Just because a group disbanded or a member departed doesn’t mean it’s the end of their career. Many have actually found success after debuting as solo artists, achieving multiple milestones and even starting their own companies.
For this list, we’re focusing on K-pop idols who have thrived as soloists after leaving their groups. Here are some of who made a name for themselves after their solo debut:
1. T.O.P (BIG BANG)
Let’s start with the most recent one. Due to his past controversy, T.O.P (탑) withdrew himself from BIG BANG to ensure that his members would not face further backlash from his mistake. He’s been keeping a relatively low profile over the years but his performance as Thanos in the second season of “Squid Game” was extremely well-received by international fans and proved that it was possible for him to slowly make his way back into the entertainment industry.
2. Jay Park (2PM)
Jay Park (박재범) left 2PM back in 2009 and returned to Seattle. After some time, the singer posted a cover of B.o.B’s “Nothin’ On You” which quickly went viral online, ultimately launching his solo career. He has since made a name for himself in the music industry and has even served as a judge on Asia’s Got Talent for 2 seasons.
3. CHUNG HA (I.O.I)
Shortly after I.O.I disbanded, CHUNG HA (김청하) made her solo debut with the release of her single “Why Don’t You Know” in 2017. Over the years, she has become one of the most established soloists in K-pop, releasing hit after hit such as “Gotta Go”, “Snapping”, and “I’m Ready”. Not only has she won numerous music awards, she is also recognised as one of the best dancers in the industry.
4. Jeon Somi (I.O.I)
Another fellow I.O.I member who found success after the group disbanded is Jeon Somi (에닉 소미 다우마). The idol signed with The Black Label and debuted as a soloist with the release of her single “Birthday” which earned her global recognition. The song was also featured in the trailer for “Nora From Queens” starring Awkwafina. Her 2023 single “Fast Forward” became her highest charting song so far peaking at the Top 10 in several charts.
5. Kim Jae Joong (TVXQ)
From 2003 to 2010, Kim Jae-joong (김재중) was the lead vocalist for TVXQ. After departing from the group, the idol has made a name for himself as a soloist. In 2023, he opened up his own record label named iNKODE agency but unlike his peers who opened up their own company, the singer only serves as the producer for newer idols under his label. Apart from that, he is also the host of his own YouTube show titled “J-Friends” where he interviews many of his idol friends.
6. HyunA (4Minute)
HyunA (김현아) may have faced significant backlash as of late, but before 4Minute disbanded, the singer made a major impact on the K-pop scene as a solo artist with the release of her single “Change”, featuring Beast’s Jun Hyung. Since then, she has won numerous music awards over the years for her work.
Her popularity soared when it was confirmed that she was dating then-boyfriend Dawn, who was a former member of PENTAGON. The two became one of the most popular celebrity couples in the Korean entertainment industry but sadly, that chapter of her story came to an end after 6 years of dating.
7. Dawn (PENTAGON)
Speaking of Dawn (던), he and HyunA’s contracts with Cube Entertainment were unfortunately terminated after the two were confirmed to be in a relationship. Due to this, he had no choice but to withdraw himself from PENTAGON. Just like his former girlfriend, Dawn has also achieved multiple milestones as a solo artist with the release of his single “Money” which entered the global music charts.
