, i-dle’s Soyeon pre-released her track Star off her upcoming full length solo album. Today, that album finally materializes alongside title track I’m Gonna TOESA (퇴사할게여). For those curious, “toesa” is a romanization of the Korean slang for “quitting a job.” In my line of word it sounds like “TOSA,” a acronym for “teacher on special assignment.” I don’t suppose that would have made much sense.
I’m Gonna TOESA comes along with narration from popular webtoon artist turned TV celebrity Kian84, which is enough to earn a slight smile from me. I love Kian. This cameo also gives an indication of the market Soyeon is targeting. From sound to context, this is pretty directly targeted toward Korean audiences. This is probably a smart move given i-dle’s tremendous success with 2024’s Fate — the last time the group really held the center of culture.
Because of this approach, I assume I’m Gonna TOESA has a more localized appeal that I won’t fully grasp. To my ears, it’s a perfectly nice pop/rock ditty, sprightly and enjoyable but also lightweight and forgettable. It’s nice to hear Soyeon sing, freed from the posturing stance she must adopt for her more attitude-focused music. She’s got a quirky performance style that isn’t quite for me but will likely find its fan base on a track like this.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.5 |
Grade: C
I am quite confused with her decision to choose a borderline gag? song for the title track of her first album. It did not appeal to me much nor give us any glimpse of her color as solo artist. The album contained a mish-mash of genreanwithout any main theme so I assumed that maybe soyeon just want to flex her wide array of song selections (there is a kid song aptly titled Hate Veggie Song in the album too). I like “icebluerabbit” the most, but the others songs kinda missed the mark by a long shot or maybe I am just not her target audiences this time like Nick said.
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I disagree, I think both songs are competent but quirky, peculiar and funny, all things Soyeon very much is.
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It also sounds like an AKMU song that Soyeon is singing Soyeon-style instead of sister Su-hyun. Brother Chan-hyuk often reverts to this very pop-rock style – like this one linked below, and oldie from debut era AKMU back when they were Akdong Musician.
https://youtu.be/x2XX3cNW4K0?t=20
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this is completely unrelated but im trying to compile a list of western pop songs that r spiritually kpop songs. this is what i have so far but im open to suggestions:
(like u cant tell me this isnt a 4minute song in another universe)
(if u close ur eyes this is a jessi song)
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I don’t know why, but I am so sold on this song! I am not delighted, but I am charmed. It felt al cozy and such a Monday mood 🤣 The MV was so sweet. I really enjoyed this! apparently I am the target audience
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Update: I really like this album. I just vibe with Soyeon I think!
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Her voice sounds like nails scratching on a chalkboard, which I find a bit icky. Otherwise, it’s okay. The MV looks fun though.
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This could’ve been a great song if sung by practically anyone else other than her, I’m afraid. Whatever possessed her in the early days to choose this as a vocal tone, I wish it had been exorcised straight out.
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Remember how I said she only has one idea for like 18 months?
This is just Klaxon 2.
To be fair, I really like Klaxon. But still.
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