People Select Best Male Idol Soloists in K-pop History: BIGBANG GD, EXO Baekhyun, MORE

In online communities, K-Netz and netters selected K-pop idols who they think were successful soloists as well.

In K-pop, groups usually assign a certain position to each member in the field that they are capable of the most. There are main vocals, dancers, rappers and visuals. With this, the team can support the areas that the other members were lacking.

However, solo artists have to do it all, earning great respect and approval from K-Netz. Although there are a lot of soloists who debuted from the first-gen to the fourth-gen era, people think that THESE stars are the greatest of them all.

1. EXO Baekhyun

(Photo : Facebook: EXO)
EXO Baekhyun

According to netters, EXO Baekhyun is one of the male idols that comes first on their minds when saying, “best solo artist.”

In 2019, Baekhyun released his first EP, “City Light,” which became the best-selling solo album in South Korea in the 2010s after selling over 550k copies. Aside from his album sales, Baekhyun also dominated the charts with his succeeding releases, such as “Bambi,” “Candy” and more.

Fans claimed that some of the reasons he’s the success were due to his quality vocals and releases, impressive dance skills and awesome personality that earned him a strong fandom.

2.BIGBANG G-Dragon

(Photo : Instagram: @xxxibgdrgn)
G-Dragon 

Although GD is yet to release his new album in six years, the male idol remained one of the most iconic in the K-pop scene. Since he debuted as a soloist in 2009, he rose as the best-selling Korean soloist at the time.

His music recognition around the world also played a big role to pave the way in the international market, leaving a huge impact not only in the music field but in fashion culture as well.

3. SHINee Taemin

(Photo : Taemin (News1))

In 2014, SHINee Taemin debuted with “Ace” and since then, he lived up to this moniker as one of the most successful soloists while still being a member of an active K-pop group.

Although his solo concepts were mostly unconventional and the type that doesn’t usually capture the attention of mainstream and K-pop listeners at first, his artistry still shine and became successful in the end.

4.EXO Kai

(Photo : EXO Twitter)

Kai just debuted as a soloist in 2020, but he already has two albums that are certified platinum. When he debuted in EXO, Kai rose as a “dance machine,” but he was able to prove his singing skills and songwriting abilities when he debuted as a solo artist.

With his release, he also established his status as a digital monster, dominating music charts at home and abroad including Spotify, iTunes, QQ Charts, Billboard and on YouTube.

READ MORE: Here are EXO Kai’s Solo Debut Achievements That are Worth Noting

5.Block B Zico

(Photo : Zico Instagram)

From being an idol, Zico pursued his soloist career and became notable for being one of the pioneers of the integration of K-pop and K-hip hop.

Not only his tracks were of the best quality, but his self-produced music also often entails deep meaning and background that make music fans more immersed in his works.

6.Jay Park (2PM)

(Photo : Twitter: @MOREVISIONKR)
Jay Park

After leaving 2PM, some thought that it would be the end of his career, but it was actually the start of something great. While the reason for Jay’s withdrawal from the team was unfortunate, he turned this into an opportunity to rebrand and pursue his music path as a soloist.

From being an idol, he also integrated K-pop and the underground hip-hop culture and R&B, standing alongside Zico.

7.BIGBANG Taeyang

(Photo : Instagram: @marieclairekorea)
BIGBANG Taeyang 

Last but not least, Taeyang was also selected by K-pop fans as one of the idols who succeeded in establishing a solo career apart from being active in a group.

In 2008, he debuted as a soloist with his critically-acclaimed solo EP, “Hot.” When he debuted, critics recognized his top vocal skills and rose as one of the best vocalists in Korea.

In his career, one of his most notable songs is, “Eyes, Nose, Lips” which became the “Song of the Year” in 2014 at MAMA and Golden Disc Awards.

For more K-Pop news and updates, keep your tabs open here at KpopStarz.

KpopStarz owns this article.

Written by Eunice Dawson.