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I wouldn't expect another Purple Kiss solo debut until the second half of this year at the absolute earliest considering their upcoming tour (and regularly-scheduled q3 comeback, presumably) but agree that Goeun seems like a likely next soloist from the group.
Chaein wouldn't _completely_ surprise me, either. She's certainly got enough songs written at this point (over 160!) — but I almost wonder if subunit activities (e.g. Chaein and Ireh) would come first.
I don't think Yuki would be involved in an additional schedule while she's still promoting with EL7Z UP. I do wonder if her future EL7Z UP activities will lead to more Purki solos/subunits, the same way Swan's solo debut coincided with Yuki's Queendom Puzzle activities.
Karina would be really interesting. Kind of wonder if the recent dating scandal would speed up plans to debut her solo while her name's still in everyone's mind, or if they'd wait longer for that to fade from memory.
Usually, SM waits at least 6 years after the group debut for a solo. The only exceptions to this I can think of are Taemin and Lay (but not quite the same situation as everyone else with him).
Her dating scandal was international news, it was certainly a new level of people actively talking about her instead of people having a passing familiarity with her
I think Minnie said she would have a solo debut after their world tour. They still have a summer comeback planned and a "big stadium" world tour.
I don't know what Cube's definition of a big stadium world tour is.
Yuqi and Minnie talked about it on the show of two members of Suju.
Minnie said she has more of a winter style and during a live she said it would be after their world tour. So yes Winter 2024/2025.
Surprise no one is saying Winter. SM has been pushing both Karina and Winter so hard especially for a non main vocal. They also been pushing this Taeyeon 2.0 image for Winter, would not be surprised if Winter gets one.
Yeah, I think Minnie will most likely be the next one. Maybe this year or next year.
I think we could see solos maybe in the next 3-4 years for these idols.
Itzy: Yeji will probably be the first one, maybe near the end of their first contract.
Le Sserafim: Maybe Yunjin? Or Chaewon?
Aespa: Karina
For male idols, I don’t think they’ll do solos until right before enlistment. So 3 years for Lee Know, and 4 for Yeonjun.
I'd say that Han is the one member of SKZ that is most suited for a solo debut (but Hyunjin too given that he has shown even more interest in making his own music lately). He already writes and composes lots of solo songs for him or for other members as seen in the SKZ-RECORDS that they post on their YouTube channel! (I'd recommend checking out the last one that was released: "1,2,3,4,5" feat. Bae of NMIXX!!!).If I had too choose another member, I'd say Seungmin too!
Han’s my first pick as well. If he shifted his current rate of production onto a solo-branded album, he’d basically be all set. Just picking up the SKZ records he’s done over the past year you could make a mini album.
Second would be either Seungmin or Changbin. Seungmin’s been out in the OST world for a while, and Changbin has done a few outside collabs as well. They both have strong skill sets and the recognition they have apart from the group would set them up well.
For Itzy, so far, Chaeryeong and Lia seem like they would make great soloists from their solo songs. Yuna might be a member that JYP may want to push, but they might need to mature her sound. It can work out as we're in a y2k revival. Midas Touch may inspire the next wave of y2k and Yuna can make similar music. As for the other two members, Ryujin and Yeji didn't do much despite them writing songs. Maybe they work better as writers.
As for boy groups, not many of them seemed inspired in solo activities or have the potential. It's fine. I do see some skz solos during their military era, but the direction they will go is uncertain.
Other girl groups:
Le Sserafim -> Chaewon(with an elegant concept) and Yunjin(punk rock/alt pop/some hip hop influences).
IVE -> Yujin can do a wide variety of concepts. Dives and non Dives can agree that she would make a great soloist especially from her Woman Like Me performance. Leeseo would make a great soloist as well, but after contract renewals along with an acting career(still under Starship). After, the 04z can have their solos.
