The Best K-pop Solo Artists Of 2022

Taylor Park
Updated April 5, 2022 57 items
Ranked By
11.9K votes
1.7K voters

We all love our idol groups, but who are the best soloists in K-pop? Here are the top K-pop solo artists of 2022, ranked by fans everywhere. From new singers making memorable debuts to older artists making comebacks, the most popular K-pop solo artists include IU, Taeyeon, Woozi, Chungha, and more. 

After their groups disbanded, Choi Yena (Iz One) and Yuju (GFriend) both made their solo debuts in 2022. After leaving JYP Entertainment in 2021, GOT7 member BamBam released his second EP under his new label, ABYSS Company. 

Vote up the top K-pop soloists based on their 2022 releases, and support your faves! 

  • IU
    Photo: EDAM Entertainment
    1
    642 votes

    2022 Releases:

    "Ganadara" (w/ Jay Park)

    Lee Ji-eun, more popularly known by her stage name IU, is a South Korean singer-songwriter and actress who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Born on May 16, 1993 in Songjeong-dong, Seoul, she harbored dreams of becoming a singer from a young age. Her journey to stardom began in earnest when she was signed by LOEN Entertainment in 2007. The following year saw the release of her debut album Lost and Found, which set the tone for her illustrious career. IU's music is characterized by its lyrical depth and wide range of genres, including pop, R&B, and indie. She has released multiple chart-topping albums such as Palette and Modern Times, and hit singles like "Good Day" and "You & I". These releases have not only solidified IU's position as one of South Korea's top solo artists but also earned her numerous accolades including four Golden Disc Awards, three Melon Music Awards, and two Mnet Asian Music Awards. Aside from her musical prowess, IU also made a successful foray into acting, impressing audiences with her performances in TV dramas like Dream High, The Producers, and Hotel del Luna. Despite her fame and success, IU remains grounded and is known for her philanthropic efforts. She has consistently used her platform to raise awareness about various social issues and has made substantial donations to charities such as the Green Umbrella Children's Foundation and the Korea Pediatric Cancer Foundation. IU's remarkable journey from a hopeful young talent to one of South Korea's most influential artists, coupled with her dedication to giving back to society, has made her an inspiring figure for many.
  • Rosé
    Photo: YG Entertainment
    2
    907 votes
    Roseanne Park (born 11 February 1997), known mononymously as Rosé, is a Korean-New Zealand singer and dancer based in South Korea. Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, Rosé signed with South Korean label YG Entertainment following a successful audition in 2012 and trained for four years before debuting as a member of the girl group Blackpink in August 2016. In March 2021, Rosé made her solo debut with her single album R. The album sold 448,089 copies in its first week, the highest for a Korean female soloist. Lead single "On the Ground" was also a commercial success, topping the Billboard Global 200 and peaking in the top five domestically.
  • Suga
    Photo: Big Hit Entertainment
    3
    774 votes
    Min Yoon-gi (born March 9, 1993), known professionally by his stage names Suga and Agust D, is a South Korean rapper, songwriter and record producer. Managed by Big Hit Music, he debuted as a member of the South Korean boy band BTS in 2013. In 2016, he released his first solo mixtape, Agust D. In 2018, he re-released the mixtape for digital purchase and streaming. The reissue reached number three on Billboard's World Albums Chart. In 2020, he released his second solo mixtape, D-2. Commercially, the mixtape peaked at number 11 on the US Billboard 200, number seven on the UK Albums Chart, and number two on Australia's ARIA Album Chart. The Korea Music Copyright Association attributes over 100 songs to Suga as a songwriter and producer, including Suran's "Wine" which peaked at number two on the Gaon Music Chart and won best Soul/R&B track of the year at the 2017 Melon Music Awards.
  • Lisa
    Photo: YG Entertainment
    4
    641 votes
    Lalisa Manobal (also spelled Manoban; born Pranpriya Manobal; born March 27, 1997), known mononymously as Lisa, is a Thai rapper, singer and dancer based in South Korea. She is a member of the South Korean girl group Blackpink formed by YG Entertainment. Lisa made her solo debut with her single album Lalisa in September 2021. The album sold over 736,000 copies in its release week in South Korea, making her the first female artist to do so. The music video for its lead single of the same name recorded 73.6 million views on YouTube in first 24 hours of its release, becoming the most-viewed music video in the first 24 hours on the platform by a solo artist and earning Lisa two Guinness World Records.
  • Soyeon
    Photo: Cube
    5
    329 votes
    Jeon So-yeon (born August 26, 1998), known mononymously as Soyeon, is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer signed to Cube Entertainment. She first gained attention for competing in the television shows Produce 101 and Unpretty Rapstar before debuting as a solo artist on November 5, 2017. On May 2, 2018, she debuted as the leader and main rapper of the girl group (G)I-dle for whom she has written and produced most title songs. She is also part of SM Station X girl group project Station Young, and has portrayed League of Legends character Akali in the virtual musical groups K/DA and True Damage.
  • Taeyeon
    Photo: SM Entertainment
    6
    452 votes
    Born as Kim Tae-yeon on March 9, 1989, Taeyeon is a South Korean singer who has captivated audiences worldwide with her vocal prowess and charismatic stage presence. Raised in Jeonju, South Korea, Taeyeon's journey to stardom began at a young age when her talent was discovered during her participation in the SM Entertainment's 2004 Annual Audition. Subsequently, she spent more than three years honing her skills in singing and dancing before making her debut as the leader and main vocalist of the girl group Girls' Generation in 2007. Achieving both national and international fame with Girls' Generation, Taeyeon played a pivotal role in ushering in the Hallyu wave, a phenomenon responsible for increasing global awareness of South Korean pop culture. Known for chart-topping hits like "Gee," "I Got a Boy," and "Lion Heart," the group solidified their place in K-pop history. However, Taeyeon's ambitions didn't stop there. In 2015, she embarked on her solo career, releasing her first mini-album I. Her title track of the same name topped music charts, affirming her place as a respected and successful solo artist. In addition to her music career, Taeyeon has also dabbled in other aspects of the entertainment industry. She has provided vocals for various television drama soundtracks, hosted radio shows, and even ventured into voice acting, playing the character Margo in the Korean-language version of the animated film Despicable Me. Despite her many pursuits, Taeyeon remains best known and most beloved for her resonant vocals, which have earned her numerous awards including the Golden Disc Award for Best Female Artist. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated not only an innate talent for performance but also a dedication to her craft that continues to inspire fans around the world.
  • Hwasa
    Photo: RBW
    7
    401 votes
    Ahn Hye-jin (born July 23, 1995), better known by the mononym Hwasa, is a South Korean singer and rapper signed. She is known as the sub-vocalist, songwriter and lead rapper of South Korean girl group Mamamoo. In February 2019, Hwasa made her debut as a solo artist with her digital single "Twit".
  • RM
    Photo: Big Hit Entertainment
    8
    469 votes
    Kim Nam-joon (born September 12, 1994),better known as RM (formerly Rap Monster), is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He is the main rapper and leader of the South Korean boy group BTS, managed under Big Hit Entertainment. In 2015, he released his first solo mixtape, RM. As of December 2018, his second mixtape, Mono, was the highest charting album by a Korean soloist on the Billboard 200 chart, having peaked at 26. He has recorded with artists such as Wale, Warren G, Gaeko, Krizz Kaliko, MFBTY, and Primary.
  • Somi
    Photo: The Black Label
    9
    417 votes
    Ennik Somi Douma (born March 9, 2001), professionally known by her Korean name Jeon So-mi or mononymously as Somi, is a Canadian singer currently based in South Korea. She finished first in Mnet's K-pop reality show Produce 101, and is best known as a former member of the now disbanded South Korean girl group I.O.I.
  • Solar
    Photo: RBW
    10
    332 votes

