Going Solo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo: 10 K-Pop Idols Who've Gone Solo

K-pop groups seem to be popping up on every corner nowadays, but some have been around long enough for member roles to evolve in different directions. Some groups develop subgroups, some add new members or rotate out, while other idols decide to pursue a solo career in addition to their group responsibilities in order to better showcase their personal style and flavor. If you’ve been looking to get more info on some of the best solo debuts out of K-pop groups, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite idols who have released their own music. 

• "UN Village" - Baekhyun (EXO)

EXO fans have been long awaiting solo releases from their favorite members, and Baekhyun is the second member to release his own music in 2019! "UN Village" is right up Baekhyun’s alley, and the R&B influence in this is strong with vocals to die for. It's an absolute must for all of your summer driving playlists, and we can see ourselves listening to it while working on homework during the upcoming school year.

• "Noir" - SUNMI (Wonder Girls)

The Wonder Girls had a great run, and thankfully, we don’t have to let go of them just yet! SUNMI made her solo debut while the group was still active, and has not slowed down after their disbandment. Her most recent release, "Noir," includes commentary on the dangers of social media addiction and placing idols on a pedestal. We love that she’s tackling important topics like this in a fun and creative way!

• "Twit" - Hwasa (MAMAMOO)
  

Hwasa of MAMAMOO has finally blessed us with the gift of a solo comeback! In "Twit," she shows off her incredible vocals and stage presence while embodying her usual sassy, boss lady attitude. We love how empowering this song is and can’t get enough of her unique musical style!

• ‘HIKIKOMORI’ - Bang Yongguk (B.A.P)

Fans were upset to find out that B.A.P’s Bang Yongguk would not be renewing his contract with the rest of the members in 2018. What they didn’t know at the time was that Yongguk was busy working on continuing his own solo career, which he began with the release of "AM 4:44" in 2015. Since then, he has released his self-titled album, which included the single “HIKIKOMORI." He recently released a new single, "Orange Drive," right before his military enlistment.

• "SOLO" - Jennie (BLACKPINK)

BLACKPINK has been taking the world by storm, and each of the girls are using the opportunity to showcase their own style with individual comebacks. Jennie started out the solo train with her appropriately-titled "SOLO." We cannot stop jamming out to this, and we can’t wait to see what the other girls have in store for us!

• "Move" - Taemin (SHINee)

If you haven’t heard Taemin’s "Move" at this point, you’re missing out! "Move" was an instant hit globally, with its addictive beat and mesmerizing choreography to go along. Taemin has proven to be a valuable player in the K-pop community, and we are always looking out for new music from him.

• "Soulmate" (feat. IU) - ZICO (BLOCK B)

While fans are still mourning the disbandment of boy group BLOCK B, don’t let it get you down too much! Several members are still busy with their own musical endeavors, including ZICO. This is one of our favorites, as it features the talent of IU. This is a great song to listen to as a pick me up or if you need something refreshing to wake you up in the morning!

• ‘BABE’ - HyunA (4MINUTE)

Although 4MINUTE is no longer together, we can continue to enjoy the music HyunA is putting out! While under CUBE Entertainment, HyunA released a huge variety of songs that we don’t think will ever get old. We can’t wait to see what she has in store for us as one of the first artists signed to PSY’s label, P NATION.

• "I" - Taeyeon (SNSD)

As a member of SNSD, Taeyeon has always been praised for her incredible vocals and raw talent. These traits are even more visible in her solo songs, especially in one of her most popular releases, "I." Set in beautiful New Zealand, the music video for "I" is sure to blow you away every time you see it. Taeyeon is still active as a solo artist, and we couldn’t be happier that she has found her own voice outside of SNSD. 

• "Teach You" - Tiffany Young (SNSD)

While Taeyeon is busy with her Korean releases, her fellow SNSD member Tiffany is off in the states working on her own solo career! Tiffany Young has released several English songs, and fans are loving being able to see Tiffany’s own style coming through with her original pieces! "Teach You" was Tiffany’s second US release and is a fun, catchy, upbeat track perfect for singing along with your friends on a road trip or at karaoke. Her latest single, "Magnetic Moon," was released August 1, 2019.

We hope this list has helped you build up your summer playlists with some familiar faces! Which idols are you hoping will go solo soon? Let us know in the comments below!

Cover Image: Jennie of BLACKPINK (YG Entertainment)
Written by Abby Kotar