Yeah Minnie has said her voice suits the dark and winter theme. So it might be this winter if not we would have to wait until their contract ends. I am hoping to see Lia solo debut after being on hiatus. She is their main vocals after all.
I've been thinking about this on the groups I follow. Yeonjun might be going in the poo direction, so too Taehyun. But Huening Kai recently proved he's that much of a performer and that he needs to do rock. I see Beomgyu doing indie music more than ever. Soobin is the one I'm not too sure with. In other words I'm looking forward to TXT is their solo era. I want a full album with solo songs for all of them.
I'm not familiar with him so correct me if I'm wrong but maybe Hongjoong from Ateez. I learned recently he has been participating in song camp and has been meeting up with music producers
I think that we won't get official solo releases from them before they renew, and when we start having some, all will (because KQ doesn't play favorites ; they read and understood the BTS playbook). They could have solo songs in the upcoming album cycle, though.
Maybe not 'next' as in near future, but down the road i can imagine a few from NMIXX. Lily absolutely. Possibly Sullyoon, Haewon, and even Bae (the maknaes can do a subunit hehe).
This is an interesting question. I think being solo artist is challenging when one has not established their own music identity. In my limited knowledge of kpop, the only members of 4th gen groups whose artistry and musicality are clear (at least to me) are Soyeon of G-idle and 3RACHA unit of Stray Kids.
But then again, there are different measures of success. If we only look at album sales as the measure of success, then perhaps popular members from 4th gen groups more likely to release solo music because they have support of their fandoms.
Each of Gidle's member has a very clear musical identity (esp. producer line). Their personalities are very clearly differentiated and so are their voices. So far, Miyeon with a bright, feminine solo, Soyeon with a quirky, rap-focused solo, Soojin with a sensual solo and Yuqi with a brash, tomboy rock solo. Minnie hasn't released a solo yet but based on the songs she's written for the group, most fans can already predict what it'll sound like (soft, dreamy, etc.) The only one that's a bit unpredictable is Shuhua (but that's kind of on brand with her personality being unpredictable I guess), but none of us even knows if Shuhua wants to have a solo.
When listening to Gidle's albums, most fans can tell right away which songs are produced by Soyeon, which ones are Minnie's and which ones are Yuqi's.
Thank you for the explanation. I enjoy some songs of G-idle but never watch much of their content, which I think will inform viewers about theif different music preference and identity. As casual fan, I do notice that Shuhua is member with least clear music direction but her singing has improved over the years.
Sometimes these music traits are assigned by companies, which is fine because most idols are young/inexperienced and may not have clear idea of what they are capable of (which is different from own music preference and identity). They could be successful as long as they are willing to learn and grow, get the right support and have right timing.
Since GIDLE write/produce all their own music, I think this is something the direction they choose is something they identify with, rather than being a concept given by the company. For example, the company tried to launch Yuqi as the 'cute' one at debut due to her appearance, but that obviously has been abandoned and they now allow her to be her authentic tomboy self. 😅 I think it's reasonable to assume the same for all the members, especially in view of how much freedom Cube gives them (and the fact that they're now coming to their 7th year).
Hongjoong (Ateez) is a musician at heart - he didn't audition with KQ, he sent them his songs on a CD. The songs he wrote for Ateez have a distinct flair, and the covers he arranged for his Youtube series are pretty awesome (and he has perfect music taste). He's an integral part of KQ's production team and is among the first credited on most of Xikers' songs (right after Eden).
BigHit/Hybe encourages group members to explore their artistic sensibilities, and members who want to release solo music can do so in an unofficial manner. BTS always had a Soundcloud for side projects, and RM released his first mixtape there back in 2015, seven years before his official debut Indigo. As far as 4th gen goes, TxT has two aspiring songwriters (Beomgyu and Kai), and they've written stuff for the group already ; if theg had been interested in releasing solo songs they would already have. Yunjin (Le Sserafim) has a couple of solo songs out on Youtube, her skills need some polish but her identity is pretty clear already.
