Yves (real name Ha Soo-young, born in 1997) is a South кσяєαn singer best known as a member of LOONA, who debuted in 2017. LOONA has made a notable mark on the international market, with the group reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart with [12:00] and having their song “Star” enter Billboard’s Mainstream Top 40 radio chart in the U.S.
Following legal disputes between LOONA and their former agency, Yves officially launched her solo career in May 2024, gradually establishing her own musical identity. In April this year, she released the club-oriented EP Nail, which peaked at No. 14 in South кσяєα. The project featured Lolo Zouaï and Lexie Liu, helping Yves achieve her fourth consecutive Top 20 entry in South кσяєα.
Last month, Yves and Lexie Liu continued their collaboration with the release of “Pop Girl,” bringing a fresh breeze and receiving an enthusiastic response from listeners. Amid this momentum, Dazed sat down with the two artists, and one particular part of Yves’ comments on BTS’ recent decision not to participate in the GRAMMY Awards became a major topic of public discussion.
Specifically, when asked about the future direction of pop artists from Eastern countries, amid BTS’ decision to withdraw from the GRAMMYs and the growing influence of East Asian artists, Yves shared her thoughts: “Like I said earlier, the market was really centred around the US and Europe, and I think there was a bias”.
According to the singer, people once αѕѕumed that “Western is global,” while everything else was considered regional. Yet Asian culture has always been there; it simply had not received the attention it deserved. “But now Asian music and culture are influencing the West as well,” Yves concluded.
Notably, she then expressed her respect for BTS’ decision and suggested that the group’s choice not to continue participating in the GRAMMYs represents a significant stance.
“I really respect what BTS have done, because giving a separate award for Asian regions is actually creating a boundary between the world and Asia. It’s creating a boundary between ‘mainstream’ and ‘Asian’ artists. It’s taking Asia out of the mainstream,” Yves said.
Her perspective drew attention because it echoed the stance BTS demonstrated when they decided not to submit their work for GRAMMY consideration. Yves’ honesty and outspokenness also quickly received support and excitement from ARMYs as well as other netizens.
Before Yves, several prominent figures in the entertainment industry had also publicly stood behind BTS. Tablo, the leader of Epik High, voiced his support for the decision. Maggie Kang, the кσяєαn-Canadian director behind the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters, also shared news of BTS’ GRAMMY boycott on social media along with a clapping emoji. αмєяι¢αn producer Mike Will Made It, who previously worked on “Aliens” and another BTS track, also posted “BTS Aliens” to show his support.
In addition, Rolling Stone кσяєα journalist Chase Kang, actor Daniel Dae Kim, and Hyundai Card Vice Chairman Chung Tae-young also publicly voiced their support for BTS. B.A.P leader Bang Yongguk also shared BTS’ post about the decision on his Instagram Story, adding clapping hand emojis in multiple skin tones. He also reposted Chung Tae-young’s statement criticizing the GRAMMYs’ award system, further signaling his agreement with the stance.
Ultimately, the conversation between Yves and Dazed once again highlighted BTS’ position and, seemingly, the views shared by many people in the industry. Fans could not help but respond with strong support: "Kpoppies coming to wish d@eth and gяαρє on this girl now btw... DON'T LET THEM SILENCE YOU QUEEN", "She’s such a queen. Mad respect", "So glad she’s speaking up about it. She’s one of the few k-artists to do so. Respect", "Good songs, pretty and an intelligent woman. I see you grl", "Bro stated facts only. She's so clαѕѕy", "Really love how an independent artist like yves isn’t afraid to come in support of bts & call out the ŕäċïṩṃ of western industry",...
