5 K-Pop Idols Predicted to Succeed in Solo Careers in America

Kapanlagi.com - It is not a new thing that the United States is the largest music market in the world. That status still remains until now. However, it is not easy for artists to penetrate the music market in Uncle Sam's country, especially if they come from outside of America. 

Nevertheless, this perception slowly changes along with the increasing number of K-Pop artists who are able to penetrate the American music market. Even though most K-Pop songs are in Korean, the huge fan interest has made several K-Pop artists, such as BTS and BLACKPINK, successfully dominate Billboard and win various prestigious music awards in America.

However, until now, there are still only a few solo K-Pop artists who can truly succeed in the American market. Music observers from Forbes have made an interesting prediction. If the following K-Pop artists make their solo debut or comeback, they are predicted to succeed in America. Who are they?

1. J-Hope BTS

credit: as tagged.

J-Hope BTS has never officially promoted as a solo artist. However, as one of the songwriters and producers of BTS, he has also released personal work in the form of a mixtape in 2018.

Interestingly, the mixtape titled Hope World has made history since its first release. Despite that, J-Hope released the mixtape for free for his fans.

Who would have thought that the mixtape would propel J-Hope as one of the solo K-Pop artists to debut on the prestigious Billboard 200 top 40 chart. In 2019, J-Hope once again released a solo single for free, Chicken Noodle Soup, which featured Becky G.

Thanks to that single, J-Hope became one of the solo K-Pop artists to break into the Billboard Hot 100. If J-Hope releases another mixtape or single this year, music observers predict that he could successfully penetrate the American market this year.

2. Wonho

credit via Highline Entertainment

Having experienced difficult times, Wonho slowly began to pursue his career again as a solo K-Pop artist. The former member of Monsta X is trying to prove himself that he can change and become a better person through his work.

His hard work has paid off. His debut single, OPEN MIND, received enthusiastic response from fans. Moreover, his first mini album, Love Synonym Pt.1: Right For Me, successfully entered the Billboard Top Album Sales chart in America.

If Wonho continues to work hard in music, music observers predict that he will succeed in the American market, considering his solo debut as a K-Pop artist has received positive response in the United States.

3. Baekhyun EXO

credit via twitter.com/weareoneEXO

It can be said that EXO and SuperM, besides BTS, are successful in penetrating the American market. All three groups have successfully entered and even topped the Billboard 200 chart. Baekhyun, who is a member of EXO and SuperM, has already gained popularity in America.

However, Baekhyun is not satisfied. With the popularity of the group that has made his name known, he continues to develop his career as a solo K-Pop artist. Fortunately, his promotion as a solo K-Pop artist has yielded great results.

From the mini albums City Light and Delight, Baekhyun has successfully made it onto the Billboard chart. For two consecutive years, Baekhyun has been able to enter the Billboard Top Album Sales, ranking 71 in 2019 with City Light. The following year, he achieved a higher ranking with Delight, debuting at number 53 on the same chart in 2020.

Baekhyun's solo career is predicted by music observers to be very promising. His career is expected to shine even brighter in the American market, with more and more musical works, such as his upcoming album set to be released on March 30, 2021.

4. Rose BLACKPINK

credit: as tagged.

BLACKPINK is currently one of the most successful K-Pop girl groups that has been able to penetrate the American music market. Especially their first album, THE ALBUM, was a huge success on the Billboard 200 chart, debuting at number 2. Not only that, several singles from the album also managed to stay in the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100.

Music observers consider this achievement as a good foundation for BLACKPINK members who want to pursue solo careers. The good news is, Rose will be the next BLACKPINK member to debut as a solo K-Pop artist, following Jennie.

Furthermore, the solo debut of Rose has been highly anticipated by fans. Even the teaser alone garnered millions of views on YouTube. Most recently, Rose, who is confirmed to debut on March 12, 2021, has achieved fantastic album pre-order numbers.

As predicted by music observers, when Rose's album is officially released, various records are expected to be broken, including the potential for success in the American market.

5. RM BTS

credit: as tagged.

Last but not least, the solo K-Pop artist on this list is RM BTS. Still recorded in the global memory, when RM suddenly released his second solo music work in the form of a mixtape, mono. The mixtape, which was released for free, successfully debuted at number 26 on the Billboard 200.

His achievements as a solo K-Pop artist continue to shine on the Billboard chart, even though he has not yet released a new mixtape. Indeed, besides being the main brain behind BTS, RM is also actively collaborating with a number of K-Pop and international artists.

Take, for example, Winter Flower, the result of his collaboration with Younha, which was released in 2020 and debuted at number 1 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales. RM appeared twice on the same chart, where his first song, a duet with American rapper Warren G, P.D.D debuted at number 9 in 2015.

By collaborating alone, RM is able to achieve various music records in America, so it is not surprising that music observers believe that if RM wants to release another mixtape, the opportunity for greater success in the American market is wide open.

Well, those are some of the K-Pop idols predicted to successfully penetrate the American music market by pursuing solo careers. Ultimately, all these predictions can be maximized with great support from the fans. So, continue to support your favorite K-Pop artists in their work, KLovers!

(kly/tmi)