Glitchy. Static. Erratic. Fantastical. These are all words that describe Yves’ second mini-album, “Soft Error.”
Yves, a former member of the 12-member Korean girl group LOONA, has firmly established herself as an independent, quirky yet distinctive artist, garnering plenty of attention for her musical attributes with the debut of her first mini-album, “LOOP.”
Yves was revealed as the ninth member of LOONA in late 2017, allowing her to curate an image for herself as the group continued to manifest, like a gorgeous monarch butterfly emerging from its chrysalis into something charming and special.
Unbeknownst to the general public, Yves would partake in a metamorphosis of her own: she formed new structures, emerging and reorganizing her musical abilities in a way that the public has been yearning for–something innovative, something distinctive, something remarkable–which the K-pop scene has been severely lacking.
Through her latest work, “Soft Error,” released in full on Aug. 7, 2025, Yves pushes the boundaries of her artistry, blending experimental sounds with introspective lyrics. This mini-album showcases her evolution, offering listeners a glimpse into her creative process and her ability to redefine herself as a solo artist in the ever-evolving landscape of K-pop.
I knew from the first time I listened to Yves’ solo work, which was released while she was in LOONA, that she would be something big. I knew that she would rise through the ranks, waving and bestowing a gigantic grin on her face at her peers as she developed her outstanding music catalog, whether in Korea or internationally–it’s what she deserves, and nobody can change my mind.
I had never been interested in solo works of K-pop artists until Yves debuted with “LOOP” in 2024. It was really eye-opening for me, as it made me realize that there are so many talented, underrated artists out there, including Yves. I remember listening to “LOOP” for the first time, immediately becoming serenaded by her unique vocals that I had been dying to hear for months–it wasn’t the same as I attempted to fill the empty void in my chest by looping her debut album in LOONA, titled “Yves.” At the same time, I awaited and yearned for her return. I will be forever grateful for her return to the K-pop scene.
I never thought Yves would outdo herself in her second album–and yet, I was surprised to find that the title track for the album, “White cat,” had outdone “LOOP” by a landslide. Not to say that “LOOP” was an inadequate song by any means, because we all know that it wasn’t–there’s just something so fantastic about “White cat.”
Whether it be the abstract music video of Yves being surrounded by many pairs of arms, the wide television sets stacked upon each other, or perhaps the pretty fluffy Persian cats, Yves provided the public with yet another piece of herself for us to glimpse into through this electronic track. The song incorporated elements from a wide variety of genres, such as hyperpop, bubblegum bass and bitpop.
When do you ever see an artist depict their emotions through the metaphor of a cat? Yves took this on magnificently, supported by abstract lyrics, exploring the idea of escaping one’s own identity to fit into someone else’s mold and to be loved by them. By trying to change her entire self for the person she yearns to be desired and cared for, she lost herself in the process, becoming unsure of how she truly felt.
And of course, we can talk about the PinkPantheress feature. It was shocking to hear that Yves was collaborating with PinkPantheress — yes, fans all over the internet had been begging, perhaps even demanding, for PinkPantheress to reach out to Yves to collaborate on a song. Still, I had no idea that it would actually happen. “Soap” did not disappoint.
“Soap” is a slick, self-assured takedown where Yves and PinkPantheress tag-team to reclaim their independence. With the assistance of a little sugary sample provided by Rebecca Black, Yves and PinkPantheress put up a strong defense, building themselves up as the song progresses. A dangerous combination, if you ask me–who would dare go up against these two?
Overall, to say I was excited for the release of “Soft Error” would be an understatement. I remember sitting at my computer an hour before it was released, ready to pre-order the album, no matter how it sounded — perhaps I am biased. Still, I find it difficult for Yves to release anything that sounds even remotely bad.
To keep up with Yves, you can find her on X, Instagram and TikTok.
