Yuqi from popular K-pop girl group I-dle has taken on a producer role for Cube Entertainment's rookie boy group NOWZ, marking a significant milestone in her expanding creative portfolio.
The 25-year-old Chinese singer-songwriter officially joined the production team for NOWZ's pre-release single "Fly Freely," which was released on Tuesday.
NOWZ, formerly known as NOWADAYS, consists of five members: Hyunbin, Yoon, Yeonwoo, Jinhyuk, and Siyoon. The group underwent a strategic rebranding in June 2025, changing its name to establish a fresh identity and present new possibilities as it aims to become a trending group. The name NOWZ combines "NOW," representing the present moment, with "Z," symbolizing expanded possibilities and new beginnings.
Yuqi's involvement with NOWZ goes beyond the typical senior-junior mentorship within the same entertainment company. She also participated in writing lyrics, composing, producing, and featuring on "Fly Freely," providing comprehensive support for her junior colleagues. The collaboration represents a pop genre song characterized by an addictive guitar riff sound.
The partnership follows the I-dle member's established track record as a producer and songwriter. She has previously contributed to her group's tracks including "LOST," "GIANT," and "Love Tease," and played a major role in her first solo mini-album "YUQ1," earning credits on all five songs including the title track.
Her production skills have been recognized through her work on various I-dle albums, where she has consistently participated in songwriting and composition alongside primary songwriter Soyeon.
NOWZ originally debuted on April 2, 2024, with its first single album "NOWADAYS". Since then, the group has released several digital singles including "Rainy Day (2024 Remake ver.)," "NOWHERE," and "Let's Get It".
Despite being relatively new to the industry, NOWZ has already garnered widespread recognition, winning the IS Rookie Award at the 2024 Korea Grand Music Awards and the Blooming Star Award at the 32nd Anniversary Hanteo Music Awards 2024.
The collaboration between NOWZ and Yuqi also includes a music video that conveys themes of wandering youth, featuring excellent cinematics and a storyline reminiscent of youth films. Yuqi made a special appearance in the music video teaser, drawing attention from global fans. This partnership represents Cube Entertainment's strategy to leverage the success of its established artists to support emerging talent within the company roster.
