When K-pop groups debut, they usually wait several years after entering the entertainment industry before venturing into individual projects. While some group members decide to challenge themselves with acting, others decide to showcase their own musical colors by making their solo debuts. At times, the member who debuts solo first is seen as the one who sets expectations for the other members' own solo debuts.
With that, here are some K-pop idols who were the first to debut as solo artists within their group!
1. Red Velvet Wendy
Red Velvet's main vocalist Wendy took a hiatus from activities after suffering an injury in December 2019. She celebrated her return by becoming the first Red Velvet member to make her solo debut on April 5, 2021, after seven years in the K-pop industry.
On that day, she dropped her first mini album, "Like Water," which contains five songs, including her double title tracks "When This Rain Stops" and "Like Water."
2. WINNER Song Mino
WINNER Song Mino
Four years after WINNER made their debut, the group's rapper Song Mino made his official solo debut on November 26, 2018, with his first studio album, "XX," which featured the title track "Fiancé."
Since making his solo debut, Song Mino released two more studio albums, the latest being "To Infinity."
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3. TWICE Nayeon
TWICE Nayeon
TWICE's lead vocalist became the first member of her group to make her solo debut. Nayeon officially debuted with her eponymous mini album "IM NAYEON," featuring her lead single "POP!," as well as collaborations with Stray Kids' Felix and Wonstein on June 24, 2022.
Nayeon's solo debut came after seven years of her promoting with TWICE.
4. SHINee Taemin
SHINee Taemin
Despite being the youngest member of SHINee, Taemin took the lead and was the first to make his solo debut among his fellow members. Taemin made his solo debut on August 18, 2014, with his mini album "Ace."
Since then, Taemin has released several hit solo songs, including "Move," "Criminal," "Idea," "Advice," and more.
5. EXO Lay
EXO Lay
Out of the nine EXO members, Lay was the first member to make his solo debut after being in the industry for more than four years.
In October 2016, Lay surprised fans with the release of the solo single "What U Need?" and, subsequently, his debut mini album "Lose Control." As a Chinese member, Lay released his solo songs in Mandarin.
6. BLACKPINK Jennie
BLACKPINK Jennie
Two years after BLACKPINK took the world by storm, Jennie officially made her solo debut in 2018. On November 12, 2018, the BLACKPINK member dropped her single entitled "SOLO," which saw immense domestic and international success.
Unfortunately, Jennie hasn't released another solo song since then.
Whose solo debut is your favorite?
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Written by Robyn Joan
