[Exclusive] Soyou’s ‘PDA’ Wow Fans: Confidence, Self-Love, and a Whole New Sound

K-pop’s beloved Soyou returned in July 2025 with a sultry, sleek new track “PDA” and proved once again that her artistry only deepens with time. If you’ve been following K-pop’s evolution in 2025, you’ll know that reinvention is the name of the game but “PDA” doesn’t scream for attention, it draws you in with effortless cool.

In an exclusive interview with Kpopped!, Soyou opened up about the inspiration behind “PDA”, her growth as an artist as well as the source of her passion. Here is everything you need to know about Soyou’s latest release and what makes it so impactful.

What Is Soyou’s New Song “PDA” About?

“PDA” is about natural confidence and emotional maturity.

“From the moment I heard it, it felt like a new dream”, Soyou said of the track.

The cool production paired with her vocal tones, makes “PDA” stand out as one of her more emotionally restrained, yet captivating songs to-date. “PDA” showcases a blend of sleek and groovy vibes that feels both modern yet intimate.

Now under a new label, Magic Strawberry Sound, Soyou is open to exploring more music that reflects her own emotions and style than ever before.

While “PDA” showcases elegance and restraint, Soyou’s next project could be anything from heartbreak to euphoria. “There are so many emotions worth exploring, it is hard to choose just one”, she said.

When asked about how she most comfortably expresses affection the answer was simple yet sincere.

“Through small, everyday gestures and quality time. I prefer natural expressions over grand ones”, she shared. That sentiment matches the understated intimacy of “PDA”, showing how her real-life perspective influences her music.

How Did Soyou Approach Her Vocals Differently in “PDA”?

Soyou toned down her usual vocal power to focus on groove and emotional subtlety.

Known for her powerhouse vocals since SISTAR days, Soyou takes a slightly varied approach with “PDA”. As the track leans into groovier, rhythm-forward melodies with a chic energy, the song is perfect for fans who crave both musicality and a more polished mood.

In opting for something different this time, “since the melody isn’t high-pitched, it was tricky to make it engaging”, she explained. “I worked on taking out the power from my voice while keeping it groovy and detailed in rhythm and tone.”

The vocal choice adds to the track’s allure, giving “PDA” a smooth, late-night energy that is really addictive and fresh.

What’s the Visual Style of the “PDA” Music Video?

The PDA music video delivers major style and cinematic points, projecting elegance with striking visuals, and dare I say, with a touch of ballet-core? The shoot must have been exhausting, especially with the choreography!

“I wouldn’t call it pure ballet-core.” Soyou responded, framing it a little bit differently. She had drawn inspiration from balancing “minimalism, femininity with a natural yet confident energy.”

The MV features:

• Chic colour palettes
• Elegant yet bold fashion
• Fluid choreography, including a standout scene of Soyou dancing on top of a car at sunset.

“It was scary, but the sunset was so beautiful it turned into a healing memory”, she recalled.

What Keeps Soyou Passionate About Music After So Many Years?

“Definitely, my fans”, Soyou responded without hesitation.

Despite branching into other areas like her YouTube channel and judging on audition shows, nothing compares to her connection with fans and the stage. The deep fan connection, both online and offline, continues to fuel her drive.

Performing live — nothing beats it. 

Even with her many ventures, Soyou remains most passionate about the stage. “I’m grateful for everything but nothing beats the joy of performing for me”, she added.

What Has Soyou Learned from Running Her YouTube Channel?

Soyou’s YouTube channel “Soyougi” has built a loyal community over five years. While many celebrities use the platform as a promotional tool, Soyou uses it to connect.

“It’s not so much for realisation”, she said. “But I do constantly think about what kind of content to show and what my subscribers would like to see more of.”

Her YouTube content offers a behind-the-scenes look at her life, showing her humour, vulnerability and authenticity. Keeping up with trends, she also covered Huntr/x’s Golden from Kpop Demon Hunters.

What Advice Does Soyou Have for Young Women Today?

We asked if she had any advice to young women today who constantly seek honesty in emotions and yet struggle to balance it with independence.

Confidence starts with self-acknowledgment.

“If you don’t love and acknowledge yourself, your confidence will fade”, she said. “Once you love yourself, balance comes naturally.”

Her words are a reminder of the emotional intelligence and self-awareness she brings to both her art and her life.

Most Importantly, Will Soyou Perform in Malaysia Soon?

She hopes to!

Her recent appearances at KOSTCON in Manila and Jakarta showed just how strong her international fanbase has become. “The cheering was overwhelming, it made me so happy”, she said. While Malaysia was sadly missed on this leg of the tour, she promises she hasn’t forgotten her fans there. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to Malaysia this time, but I hope to see fans there soon.”

Timeless Voice And Still Evolving.

With “PDA”, Soyou reminds us why her presence in K-pop continues to matter. Graceful yet grounded, her music (much like her personality) radiates quiet strength and emotional clarity. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a new listener, now is the perfect time to tune in as “PDA” is the perfect reintroduction to her solo artistry in 2025.

We would also like to thank Modern Doberman for this interview opportunity!