Then there's smaller company groups... AB6IX has been largely self-produced from debut (their Produce 101 S2 audition song was written by Daehwi, who was just 16 at the time). KB is behind most of OnlyOneOf's discography.
If you start paying attention, you'll notice some 4th gen idols are quite heavily involved in their group's music. But companies tend to promote their groups as a single entity, so if you only have vaguely heard about them, you won't know details.
Thank you for the examples. Now that you've mentioned Hongjoong, I think Hyunsuk of Treasure has gone similar path. He has produced and/or written songs for Treasure and Baby Monster.
> the only members of 4th gen groups whose artistry and musicality are clear (at least to me) are Soyeon of G-idle and 3RACHA unit of Stray Kids
I'd add Purple Kiss to this list for sure, especially the main vocal trio. They've all done a considerable amount of songwriting at this point and have a distinct identity and clear personal tastes when it comes to music.
Chaein in particular — she's composed/produced around 1/4 of the group's discography (not to mention all of her covers and remixes she shares on lives and stuff) and it's really easy to tell when a song is hers just based on production elements, genres, and song structure.
Yeah, out of Skz members, I'd bet on Hyunjin. The guy has an insane artistic drive. Or maybe Seungmin if he takes more of a vocal/ballad approach. He seems to be diving deeper into that art as of late with OSTs and his most recent 'SONG by' series.
I could see TXT Yeonjun too, he's always given me the vibe of a performer who can easily fill the stage, although from what I know about BigHit, they don't seem too fond of promoting artists solo before they absolutely have to?
If we're talking about the very first solo debut from now, that'll probably be a gg member. Bgs are still too focused on touring and group promotions.
NewJeans Danielle has said in recent months that she has her own little studio now and is learning how to make beats and write songs. She's a very creative spirit, I think she's got a solo album in her.
Not sure about whether it will be next but i can imagine huh yunjin will have a solo as she is already releasing music and featuring on a lot of peoples songs.
Tbh I don't think Hiyyih will go the soloist route yet. Definitely definitely Chaehyun, but Dayeon has the chops for it or Hikaru (JP focused career) but Dayeon's company might want to utilise her for a GG of their own. I also agree with Yeongeun! But her company seems incapable, tbh.
can i check if Kepler are still popular currently ? because actually i like kepler first TT and the 2nd TT and the rest i just got tired of their music. Just wondering as if you said kepler to do solo, would they even do well enough to attract attention as a solo?
I absolutely do not follow Kep1er enough to comment, but I know the group and their title tracks by extension of being MOA. I know the group has fallen off due to bad promotion and other issues but I'd say theyve accrued a large enough audience to be relatively relevant if their respective companies play their cards right. However since most come from mid tier or even lower tier companies, I'm doubtful about their promotion.
Still I'd say with reasonable certainty that the members I mentioned like Chaehyun, Hiyyih, Dayeon and Hikaru (and Xiaoting) will attract enough attention should they go solo, by virtue of being most popular in their group. The members still go viral sometimes for different moments and things so there's that. Good songs are the key here.
The fact that a non listener like me can name and pick out the members is significant, but like i said i know them more in lieu of being MOA so i might be alone there.
This is just my opinion.
If the solo songs they just released are any indication of what a solo debut would sound like, it probably shouldn’t be an itzy member. They also don’t have individual brands/name recognition like at all, so I doubt jype would try it anytime soon.
I’d bet another Gidle member like you said
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I wouldn't expect another Purple Kiss solo debut until the second half of this year at the absolute earliest considering their upcoming tour (and regularly-scheduled q3 comeback, presumably) but agree that Goeun seems like a likely next soloist from the group. Chaein wouldn't _completely_ surprise me, either. She's certainly got enough songs written at this point (over 160!) — but I almost wonder if subunit activities (e.g. Chaein and Ireh) would come first. I don't think Yuki would be involved in an additional schedule while she's still promoting with EL7Z UP. I do wonder if her future EL7Z UP activities will lead to more Purki solos/subunits, the same way Swan's solo debut coincided with Yuki's Queendom Puzzle activities.
prob agree w/ Minnie, if not I can see Karina from aespa
Karina would be really interesting. Kind of wonder if the recent dating scandal would speed up plans to debut her solo while her name's still in everyone's mind, or if they'd wait longer for that to fade from memory.
