Idol groups have been one of the Korean pop (K-pop) industry’s backbones since its founding years. No matter which generation of performers welcomed you into the K-pop stan life, the thrill of supporting groups and going all-out for their comebacks will always bring communities together and help the genre thrive.
Every once in a while, though, individual K-pop artists grace our timelines and playlists to tell us that solo flights are worth the hype, too. The various paths they took in music and entertainment have evidently shaped their discographies.
Photo: TWICE, Jo Yuri/X
Most solo artists come from established K-pop groups, while others have been performing on their own since day one.
These five female K-pop artists are earning their stripes as well-rounded performers who aren’t afraid to maximize their creative freedom. No matter where their artistic pursuits take them, their fans will be in it for the long haul.
Chaeyoung of TWICE
K-pop superstars TWICE are on a roll this year, and member Chaeyoung’s debut as a solo artist is the group’s latest addition to their resounding success. On September 12, 2025, she released her debut album, LIL FANTASY Vol. 1, and it’s a masterclass in individuality.
Fans have always known Chaeyoung as one of TWICE’s most expressive members. She’s no stranger to experimentation and risks, as an idol who’s been in touch with her creativity since her trainee days. LIL FANTASY Vol. 1 brings all of Chaeyoung’s artistic pursuits to fruition, with nine tracks that add a touch of synth pop, alternative, and indie magic to her body of work.
In “SHOOT (Firecracker),” the album’s upbeat lead single, Chaeyoung takes us through her artsy wonderland with quirky and colorful scenes that best capture her growth as a singer-songwriter.
Dayoung of WJSN (Cosmic Girls)
Get in, ladies, we’re saving summer with Dayoung. Her original group, WJSN, hasn’t released any new music since 2022. It’s been a tough three years for the group’s fans, who are still waiting for news on the girls’ comeback.
On September 9, 2025, Dayoung stepped up to the challenge and said, “That changes now.” She ended the WJSN drought with her debut single, “Body,” and it’s everything we could’ve imagined in a K-pop summer anthem (even in the “ber” months).
“Body” is definitely going platinum on our playlists for all seasons. We can’t help but hope that Dayoung’s solo debut will usher in a long-overdue new era for the Cosmic Girls, too.
Jo Yuri
Before she joined the all-star cast of Squid Game seasons 2 and 3 as Jun-hee, Player 222, Jo Yuri made her mark as a notable artist in the K-pop industry. She took her first steps toward stardom on audition programs like Idol School and the highly successful Produce 48, where she debuted as the main vocalist of the 12-member girl group, IZ*ONE.
From there, Yuri blossomed into a multi-talented singer-songwriter and actress. Her latest single, “Farewell for Now!,” highlights her soul-stirring vocals in a pop-rock ballad that captures the bittersweet yet hopeful endings of our favorite coming-of-age films.
Yves
Ask any K-pop fan for a proper introduction to the industry’s emerging solo acts, and they’ll probably say Yves will be your best bet. Since 2024, she has been building an extensive discography and experimenting with various sub-genres that add depth to her signature dance-pop sound.
Yves’ latest EP, Soft Error, is hitting all the right notes and opening doors for her artistic journey. These include a collaboration with Brit-pop princess, PinkPantheress, on the EP’s lead single, “Soap.”
Chuu
Who doesn’t love the people’s princess of K-pop? As a mainstay of the vast K-pop limelight, Chuu has worn many hats. She has risen to prominence as a singer, actress, YouTuber, and recurring guest on popular South Korean variety shows (including the second season of The Devil’s Plan on Netflix). Her feel-good discography, however, proves that music is where her heart truly beats.
From bubbly, high-energy songs like “Strawberry Rush” to more laid-back tracks like “Kiss a Kitty” and “Only Cry In the Rain,” Chuu’s music beams with melodic serotonin boosts that effortlessly showcase her bubbly personality.
The K-pop scene is brimming with exceptional talent from their solo artists, who can perform and make music as passionately as the groups we stan. When you’re done getting to know these five K-pop stars, here are more new-generation female artists you can add to your playlists:
- Chungha
- Kwon Eunbi
- Bibi
- Lee Youngji
- Gyubin
- Yena
- Miyeon of i-dle
ALSO READ: TWICE Live in Bulacan 2025: Ticket Prices and Seat Plan Announced
Who are your favorite K-pop solo artists? Share your picks with us in the comments below!
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