Given the exponential growth of K-pop to the global market, idol groups like BTS, BLACKPINK, SuperM, and More, who are venturing into the U.S. market are garnering favorable responses.
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While most of these artists are leaving incredible impressions as a group, there are actually members of K-pop groups who could own the same spotlight if they promote as solo artists in the U.S.
Forbes, a U.S. business magazine, then predicted five K-pop solo singers who could surely resound in the country this year.
Baekhyun, RM, J-Hope, Rosé, Wonho: Why Do Forbes Think these K-pop Solo Stars Could Break into America this 2021?
In particular, Forbes on February 5, Friday, posted a column titled highlighting five soloists who could enter the U.S. market this year. The article was written by Hugh McIntyre, a music journalist based in New York City.
McIntyre introduced K-pop solo singers who are likely to resonate in the U.S. in 2021, saying, "Unlike the U.S., most of the successful musicians in Korea are related to the group, but that doesn't mean their solo activities are less prominent."
The rationale was the Billboard chart rankings in the group and solo activities, and the expected timing of the song's release.
Also Read: 2021 is The Year of YG Entertainment Soloists, According to Korean Media Outlet
In the column, Wonho, a former MONSTA X member and now a budding solo singer, is the first artist to be mentioned. The journalist highlighted his great impression with his solo debut EP, "Love Synonym Pt.1: Right for Me," which met the Top Album chart upon release.
He explained, "Although he is no longer part of the team that made him famous in his home country, Wonho is moving toward the major stage."
Following Wonho, world-renowned BTS member J-Hope was remembered by the U.S. for being the first solo artist to reach the top 40 of "Billboard 200" -- one of the only five soloists who entered the rankings overall.
In addition to this, Hugh predicted, "There is a possibility that J-Hope will release a new song in 2021, and the result will be greater than the first one."
It was noted that in 2019, his solo track "Chicken Noodle Soup" ft. Becky G made its way in Billboard's "Hot 100."
Next is Rosé, widely known for being the main vocalist of BLACKPINK. Hugh said that BLACKPINK is currently very successful in the U.S., which is one of the factors that could help the soon to be a solo idol to break into America.
>>> See more: 6 Reasons Why BLACKPINK’s Rosé Is Basically The Perfect K-Pop Idol
It is expected that her upcoming solo debut release with receive remarkable results.
Moving on, EXO Baekhyun was listed by Forbes as a K-pop solo idol who could make it big in the U.S. as well. The journalist started by complimenting the singer's performance in the industry, saying, "In the K-pop industry, which requires a long time of work and effort, Baekhyun is probably the most productive musician."
He explained that aside from being an EXO member and the nonet's sub-unit member, Baekhyun is also the leader of the "K-Pop Avengers," SuperM.
However, these are not reasons for him to not stick the landing with his solo career because, during his last release, Baekhyun's solo songs ranked 71st and 53rd on the Billboard "Top Album Sales Chart," citing how the idol's solo is going smoothly.
Lastly, McIntyre named RM, the leader and main rapper of BTS, as one of the soloists who could break into America this 2021.
He conveyed his high expectation to the artist and said, "RM has achieved greater success in collaboration with other singers, and we will be able to do so in 2021."
The journalist added, "No matter what choice he makes as a solo in 2021, he will definitely establish himself as a star in the United States."
K-Pop Female Groups Who Could Break into America this 2021
Meanwhile, on Feb. 2, McIntyre has chosen the female groups as a counterpart of the list. According to him, ITZY, TWICE, LOONA, (G)I-DLE, and Red Velvet are the K-pop girl groups that can succeed in the U.S. this year.
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2021 Predicted To Be The Year of YG Soloists, By Korean Media Outlet
For the first half of the year, YG Entertainment already has a star-studded debut and comeback line-up. All of the artists that are expected to release music within the first half of the year are worldwide superstars who are active both in groups and as soloists and are able to attract a huge fan base with both their talents and visuals.
iKON member Bobby is the first idol to make his solo comeback this year. Bobby will be releasing his second full-length album "Lucky Man" on Jan. 25. This marks the idol's first comeback since his debut back in 2017 with "Love and Fall", meaning it has been about three years and four months since Bobby released music as a soloist.
Bobby has been well-loved in the industry for the various self-composed songs that he released in his first full-length album, "Love and Fall". Now, people are wondering how Bobby's musicality has grown throughout the past three years. Currently, YG Entertainment is in the process of releasing teasers, hyping up the idol's comeback,
WINNER's Yoon will also be returning as a soloist after being active as a member of his group. Yoon made headlines back in 2013 after debuting as a soloist with the song "It Rains" and "Wild and Young". Now, eight years later, Yoon will finally be returning to the stage as a soloist.
While Yoon has released solo songs through OSTs for dramas or through WINNER's albums, it has been eight years since he released an official solo release. Back in 2020, YG Entertainment announced Yoon would be releasing a full-length album and is preparing for it while still actively promoting with WINNER. They originally announced that the album would be released in the Fall of 2020, YG Entertainment announced that it was postponed due to Yoon's drama filming. It is now expected to be released within the first half of 2020.
Of course, this article would be incomplete if we did not mention the debuts from YG Entertainment that made headlines - the debuts of BLACKPINK Rosé and Lisa. YG Entertainment surprised fans when they confirmed both Rosé and Lisa are preparing for their solo albums. Back in 2020, YG Entertainment confirmed Rosé would be debuting as a soloist that year, but her debut ended up being postponed to give more time to work on the music.
Now, fans can expect both of the said BLACKPINK members to debut. According to reports, both members have already finished filming their solo debut music videos, meaning fans only need to wait for YG Entertainment to drop their debut schedule.
Jisoo is expected to debut as a soloist after she is done filming her drama "Snowdrop". Jennie debuted as a soloist back in 2018.
