The Ballad of Us Winner Lee Ye-ji to Drop New Single 'I Hate It' on July 6

By  Kang Sun-ae  | Jun 30, 2026

The Ballad of Us Winner Lee Ye-ji to Drop New Single 'I Hate It' on July 6
Lee Ye-jiLee Ye-ji, the winner of Korea's first-ever ballad audition program, SBS's The Ballad of Us, is set to release a new single.

Lee Ye-ji will unveil her new soul R&B track, "I Hate It," on July 6. This trendy song is expected to captivate listeners with its ability to provide a refreshing escape from the midsummer heat.
Lee Ye-ji (Photo courtesy of Getty Images Korea)
The teaser image revealed alongside the comeback announcement has also caught the eyes of music fans. The typography of the title "I Hate It," boldly inscribed over a landscape of canola flowers under a red sunset, creates a subtle sense of tension. In particular, the contrast between the warm visuals reminiscent of Lee Ye-ji's hometown, Jeju, and the sharp, piercing title "I Hate It" has sparked curiosity about the message behind the new song.

Since winning The Ballad of Us, Lee Ye-ji has appeared on various programs such as SBS's Mumu X Chacha Ubal Radio and MBC's The Firsts, where she made a lasting impression with her signature husky voice. She has proven her wide musical spectrum by mastering not only ballads but also pop and rock genres. Furthermore, she has solidified her status as a growing artist by connecting with audiences through the The Ballad of Us TOP12 national tour concert.

Having consistently filled the stage with her own unique color, Lee Ye-ji has now pulled out a new card: soul R&B. Attention is focused on what kind of synergy will be created when her unrivaled vocal tone and deepened emotions meet this new genre, marking a significant musical transformation for the artist.

[Photo courtesy of SM C&C]
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.