The so-called ‘3rd generation K-pop top tier’ groups Red Velvet, Seventeen, and (G)I-dle are drawing attention by starting their solo spin-off activities. Having the common denominator of being part of groups that debuted between 2014 and 2018 and established themselves as ‘representatives of K-pop’, these members are putting effort into diversifying the individuality of their team by revealing unique sides of themselves through solo activities.

Irene, Red Velvet‘s ‘eldest sister’, is a representative example. She debuted as a solo artist with the release of her first mini-album ‘Like A Flower’ on the 26th of last month. Irene is the fourth soloist in the team following Seulgi, Wendy, and Joy in terms of album releases. Although she has previously worked in units, this is her first solo album in 10 years.

Irene succeeded in drawing a positive response from the fandom with the title song ‘Like a Flower’ that highlights her soft tone, recording initial week (first week after release, based on Hanteo Chart) sales of 336,805 copies. She is also achieving notable results overseas, such as topping the iTunes Top Albums Chart in 23 regions around the world and topping China’s QQ Music Digital Album Sales Chart.

SEVENTEEN member THE8, who is in the midst of his world tour, released his first EP ‘Stardust’ in his hometown China on the 4th. This is the first time that THE8, who previously released solo digital singles ‘Haicheng’ ‘Side by Side’, has filled an album with songs he directly participated in writing and composing. The new album contains three tracks that stand out with their chic and dreamy charms, including the title track ‘Orbit’, ‘54321’, and ‘Cold Love’.

The8 said through his agency Pledis Entertainment on this day, “I‘m happy to be releasing songs that I’ve been working on for so long. I want to show my own style through the new album.” The members also supported his new challenge. Vernon not only featured in ‘54321’, but also participated in composing and writing the lyrics for the title track ‘Orbit’, while Hoshi and Seungkwan promoted The8‘s new songs through SNS.

(G)I-dle member Minnie, who recently announced news of her contract renewal with the group, is currently in the final stages of work to release a solo album in mid-January next year. Minnie, who has emerged as the team’s fourth solo artist following Jeon Soyeon, Miyeon, and Yuqi, is pouring her heart and soul into preparing for her solo activities for the first time in seven years since her debut.

Her solo debut is especially garnering much attention as it is the first move for (G)I-DLE‘s ‘2nd act’, after all members recently renewed their contracts with their current agency, Cube Entertainment.


Reporter Yoo Ji-hye yjh0304@donga.com