While many understand how much K-pop is expanding nowadays, fans are also overly familiar with its on-and-off phase.
This phase consists of artists taking a break from the industry due to personal reasons or circumstances out of their control, and the difficult feeling of indefinitely waiting for content is one that fans know all too well.
However, some artists managed to give fans hope by returning to the K-pop scene with their music, updates, or announcements.
Here are 6 K-pop artists who started fresh this 2023!
1. Former LOONA Chuu
Chuu had a rough break during the last few months of 2022. On November 25, 2022, agency BlockBerry Creative released a statement, declaring Chuu's removal from LOONA due to "abuse of power" and "violent language" towards a staff.
Throughout numerous disputes, Chuu finally won the lawsuit against BlockBerry Creative on August 17. The idol then signed under new agency ATRP and released her first mini album "Howl" on October 18, 2023.
2. Sandara Park
Dara is one of the most legendary idols out there in K-pop, evident in her captivating stage presence and longtime experience in the industry.
When 2NE1 disbanded on November 25, 2016, Dara continued promoting on her solo schedules until her departure from YG Entertainment on May 14, 2021, when her exclusive contract under the agency had expired.
However, the "Fire" singer decided to join ABYSS Company on September 1, and on July 12, Dara released her first digital EP "Sandara Park" and its title track "FESTIVAL."
3. Chungha
When it comes to solo artists, Chungha is a force to be reckoned with due to her being an all-rounder. The diva has made waves across the K-pop scene with her hits, as well as gained loving fans along the way.
On March 29, Chungha left MNH Entertainment following her contract expiration, and since then, fandom Byulharangs have been patiently waiting for the soloist's return.
On October 10, the wait was finally over, as Chungha has officially signed under agency MORE VISION, Jay Park's company.
4. Former NMIXX JINI
JINI left JYP Entertainment and NMIXX on December 9, and had fans waiting for her solo endeavors. Despite the overwhelming curiosity of online communities and fandoms as to why the withdrawal happened, it was still overshadowed by everyone's anticipation.
On April 14, it was reported that JINI had signed under her new agency UAP (United Artist Production). On October 11, the idol officially released her debut EP "An Iron Hand In A Velvet Glove" and title track "C'mon" (feat. Aminé).
5. BIGBANG Taeyang
On November 10, 2019, Taeyang was discharged from the military along with bandmate Daesung. This was followed by the next big news for Taeyang and his wife Min Hyo Rin, who both welcomed their first child and son, on December 6, 2021.
On April 25, Taeyang finally caught up in the K-pop industry and released his second EP "Down to Earth" with title track "Seed." The BIGBANG member also made buzz with his collab with BTS Jimin in "VIBE" and BLACKPINK Lisa in "Shoong!"
6. Former MOMOLAND Nancy
After her former group MOMOLAND disbanded on February 14, maknae Nancy signed an exclusive contract with UAP (United Artist Production) on September 12, joining labelmate JINI.
Which K-pop idols on the list do you miss the most? Do you know any other idols who started a new chapter this 2023? Let us know in the comments below!
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