Yuqi, a member of the popular K-pop group (G)I-DLE, recently shared her backstory of signing with Cube Entertainment instead of the industry giant, SM Entertainment.

While featuring on the show "Radio Star" from MBC, which was posted on YouTube this past Wednesday, the Chinese-born performer disclosed her journey prior to her debut. This includes her ambition to become a K-pop sensation and the various auditions she underwent.

Yuqi explained, as translated by Allkpop, "In my middle school days, I was part of a dance team and we even organized a K-pop festival. I was a devoted fan of Super Junior, which led me to dream of joining SM Entertainment. I attended SM Entertainment's global auditions in Beijing on four different occasions. Upon completion of my fourth audition, I discovered that Cube Entertainment was holding auditions the following week and decided to try out there too."

Intriguingly, both companies contacted her for a callback simultaneously. SM Entertainment, being the home of renowned K-pop stars like EXO, Super Junior, aespa, Girls Generation, and Red Velvet, was always her dream destination.

Yuqi confessed, "I found myself torn between the two companies. After all, SM Entertainment was always my dream." Despite her appearance fitting the "cute and pretty" SM Entertainment style, she felt her husky voice was better suited to Cube's "girl crush" concept. The promise of her debut within a year by Cube's director finally sealed the deal for her.

Yuqi made her debut as part of (G)I-DLE in 2018, joining Minnie, Miyeon, Shuhua, Soyeon, and Soojin. Their first mini-album, "I Am," featuring the lead track "Latata," marked the beginning of their journey. Prior to joining (G)I-DLE, Miyeon was a YG Entertainment trainee while Soojin was with DN Entertainment, and Soyeon, Shuhua, and Minnie were Cube trainees, according to Koreaboo.

The group's debut was a grand success, as they became known for their fierce, girl crush concept, impressive stage presence, and undeniable vocal talents. Their involvement in their music production, including hits like "HWAA," "Lost," "Tomboy," "Nxde," and "Queencard," has also received much acclaim.

In 2021, the group took an indefinite break due to a scandal involving Soojin, who later left the group. (G)I-DLE, now a quintet, has since continued promoting their music.

Recently, they dropped their sixth mini-album, "I Feel," which sold over 1.16 million copies within the first week of its release in May. The music video for their lead track, "Queencard," has amassed an impressive 119 million views on YouTube.

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