Solo debuts of artists under the "Big 4" companies in South Korea are often a big deal among fans not only because of the singer but also for the quality of music that SM, JYP, YG and HYBE have been known for. But, outside these agencies are numerous masterpieces that also deserve to be in the spotlight.
So with that, here's a playlist of some of the solo debut tracks by artists under other entertainment labels, which may not be as popular as the "Big 4" but also create tunes that can also get stuck in your head.
10 K-pop Solo Debut Songs by MAMAMOO Hwasa, DAWN, AleXa, and More You Should Listen To
MAMAMOO Hwasa "Twit"
MAMAMOO member Hwasa made her solo debut back on Feb. 13, 2019 with the single "Twit." This song features trap beats with tropical elements and the idol's unique vocals complete the whole mood of the track.
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The Hwasa's "Twit" lyrics are about a person calling herself/himself a twit for failing to take care of a loved one. The MAMAMOO member took part in writing lyrics and composing the song.
When she guested on KBS 2TV's "Yoo Hee Yeol's Sketchbook," Hwasa revealed that "Twit" is based on her own love life.
Former CLC Sorn "Run"
Another K-pop solo debut song by a female artist on the list is "Run" by former CLC Sorn. Dropped on March 23, 2021, this pop song is entirely written in English and expresses supportive words for the people who continuously reach their dreams.
"Run" marks as Sorn's last music release under CUBE Entertainment and as a CLC member as she left the company and group on Nov. 16 of last year. At present, she is a soloist under Wild Entertainment Group.
UP10TION Wooseok "Red Moon"
UP10TION Wooseok (a former X1 member) dropped his first solo track "Red Moon" in May 2020. It serves as the title song of his first solo album "1ST DESIRE [GREED]."
Kim Wooseok participated in composing and writing the lyrics for "Red Moon," a track that has guitar sounds and heavy bass that make a sensual and tense vibe. The lyrics compare a mysterious love to a red moon.
AleXa "Bomb"
AleXa, an American singer based in South Korea, debuted as a soloist back in October 2019 with her first single "Bomb" under ZB Label. The female idol is known to be a former contestant in "Produce 48."
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This K-pop solo debut song, which was released both in Korean and English, is a powerful dance track that contains a combination of Afrobeat and dancehall. Its rock version, featuring the rock band Diablo, came out in December 2019.
DAWN "Money"
After leaving PENTAGON and CUBE Entertainment in November 2018, DAWN signed with PSY's P NATION and made his solo debut in November 2019.
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He dropped his first digital single "MONEY," which he wrote and composed with PSY. This track raises questions about the value of money.
Kim Chungha "Why Don't You Know"
One of the top female K-pop soloists at present, Kim Chungha released her first solo track "Why Don't You Know" in June 2017, five months after I.O.I's disbandment.
This K-pop solo debut song features rapper Nucksal and is a tropical house song that serves as the title track from her debut EP "Hands On Me." Kim Chungha's "Why Don't You Know" is about unrequited love.
Kang Daniel "What Are You Up To"
After WANNA ONE disbanded in 2018, Kang Daniel made his solo debut under his own agency KONNECT Entertainment in July 2019. He dropped his debut EP "Color on Me," which features the title song "What Are You Up To," which he wrote apart from the three songs in the album (excluding the intro).
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Highlighting the male idol's unique color, Kang Daniel's "What Are You Up To" contains lyrics that express interest and affection for someone.
WOODZ "Recipe"
WOODZ, also known as Cho Seungyoun of UNIQ and a former member of the project boy group X1, debuted as a soloist back in July 2016 before UNIQ went on an indefinite hiatus. He released his first single "Recipe" under his initial stage name Luizy.
WOODZ's "Recipe" is actually a collaboration single with his fellow "Show Me the Money 5" contestant Flowsik. He wrote the lyrics for the song alongside Flowsik, who became his friend throughout the competition.
(G)I-DLE Jeon Soyeon "BEAM BEAM"
Jeon Soyeon became the first (G)I-DLE member to release a K-pop solo debut song, titled "BEAM BEAM." This summer track serves as the title song for the female idol's first mini-album "Windy."
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Soyeon co-composed "BEAM BEAM" together with Kako and Pop Time, and also wrote the lyrics for it. Featuring hip hop and rock elements, this energetic song is about dealing with adulthood as it comes.
Wonho "Open Mind"
Like DAWN, iWonho also debuted as a solo artist after leaving his group, MONSTA X, in October 2019. He signed with Highline Entertainment and released his first solo album "Love Synonym Pt. 1: Right for Me" in August 2020.
The album's title track "Open Mind" is a song that Wonho wrote alongside Isran. It is an electronic pop song that is about a bold invitation to a "one-night stand."
Which of these K-pop solo debut songs do you find catchy?
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Written by Mhaliya Scott
