10 K-Pop Artists Who Recently Went Solo: Minnie, Yeji, Mark & More

K-pop is traditionally a group-focused genre propelled by an industry that thrives on the ability to train and debut the very best performers. It’s a space where boy bands and girl groups are not only cultivated, but also embraced and celebrated. These groups become more than genre sensations; in recent years, they have become some of music's most prominent figures.

While K-pop groups and their respective companies place significant emphasis on a cohesive identity, many K-pop idols break out as solo artists. These solo debuts are becoming increasingly common, and are an important means of exploring and expressing individuality beyond the collective.

Learn more: 8 Rookie K-Pop Acts To Watch In 2025: ARTMS, NEXZ, MEOVV & More

For most K-pop groups, the opportunity for members to go solo doesn’t usually happen until at least six or seven years into their career. During that time, their main priority is to cement their group’s popularity; once that status and fanbase have been well-established, certain members will start branching out into their respective solo endeavors.

Although idols from K-pop juggernauts like BTS and BLACKPINK have already gone solo and are now on their second or third releases, there are many other other artists who are making their first forays into solo stardom. As some of these idols tiptoe their way into the pool of their musical identity, others have already plunged into the deep end, allowing listeners to see and hear their true selves. Read on for 10 K-pop artists who have become soloists in the past 12 months and are ready to leave their mark.

NCT’s Jaehyun is a true romantic in every sense of the word, and it isn’t just because his birthday falls on a particularly romantic holiday. Fittingly, the 28-year-old has a strong relationship with soul and R&B. Having grown up listening to the likes of Babyface, Musiq Soulchild, among many others, Jaehyun has always seemed most comfortable when he can tap into the sentimental and sensual allure that comes with the genre.

After eight years as a member of NCT 127, Jaehyun made his official solo debut in August 2024 with the studio album J. Across seven tracks (and an additional English version of the lead single "Smoke"), Jaehyun proves why we desperately need more yearners in music. Nothing beats the stomach-churning butterflies of "Completely," a piano ballad where the singer vows to learn and love every bit of his partner from beginning to end — no shortcuts, no exceptions.

While each track explores different facets of soul and R&B, "Can’t Get You" is a fan favorite, even among other industry professionals. This four-minute number is particularly sophisticated in its use of jazz and features Babyface as co-producer — a feat for an artist’s debut album. It’s easy to get lost in the song's sleepy embrace, Jaehyun crooning over the percussion while a woman’s voice echoes his longing words.

Recently rebranded from (G)I-DLE to i-dle, the quintet has been unstoppable since their arrival on the K-pop scene in 2018. While all five women have gained popularity through acting, producing, or songwriting, Thai member and vocalist Minnie is the latest to launch her solo music career.

In January, Minnie revealed her debut EP, HER — a body of work meant to represent all the different sides of her artistry. In an interview, she explained, "It's a story I wrote while looking at myself from a third-person perspective. For the entire album, I became my own muse, thinking of myself as the artwork."

Over seven "dreamy, vivid, kitschy, and emotional" tracks — including two collaborations with i-dle bandmate Yuqi and fellow Thai singer TEN from NCT — Minnie experiments with funk, R&B, and ballads. Standouts include the hypnotic, trap-laden pre-release track "Blind Eyes Red and "Cherry Sky," a lush pop number about escaping reality into a dreamy void.

Until her next solo venture, you can catch Minnie and the rest of i-dle in their upcoming mini album on May 19.

Red Velvet may be known for their whimsical, smooth and, occasionally, cosmic sound, but its members' solo work has a broader orbit. Group leader Irene made her solo debut in November 2024 — about 10 years since her debut with Red Velvet — and imbues the group’s whimsical nature with a more ethereal approach.

Irene's eight-track debut EP, Like A Flower, encapsulates her elegant image and even offers an air of royalty. Although it was released in the fall, the EP gives off major spring vibes with songs like "Strawberry Silhouette," "Like A Flower," and "Winter Wish." Throughout, African rhythms, synth-pop, R&B, and dance-pop coexist without feeling out of step or clunky.

Since his debut with pop-rock band DAY6’ in 2015, Sungjin's strong, unique vocal tone has been easily recognizable. The group leader and guitarist made his solo debut in November 2024 with 30 — a title chosen based on how old he was when he finished working on the record.

Over 10 tracks, Sungjin reflects on his journey throughout his twenties over pop-rock and city pop-inspired elements. Title track "Check Pattern" is a beautiful rock ballad about rolling with the punches life throws our way, while Sungjin’s personal favorite, "You Wake Me Up," leans more pop-R&B and serves as a thank you letter to his fans (MYDAY) for being his strength during tough times.

During the album’s promotion, Sungjin held his first solo concerts at Kwangwoon University, and the album charted at No. 7 on South Korea’s Circle Album Chart.

Chanyeol's solo debut has been 12 years in the making. The EXO rapper and singer/songwriter finally made his solo debut with Black Out on Aug. 28, 2024.

Although his time in the spotlight was long overdue, Chanyeol always had the makings of a talented solo artist. Whether it was releasing music on Soundcloud, being featured on chart-topping OSTs, or dropping the random comforting single, Chanyeol has a reputation for versatility. Like a chameleon, he fits in just about everywhere.

