[Review] I’m Gonna TOESA – SOYEON (i-dle)

Currently topping the charts in South Korea is SOYEON’s I’m Gonna TOESA (which translates to I’m Quitting in English). It is her lead single from her first solo studio album, What a Wonderful Life, which dropped in early September. Since then. SOYEON’s new song has since been extremely successful on the charts, where it is currently earning multiple perfect all-kills (where the song simultaneously ranks number one on multiple real-time, daily, and weekly charts). I’m Gonna TOESA is also SOYEON’s first major solo release since 2021’s Beam Beam. I’m Gonna TOESA is about the fantasy and romance of quitting a stressful job. Most of the song is in Korean, but I am sure it feels relatable and speaks to Korean audiences, as it is currently dominating the charts in South Korea. For a non-Korean speaker like me, the song doesn’t have as strong an effect. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it. The first thing that sticks out to me is that I’m Gonna TOESA isn’t the release you’d expect from SOYEON. We all know from i-dle works what SOYEON can pull out – something strong, empowering and bold. Whereas I’m Gonna TOESA is cutesy, retro, laid-back, and whimsical. This contrast is already quite i...