9 K-Pop Idols Who Solo Debut After 7 Years of Group Career: Taeyong NCT - Jisoo BLACKPINK

Kapanlagi.com - Written by Delia Ervi Rahmawati

Becoming part of a K-Pop group is the dream of many people. In a group, they have fellow comrades in chasing their dreams and desired careers. In a group, they have to share singing parts, arrange dance formations, and so on. That's what makes them have good teamwork.

Being part of a group is indeed enjoyable, but it cannot be denied that many fans also want to see another side of their idols, namely when they sing with their own songs. Some fans are curious about the different charm that idols show when they become solo singers. Therefore, making a solo debut is also one of the dreams for idols and their fans.

Well, it turns out there are K-Pop idols who finally got the chance to debut after 7 years of being in their group. There's Taeyong from NCT and other idols, too. Curious about who they are? Let's check out the discussion below.

1. Taeyong NCT

Credit: instagram.com/taeoxo_nct

Taeyong is the leader of the boy group NCT. He was born on July 1, 1995 in Seoul, South Korea. He made his debut with NCT in 2016. In addition to being the leader, Taeyong also holds positions as the main rapper, main dancer, choreographer, composer, and songwriter. He has participated in writing several NCT songs such as NCT 127 - Amino Acid, NCT 127 - Skyscraper, NCT 127 - DJ, and many more. In 2019, Taeyong joined the project group formed by SM Entertainment, SuperM. Taeyong has also been a judge on the dance competition show STREET WOMAN FIGHTER which aired on Mnet.

After 7 years of being active with NCT, Taeyong finally made his debut as a solo singer in 2023. He debuted by releasing a mini album titled SHALALA on June 5, 2023. Taeyong's solo debut was enthusiastically welcomed by fans as he is the first member to officially debut as a solo artist. Moreover, many fans are excitedly awaiting Taeyong's solo debut because he participated in the creation of the songs in the album. Currently, Taeyong is preparing for his first comeback as a soloist with the mini album TAP which will be released on February 26, 2024.

2. Nayeon TWICE

Credit: instagram.com/nayeonyny

Nayeon is the oldest member of the girl group TWICE. She was born on September 22, 1995 in Seoul, South Korea. She participated in the survival show SIXTEEN and was selected as a member to debut with TWICE in 2015. Nayeon is one of the main vocalists in TWICE. Additionally, she has good dancing skills.

In 2022, Nayeon became the first member of TWICE to have the opportunity to make her solo debut. Nayeon debuted with the mini album IM NAYEON which was released on June 24, 2022. Nayeon's solo debut received a lot of praise from fans because the title track, Pop!, was considered to have an addictive melody. Additionally, the choreography of the song was praised for being unique and fun to imitate.

3. Chen EXO

Credit: x.com/weareoneEXO

Kim Jongdae or better known as Chen is one of the main vocalists of the boy group EXO. He was born on September 21, 1992 in Daejeon, South Korea. He made his debut as an idol in 2012. He is also a member of the sub-unit EXO-CBX along with Baekhyun and Xiumin. Chen has often sung OST songs from several famous dramas such as the song Best Luck, OST from the drama IT'S OKAY, THAT'S LOVE (2014) and the song titled Everytime, OST from the drama DESCENDANTS OF THE SUN (2016).

Although he has released many solo singles, he officially made his solo debut in 2019. He debuted solo with the mini album APRIL, AND A FLOWER which was officially released on April 1, 2019. Chen's solo debut received a good response from fans. Chen also made his first comeback in the same year with the mini album DEAR MY DEAR which was released on October 1, 2019.

4. Wendy Red Velvet

Credit: instagram.com/todayis_wendy

Wendy is the main vocal of the girl group Red Velvet. She was born on February 21, 1994. She made her debut with Red Velvet in 2014 under the management of SM Entertainment. Wendy is known for her excellent singing skills. In addition, she can also play several musical instruments such as piano and guitar.

After 7 years of her career, Wendy finally had the opportunity to debut as a soloist. She is the first member of Red Velvet to debut as a solo artist. She debuted by releasing a mini album LIKE WATER on April 5, 2021. Wendy's solo album was well received by fans because its design was considered unique and beautiful, using blue-colored flowers. Recently, Wendy announced her first solo comeback with the album WISH YOU HELL which is scheduled to be released on March 12, 2024.

