Popular Female Idol’s Controversial Cover Art For New Single Triggers Outrage

i-dle‘s Yuqi is facing intense criticism online after the release of her latest single, but not because of the track itself. Instead, the cover art is what has sparked heavy backlash.

| @official_i_dle/X (formerly known as Twitter)

Rather than using one of the teaser concept images or a promotional photo, Yuqi’s team went with an illustrated cover. Fans quickly accused the design of being AI-generated, sparking debate about the growing use of artificial intelligence in the music industry, especially in K-Pop.

[🎧] 우기 (YUQI) 1st Single [Motivation]이 발매되었습니다.

🔗 https://t.co/G9dIVUobFV#아이들 #idle#우기 #YUQI#Motivation#MO pic.twitter.com/wPIw2mFdmf

— i-dle (아이들) (@official_i_dle) September 16, 2025

Many pointed out how unnecessary the choice seemed, especially for such a simple concept, arguing that hiring a real artist would have been more respectful and authentic. Fan artists even drew their own versions of the same drawing.

I wasn't going to be able to sleep if I didn't fix that.
REAL ART >>> AI #아이들 #idle #우기 #YUQI #MO #Motivation @official_i_dle pic.twitter.com/1RpUMHFI6b

— ꫂ ၴႅၴRuby🐼Pink Panda🍒 (@RubyPandaArts) September 17, 2025

real art over AI, always
~8h of work #아이들 #idle #우기 #YUQI #MO #Motivation pic.twitter.com/mK963o7IHe

— 채린 | chaerin* (@soojinrin) September 17, 2025

The backlash gained traction across social media, where fans questioned why an idol known for her creativity would be associated with what they view as low-effort AI art.

genuinely so disappointed that the digital cover for yuqi's single is ai. first of all, it's ugly. second of all, it's absolutely insulting to neverlands who are here for idle's self-made nature and creativity. is this what art has come to? #Motivation #MO @official_i_dle pic.twitter.com/uo4QSzrXHN

— lyn ♡'s gen 击 (@nevieglow) September 16, 2025

u needed ai for…. A photo of a blonde woman w blue eyes and sunglasses who looks nothing like yuqi okay https://t.co/NgCIjOyfyG

— ur oomf’s favourite oomf is at club icarus (@vivisona1) September 16, 2025

Some pointed at how the image doesn’t resemble Yuqi at all, while others criticized the mismatched colors and overall execution. The cover’s alleged AI origins have also led to discussions about environmental impact and the importance of supporting human artists in creative industries.

NEVERLAND CONDEMNS THE USE OF A.I. ART !!! CHANGE THE COVER OF YUQI "MOTIVATION" NOW !!! @cubeunited @official_i_dle pic.twitter.com/0FgMBnws1s

— neboBear ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ (@neboBear714) September 16, 2025

i just dont understand why fuckass 🟦 felt the need to use AI art for the cover when ANY one of the concept images would have literally looked miles better ????? it doesnt even look like yuqi nor does the color pink fit the tracklist. ugh. they better change it. https://t.co/nsWUVr3xJH pic.twitter.com/yOEc6fy5LW

— motivaSHUN 🌟 M.O. (@kuyayuqi) September 16, 2025

Despite the criticism, fans continue to praise the single itself, calling the track one of Yuqi’s best releases.

Still, the controversy over the artwork has overshadowed the song’s launch, leaving many listeners frustrated that a preventable choice has become the center of attention.