Although idol groups dominate the K-pop industry, there are plenty of talented K-pop soloists who are topping the charts. Let's shine the spotlight on some of the best solo artists in K-pop right now!
It's impossible to have a list of the top Korean solo artists without mentioning singer-songwriter IU. Other popular solo artists include group members with their own solo careers like Suga from BTS or Hwasa from Mamamoo. Meanwhile, singers like Blackpink's Jisoo are making their much-anticipated solo debut in 2023.
Who are the best K-pop solo artists of 2023? Vote up your faves, and check back throughout the year as we add new solo artists and 2023 music releases to the list.
ARMY were ecstatic when they learned that the BTS members would all be receiving their own solo promotions, and in March of 2023, Jimin released his first album titled FACE.
“Like Crazy” serves as the album's title track, but a music video for the song “Set Me Free Pt.2” was also released.
Although Suga plans to enlist in the military in 2023, it's rumored that the BTS rapper won't leave without saying goodbye first. ARMY speculates that Suga will make his solo comeback in 2023 before enlisting since Jin, J-Hope, and RM released solo projects during BTS' hiatus.
Suga will also be the first BTS member to go on a solo tour which began in April. The tour will continued until June, hitting multiple stops in the USA and Asia.
J-Hope was the first BTS member to release a solo album, with Jack in the Box dropping in July 2022. He had a lot of notable solo work before his first album including mixtape “Daydream”, and his song “Chicken Noodle Soup” with Becky G.
As for 2023, J-Hope released the track “On the Street” with rapper J. Cole in March. In April of 2023 he officially began his mandatory enlistment into the South Korean military.
V wass the last member of BTS to make his solo debut, but his album garnered just as much praise as his bandmates'. V's career started off as BTS' lead vocalist in 2016 and his first solo album Layover released on September 8, 2023.
MVs for his songs “Love Me Again” and “Rainy Days” released before the album, but “Slow Dancing” is his debut title track. We look forward to more great music from soloist V in the future!
The youngest member of BTS made his solo splash into the K-pop industry with the hit summer song, “SEVEN” featuring American rapper Latto. The song has garnered multiple wins across music shows including a triple crown on M! Countdown.
While his plans for the rest of 2023 haven't been announced, we hope to hear new music from Jungkook soon!
Famously known in South Korea as the “Nation's Sweetheart”, IU is K-pop's most popular solo artist of all time - and there's really no debate. She's been topping music charts with every album release since her debut in 2008.
Although nothing official has been announced yet, IU hinted that she will be more active in 2023. Does she mean a possible comeback? We hope so!
