Is Yewon's rapid rise in K-Pop a sign of industry favouritism? 'Pookie' continues to top charts

FIFTY FIFTY member Yewon has opened up about the interest she received from major entertainment companies at the start of her career.In a recent interview with TenAsia, the rookie idol revealed that within just one month of enrolling in an audition academy, she was contacted by nearly 10 different agencies, including labels like SM Entertainment, HYBE, Woollim Entertainment, and WM Entertainment.

Yewon added that she was surprised at how quickly the industry had taken notice of her potential.Reflecting on the timing, she noted that this coincided with BigHit Entertainment’s rebranding to HYBE. After carefully researching the rosters of each label, Yewon ultimately decided to join Source Music under HYBE in 2021, believing it offered the best pathway for her growth as an artist.

Study-first discipline

Yewon emphasised she kept up with her academics alongside idol prep.

She said that she had to keep the balance as agencies began showing interest within weeks of her audition.

'Pookie' continues to top charts

FIFTY FIFTY's 'Pookie'-title track from the third mini album 'Day & Night'-continues to perform on streaming charts as comeback stages and social activations roll out. The EP was released on April 29, 2025, via Attrakt and features highlights centred on 'Pookie' and 'Midnight Special' across official channels and music platforms.

Stage outlook

Public performance cues indicate steady demand through festival lineups, with sets anchored by current material to extend reach into autumn.