Jeon Soyeon’s ‘퇴사할게여’ Makes Headlines with Ex Homage… Tops Major Korean Music Charts

Jeon Soyeon’s solo track ‘퇴사할게여 (Narr. 기안84)’ is making headlines for its pre-approved homage to Ex and has topped major Korean music charts.

The title track from Jeon Soyeon’s first full-length album, ‘끝내주는 인생,’ ranked No. 1 on Melon TOP100 as of 8 a.m. on the 17th. It also topped Melon HOT100, Genie TOP200, Naver VIBE TOP100, and FLO’s all-ages chart, while placing second on Bugs’ real-time chart. As of the previous day, it ranked second on Melon, Genie, and Bugs’ daily charts and first on VIBE’s daily chart, while reaching No. 8 on Spotify Korea’s daily chart.

Released on the 7th, ‘퇴사할게여’ centers on office workers quitting their jobs and features realistic lyrics alongside a band sound. Its rankings rose particularly during commuting hours. After reaching No. 6 on Melon TOP100, No. 2 on Genie’s real-time and FLO charts, and No. 4 on Bugs’ real-time chart on the 15th, the song went on to top Melon. It is also continuing to gain attention across platforms, ranking fourth among YouTube Music’s weekly popular songs and second in KakaoTalk Profile Music.

Interest in the song grew after listeners noted similarities in its opening, vocal style, and band sound to Ex’s ‘잘 부탁드립니다,’ which won the grand prize at the 2005 MBC University Song Festival. On MBC’s ‘Radio Star’ on the 9th, Jeon Soyeon explained that she wanted to create Korean-style band music and had contacted Ex in advance to obtain permission to pay homage to their music. As it became clear that the similarities were intentional rather than coincidental, with elements incorporated out of respect for the original song, discussion surrounding the track expanded to include homage and collaboration.

A ‘퇴사할게여’ challenge featuring Lee Sang-mi, a former member of Ex, was also released. Through her social media, Lee revealed that the video was filmed in August, on Jeon Soyeon’s birthday, rather than after the controversy, confirming that the collaboration had been arranged in advance. Their joint content drew attention as a collaboration connecting the original song with the new release.

The song is also achieving success in Greater China. ‘끝내주는 인생,’ which includes ‘퇴사할게여,’ received QQ Music’s ‘Triple Gold’ certification, awarded when album sales exceed 750,000 yuan, and ranked No. 1 on the platform’s weekly comprehensive best-selling digital album chart.

Through her agency Cube Entertainment, Jeon Soyeon said, “I really can’t believe it reached No. 1. I’m grateful to everyone who loves my music, and I’m also grateful to Neverland. I’ll continue making music that provides a small breath of fresh air in many people’s lives.” Beginning with Chosun University on the 16th, Jeon Soyeon is appearing at university festivals and continuing various promotions, including music shows and digital content. Fans are also watching to see whether she will fulfill her promise to enjoy a vegetable buffet if the song topped Melon.