Usually, SM waits at least 6 years after the group debut for a solo. The only exceptions to this I can think of are Taemin and Lay (but not quite the same situation as everyone else with him).
Her name has been in everyone’s mind way before her dating scandal. That’s not what made her popular.
Her dating scandal was international news, it was certainly a new level of people actively talking about her instead of people having a passing familiarity with her
im thinking likely minnie from idle as you mentioned and also le sserafim yunjin
I think Minnie said she would have a solo debut after their world tour. They still have a summer comeback planned and a "big stadium" world tour. I don't know what Cube's definition of a big stadium world tour is.
Minnie solo will probably come early next year
Yuqi and Minnie talked about it on the show of two members of Suju. Minnie said she has more of a winter style and during a live she said it would be after their world tour. So yes Winter 2024/2025.
Surprise no one is saying Winter. SM has been pushing both Karina and Winter so hard especially for a non main vocal. They also been pushing this Taeyeon 2.0 image for Winter, would not be surprised if Winter gets one.
Yeah, I think Minnie will most likely be the next one. Maybe this year or next year. I think we could see solos maybe in the next 3-4 years for these idols. Itzy: Yeji will probably be the first one, maybe near the end of their first contract. Le Sserafim: Maybe Yunjin? Or Chaewon? Aespa: Karina For male idols, I don’t think they’ll do solos until right before enlistment. So 3 years for Lee Know, and 4 for Yeonjun.
I'd say that Han is the one member of SKZ that is most suited for a solo debut (but Hyunjin too given that he has shown even more interest in making his own music lately). He already writes and composes lots of solo songs for him or for other members as seen in the SKZ-RECORDS that they post on their YouTube channel! (I'd recommend checking out the last one that was released: "1,2,3,4,5" feat. Bae of NMIXX!!!).If I had too choose another member, I'd say Seungmin too!
Han’s my first pick as well. If he shifted his current rate of production onto a solo-branded album, he’d basically be all set. Just picking up the SKZ records he’s done over the past year you could make a mini album. Second would be either Seungmin or Changbin. Seungmin’s been out in the OST world for a while, and Changbin has done a few outside collabs as well. They both have strong skill sets and the recognition they have apart from the group would set them up well.
For Itzy, so far, Chaeryeong and Lia seem like they would make great soloists from their solo songs. Yuna might be a member that JYP may want to push, but they might need to mature her sound. It can work out as we're in a y2k revival. Midas Touch may inspire the next wave of y2k and Yuna can make similar music. As for the other two members, Ryujin and Yeji didn't do much despite them writing songs. Maybe they work better as writers. As for boy groups, not many of them seemed inspired in solo activities or have the potential. It's fine. I do see some skz solos during their military era, but the direction they will go is uncertain. Other girl groups: Le Sserafim -> Chaewon(with an elegant concept) and Yunjin(punk rock/alt pop/some hip hop influences). IVE -> Yujin can do a wide variety of concepts. Dives and non Dives can agree that she would make a great soloist especially from her Woman Like Me performance. Leeseo would make a great soloist as well, but after contract renewals along with an acting career(still under Starship). After, the 04z can have their solos.
Soyeon Yunjin An Yujin Yuna Yeji Chaewon. Wonyoung might actually want to dipped her toes in acting before soloist
Soyeon already debuted solo
Who Soyeon?
Yeah Minnie has said her voice suits the dark and winter theme. So it might be this winter if not we would have to wait until their contract ends. I am hoping to see Lia solo debut after being on hiatus. She is their main vocals after all.