For his long-awaited solo release, the 32-year-old tapped into his affinity for rock and hip-hop, trading in his usual K-pop image for something more indie-adjacent and homegrown. Considering he’s known to play at least three instruments, it only makes sense for Chanyeol’s first EP to live inside this wispy, yet energetic realm of his design. His discography is one to get blissfully lost in.

Like many of his bandmates, NCT’s Yuta has always had his own unique style, both aesthetically and in the music he gravitates towards. Debuting as the first Japanese artist in SM Entertainment and NCT 127 in 2016, Yuta’s roots have always been strongly influenced by J-rock and metal, including bands like One OK Rock, L'Arc-en-Ciel, and singer Miyavi. So it was no surprise when Yuta dropped his debut rock EP, Depth, in October 2024.

With topics such as breaking free from stereotypes, living for yourself, and overcoming growing pains, the 29-year-old spread his wings wider than ever on Depth. Yuta is a writer on all but one of the album's seven tracks, revealing how much of a hand he really had in the making of this project.

Lead single "Off the Mask" is as intense as it is euphoric, with the singer scratchily screaming to hammer home the message of showcasing his true self to the world — that he’s more than just one-eighth of a boy band. "Scream out / I feel freakin’ good / This is how I am," Yuta howls in its bridge. "Prisoner" similarly discusses freeing yourself from the suffocating weight of outside expectations. There’s no right or wrong answer for how a boy band member should act, dress, or sound, and Yuta is changing those expectations in real time.

One of 2025’s newest additions to the roster of K-pop soloists is Yeji of the girl group ITZY. Known for her captivating stage presence and dancing abilities, Yeji made her solo debut on March 10, 2025, with her EP, Air.

Air sees the singer fully embrace the positively overwhelming sensations she feels when she’s onstage. The dreamy synth-pop production of its lead single "Air" is immediately followed by three captivating tracks ("Invasion," "Can’t Slow Me, No," and "258") that venture into some of the most tantalizing electronica and dance-pop sounds K-pop has heard in a long while. If this debut is any indication, Yeji might definitely be the one to look out for.

TXT’s Beomgyu's first solo mixtape is also a notable entry in K-pop artists turned soloists. Following the solo debut of his bandmate Yeonjun, Beomgyu released his self-written track, "Panic," on March 27, 2025. While its angsty, soft-rock style doesn’t stray too far away from TXT’s discography, "Panic" offers a deeper look into Beomgyu’s mind.

"Panic" inspires listeners to rise from a dark world and move forward, despite the odds. The protagonist, alone in a quiet room and burdened by pain, eventually finds the courage to step into the light. The track reflects Beomgyu’s journey of finding solace through music during challenging times, something everyone can attest to at one point or another.

While it’s unclear what plans are ahead for Beomgyu’s solo career, this will most likely not be the last of TXT's solos to come.

Following big solo releases from TWICE members like Jihyo and Nayeon, the girl group’s youngest member, Tzuyu, surprised fans with her solo debut with aboutTZU in September 2024. Bringing elements of disco-pop and synth-pop, the EP delves into themes and sounds representing all aspects of Tzuyu, including how she’s transitioned from her bright persona to a more mature woman. Lead single "Run Away" is fit for the dance floor, with the 25-year-old offering a potential lover a chance to run away before entering a relationship with her.

The rest of the EP weaves between groovy basslines, funky R&B riffs, and heartfelt piano ballads to round out Tzuyu’s capabilities as an artist. Album standouts include the tropical "Losing Sleep" and the synth-heavy "Heartbreak In Heaven," featuring BTOB rapper Peniel in a track about a toxic relationship that may just be worth the risk. "Baby, I’ll be your heartbreak in heaven / Hurts like hell, but it’s worth every second," she sings in the hook.

AbouTZU debuted No. 3 on South Korea’s Circle Album Chart and No. 19 on the Billboard 200.

Known as the busiest man in K-pop, Mark’s solo debut has been a hot topic since the moment he uttered, "You do," in 2016. In his first year as a K-pop idol, Mark debuted three times in three different teams within the NCT umbrella: U, 127, and finally Dream.

The Korean Canadian debuted in yet another group in 2019 called SuperM. Marketed as "the Avengers of K-pop," SuperM was the culmination of seven of SM Entertainment’s most prized performers across four different groups: SHINee, EXO, NCT 127, and WayV. Through all of this, Mark has remained in the public eye and has gained immense respect from fans, casual listeners, and industry peers alike. To say his solo debut was one of the most anticipated releases in K-pop would be anything but an understatement.

Nearly a decade into his career, Mark released his debut album, The FirstFruit, on April 7. The debut is an autobiography in the form of music, detailing Mark’s birth, upbringing, and transition from normal kid to K-pop trainee to K-pop idol. Throughout the 13 tracks, there’s a clear story to the formative chapters that have molded Mark into the person he is today, and it’s rewarding to see it all come together in this perfectly curated package.

In its first week, The FirstFruit sold a total of 544,470 copies, according to Korea’s Hanteo chart, making Mark the first SM Entertainment artist to surpass 500,000 copies within a week of release.