YUQI (우기) - 아프다 (It Hurts)

About "It Hurts" - YUQI ((G)I-DLE)

"It Hurts" is a powerful emotional ballad showcasing YUQI's raw vocal talent and artistic depth beyond her work with (G)I-DLE. YUQI, born Song Yu-qi in Beijing, is a Chinese singer and member of the popular K-pop girl group (G)I-DLE. Her solo work, particularly songs like "It Hurts," reveals her capacity for vulnerable, emotionally mature expression that contrasts with (G)I-DLE's often bold, confident image. The song's stripped-down production puts her distinctive husky voice and emotional delivery front and center.

YUQI & (G)I-DLE's Artistic Freedom

(G)I-DLE is known in K-pop for their unusual artistic autonomy, with members actively participating in songwriting and production—rare in an industry often controlled by producers and agencies. YUQI's solo projects demonstrate this creative freedom, allowing her to explore genres and emotions different from the group's concept. Her Chinese heritage also influences her music, occasionally incorporating Mandarin lyrics and Chinese musical elements, creating a unique bridge between K-pop and C-pop (Chinese pop).

Emotional Vulnerability in K-Pop

"It Hurts" represents K-pop's introspective, emotionally vulnerable side. The song features: minimal production that emphasizes vocal performance, honest lyrics about pain and heartbreak, YUQI's distinctive husky vocal tone conveying raw emotion, and a build from quiet intimacy to powerful emotional climax. This style showcases K-pop's range—it's not all high-energy dance tracks; the genre also embraces deep emotional storytelling through ballads.

About This Medium Difficulty Sheet

This intermediate arrangement captures the song's emotional journey and dynamic range. Students must balance technical control with expressive vulnerability—a challenging but rewarding combination. The piece teaches emotional phrasing, dynamic sensitivity, and how to convey pain and strength simultaneously through music. Perfect for students ready to explore mature emotional expression in contemporary K-pop ballad style.

Interpretive Guidance

• Listen to YUQI's vocal nuances—she uses her voice's natural huskiness expressively
• Start gently and build emotional intensity gradually
• Use dynamics to mirror the song's emotional arc
• Play with vulnerability—don't be afraid to show emotion
• Pay attention to the contrast between quiet and powerful moments
• Let the music breathe in emotional spaces
• Remember it's about expressing pain honestly, not perfectly

Musical & Artistic Development

• Teaches emotionally mature K-pop ballad style
• Develops expressive, vulnerable playing technique
• Introduces (G)I-DLE's artistic approach to K-pop
• Explores Chinese-Korean cultural fusion in pop music
• Builds dynamic control and emotional phrasing skills
• Demonstrates solo artistry within group context

Perfect For

• Intermediate students who are (G)I-DLE or YUQI fans
• Pianists ready for emotionally demanding repertoire
• Students interested in K-pop's introspective side
• Developing mature emotional expression
• Exploring Chinese-Korean pop crossover
• Recitals requiring powerful, emotional ballads