5. Baekhyun EXO

Credit: instagram.com/baekhyunee_exo

Byun Baekhyun or better known as Baekhyun is one of the main vocalists of the boy group EXO. He was born on May 6, 1992 in Bucheon, South Korea. He debuted with EXO in 2012. Baekhyun is also a member of the sub-unit trio EXO-CBX. In addition, he is also the leader of the SM Entertainment project group called SuperM. Not only active as an idol, Baekhyun has also ventured into the acting world.

In 2019, Baekhyun finally followed Chen in making his solo debut. He made his solo debut with the mini album CITY LIGHTS which was released on July 10, 2019. With the title track titled UN Village, Baekhyun successfully amazed fans with his new charm as a solo singer. Not only that, many fans are increasingly amazed by Baekhyun's singing ability in performing this song.

6. Youngjae GOT7

Credit: instagram.com/333cyj333

Choi Youngjae or better known as Youngjae is the main vocal of the boy group GOT7. He was born on September 17, 1996 in Mokpo, South Korea. He made his debut as an idol with GOT7 in 2014. Youngjae is known for his powerful and beautiful voice when singing. He also has the ability to write songs. Not only that, he can also play musical instruments like the piano.

After 7 years of debut with GOT7, Youngjae finally made his solo debut in 2021. He debuted with the mini album COLORS FROM ARS which was officially released on October 5, 2021. This certainly received a great response from fans because many fans already knew Youngjae's great musical abilities. They have also been eagerly awaiting the moment when Youngjae could release his solo album.

7. Jisoo BLACKPINK

Credit: instagram.com/sooyaaa__

Jisoo is a member of the girl group BLACKPINK. She was born on January 3, 1995 in Gunpo, South Korea. Jisoo made her debut as an idol in 2016 with BLACKPINK. Before her debut, Jisoo had appeared in several music videos of other idols. Jisoo also has experience as an MC on music shows in 2017 with Jinyoung GOT7 and Doyoung NCT. In addition, Jisoo has ventured into the acting world and played the lead role in the drama SNOWDROP (2021).

Jisoo made her solo debut on March 31, 2023 by releasing the album ME. Jisoo's solo debut was very well received by fans. Jisoo is the last member of BLACKPINK to make a solo debut. Therefore, many fans are eagerly waiting for Jisoo to release her solo album. In addition, her song titled Flower has received a lot of attention and love from fans due to its easy listening music and unique choreography. The dance moves of this song went viral on social media.

8. HUTA BTOB

Credit: instagram.com/hutazone

Lee Minhyuk or better known as HUTA is a rapper from the boy group BTOB. He was born on November 29, 1990. He made his debut with BTOB in 2012. Despite being a rapper, HUTA has a very smooth voice when singing. HUTA is also known as an idol with good athletic abilities. He often wins sprint and high jump competitions in idol sports competitions. Not only that, HUTA has also starred in several Korean dramas.

In 2019, HUTA had the opportunity to make his solo debut. He debuted with the album HUTAZONE which was officially released on January 15, 2019. This album was released before HUTA joined the military service. HUTA's solo debut received positive responses from fans because HUTA was considered to have shown excellent and stable performance.

9. Kihyun Monsta X

Credit: instagram.com/yookihhh

Kihyun is the main vocalist of the boy group Monsta X. He was born on November 22, 1993 in Seoul, South Korea. He successfully debuted with Monsta X after participating in the survival show NO. MERCY in 2015. Kihyun has often sung for drama OSTs such as I've Got A Feeling and the drama OST SUSPICIOUS PARTNER. Kihyun is known for his stable singing ability even while performing difficult choreography.

After 7 years of career with his group, Kihyun finally made his debut as a solo singer. He debuted by releasing a single album titled VOYAGER on March 15, 2022. Many fans welcomed this solo debut with great enthusiasm. They can't wait to hear Kihyun's beautiful voice singing his own songs.

Those are some K-Pop idols who have successfully had the opportunity to debut as solo artists after 7 years of career with their groups. Pretty cool, right? Do you have any bias among them?

(kpl/del)