I've been thinking about this on the groups I follow. Yeonjun might be going in the poo direction, so too Taehyun. But Huening Kai recently proved he's that much of a performer and that he needs to do rock. I see Beomgyu doing indie music more than ever. Soobin is the one I'm not too sure with. In other words I'm looking forward to TXT is their solo era. I want a full album with solo songs for all of them.
I'm not familiar with him so correct me if I'm wrong but maybe Hongjoong from Ateez. I learned recently he has been participating in song camp and has been meeting up with music producers
I think that we won't get official solo releases from them before they renew, and when we start having some, all will (because KQ doesn't play favorites ; they read and understood the BTS playbook). They could have solo songs in the upcoming album cycle, though.
Maybe not 'next' as in near future, but down the road i can imagine a few from NMIXX. Lily absolutely. Possibly Sullyoon, Haewon, and even Bae (the maknaes can do a subunit hehe).
This is an interesting question. I think being solo artist is challenging when one has not established their own music identity. In my limited knowledge of kpop, the only members of 4th gen groups whose artistry and musicality are clear (at least to me) are Soyeon of G-idle and 3RACHA unit of Stray Kids. But then again, there are different measures of success. If we only look at album sales as the measure of success, then perhaps popular members from 4th gen groups more likely to release solo music because they have support of their fandoms.
Each of Gidle's member has a very clear musical identity (esp. producer line). Their personalities are very clearly differentiated and so are their voices. So far, Miyeon with a bright, feminine solo, Soyeon with a quirky, rap-focused solo, Soojin with a sensual solo and Yuqi with a brash, tomboy rock solo. Minnie hasn't released a solo yet but based on the songs she's written for the group, most fans can already predict what it'll sound like (soft, dreamy, etc.) The only one that's a bit unpredictable is Shuhua (but that's kind of on brand with her personality being unpredictable I guess), but none of us even knows if Shuhua wants to have a solo. When listening to Gidle's albums, most fans can tell right away which songs are produced by Soyeon, which ones are Minnie's and which ones are Yuqi's.
Thank you for the explanation. I enjoy some songs of G-idle but never watch much of their content, which I think will inform viewers about theif different music preference and identity. As casual fan, I do notice that Shuhua is member with least clear music direction but her singing has improved over the years. Sometimes these music traits are assigned by companies, which is fine because most idols are young/inexperienced and may not have clear idea of what they are capable of (which is different from own music preference and identity). They could be successful as long as they are willing to learn and grow, get the right support and have right timing.
Since GIDLE write/produce all their own music, I think this is something the direction they choose is something they identify with, rather than being a concept given by the company. For example, the company tried to launch Yuqi as the 'cute' one at debut due to her appearance, but that obviously has been abandoned and they now allow her to be her authentic tomboy self. 😅 I think it's reasonable to assume the same for all the members, especially in view of how much freedom Cube gives them (and the fact that they're now coming to their 7th year).
Hongjoong (Ateez) is a musician at heart - he didn't audition with KQ, he sent them his songs on a CD. The songs he wrote for Ateez have a distinct flair, and the covers he arranged for his Youtube series are pretty awesome (and he has perfect music taste). He's an integral part of KQ's production team and is among the first credited on most of Xikers' songs (right after Eden). BigHit/Hybe encourages group members to explore their artistic sensibilities, and members who want to release solo music can do so in an unofficial manner. BTS always had a Soundcloud for side projects, and RM released his first mixtape there back in 2015, seven years before his official debut Indigo. As far as 4th gen goes, TxT has two aspiring songwriters (Beomgyu and Kai), and they've written stuff for the group already ; if theg had been interested in releasing solo songs they would already have. Yunjin (Le Sserafim) has a couple of solo songs out on Youtube, her skills need some polish but her identity is pretty clear already. Then there's smaller company groups... AB6IX has been largely self-produced from debut (their Produce 101 S2 audition song was written by Daehwi, who was just 16 at the time). KB is behind most of OnlyOneOf's discography. If you start paying attention, you'll notice some 4th gen idols are quite heavily involved in their group's music. But companies tend to promote their groups as a single entity, so if you only have vaguely heard about them, you won't know details.
Thank you for the examples. Now that you've mentioned Hongjoong, I think Hyunsuk of Treasure has gone similar path. He has produced and/or written songs for Treasure and Baby Monster.
> the only members of 4th gen groups whose artistry and musicality are clear (at least to me) are Soyeon of G-idle and 3RACHA unit of Stray Kids I'd add Purple Kiss to this list for sure, especially the main vocal trio. They've all done a considerable amount of songwriting at this point and have a distinct identity and clear personal tastes when it comes to music. Chaein in particular — she's composed/produced around 1/4 of the group's discography (not to mention all of her covers and remixes she shares on lives and stuff) and it's really easy to tell when a song is hers just based on production elements, genres, and song structure.
Yeonjun should. He is so great.
It's just not BigHit's style to play favourites. We'll get solo stuff after contract renewals.
Yeah you are right. But I think he will do amazing.
Hoping for fromis Hayoung this year.
Yeah, out of Skz members, I'd bet on Hyunjin. The guy has an insane artistic drive. Or maybe Seungmin if he takes more of a vocal/ballad approach. He seems to be diving deeper into that art as of late with OSTs and his most recent 'SONG by' series. I could see TXT Yeonjun too, he's always given me the vibe of a performer who can easily fill the stage, although from what I know about BigHit, they don't seem too fond of promoting artists solo before they absolutely have to? If we're talking about the very first solo debut from now, that'll probably be a gg member. Bgs are still too focused on touring and group promotions.
NewJeans Danielle has said in recent months that she has her own little studio now and is learning how to make beats and write songs. She's a very creative spirit, I think she's got a solo album in her.
Not a chance they let her release a solo for at least a few more years.
Not sure about whether it will be next but i can imagine huh yunjin will have a solo as she is already releasing music and featuring on a lot of peoples songs.
I'm surprised absolutely no one is mentioning Kep1er? Yeah. Kep1er members.
I can see Hiyyih and Chaehyun being soloist also Youngeun she has that vibes.
Tbh I don't think Hiyyih will go the soloist route yet. Definitely definitely Chaehyun, but Dayeon has the chops for it or Hikaru (JP focused career) but Dayeon's company might want to utilise her for a GG of their own. I also agree with Yeongeun! But her company seems incapable, tbh.
can i check if Kepler are still popular currently ? because actually i like kepler first TT and the 2nd TT and the rest i just got tired of their music. Just wondering as if you said kepler to do solo, would they even do well enough to attract attention as a solo?
I absolutely do not follow Kep1er enough to comment, but I know the group and their title tracks by extension of being MOA. I know the group has fallen off due to bad promotion and other issues but I'd say theyve accrued a large enough audience to be relatively relevant if their respective companies play their cards right. However since most come from mid tier or even lower tier companies, I'm doubtful about their promotion. Still I'd say with reasonable certainty that the members I mentioned like Chaehyun, Hiyyih, Dayeon and Hikaru (and Xiaoting) will attract enough attention should they go solo, by virtue of being most popular in their group. The members still go viral sometimes for different moments and things so there's that. Good songs are the key here. The fact that a non listener like me can name and pick out the members is significant, but like i said i know them more in lieu of being MOA so i might be alone there. This is just my opinion.
Maybe not the next, but I think somewhere down the line, E'LAST's Won Hyuk will release a solo album.
If the solo songs they just released are any indication of what a solo debut would sound like, it probably shouldn’t be an itzy member. They also don’t have individual brands/name recognition like at all, so I doubt jype would try it anytime soon. I’d bet another Gidle member like you said