    2022 Releases:

    容 : Face (EP) w/ lead single "Honey"

    Kim Yong-sun (born February 21, 1991), better known by the stage name Solar, is a South Korean singer and songwriter signed under RBW. She is the leader of girl group Mamamoo. She made her solo debut with the single "Spit it Out" on April 23, 2020.
  • Kai
    Photo: SM Entertainment
    11
    522 votes
    Kim Jong-in (born January 14, 1994), better known as Kai, is a South Korean singer, model, actor, and dancer. He is a member of the South Korean-Chinese boy group Exo, its sub unit Exo-K, and South Korean supergroup SuperM. He debuted as a soloist in November 2020 with the release of his extended-play, Kai. Apart from his musical career, Kai has also starred in various television dramas such as Choco Bank (2016), Andante (2017), and Spring Has Come (2018). Kai is widely considered to be one of the best dancers of South Korea and K-pop.
  • Chungha
    Photo: MNH Entertainment
    12
    317 votes
    Kim Chung-ha (born Kim Chan-mi; February 9, 1996),better known mononymously as Chungha, is a South Korean singer, dancer, songwriter, and choreographer. She finished fourth in Mnet's girl group survival show Produce 101, becoming a member of the resulting girl group I.O.I. Following the dissolution of I.O.I in 2017, Chungha debuted as a solo artist with the extended play Hands on Me.
  • Jessi
    Photo: P-Nation
    13
    405 votes
    Jessica Ho (born December 17, 1988), better known by her stage name Jessi, is a Korean-American rapper, singer and songwriter based in South Korea. She was born in New York, raised in New Jersey, and moved to South Korea at the age of 15. Jessi originally debuted in South Korea in 2005 and temporarily was part of the hip hop group Uptown in 2006. After a brief hiatus, she returned to music as part of the hip-hop trio Lucky J and as a soloist under YMC Entertainment until the group's disbandment in 2016. Following the end of her contract with YMC, she later moved to Psy's record label P Nation in 2019 as the first artist signed under the label, where she continued her solo career. Several of her solo and collaborative singles have been commercially successful, with five Top 10 entries in the Gaon Digital Chart, including her highest-charting solo single "Nunu Nana" and the chart-topping single "Don't Touch Me" as part of the Refund Sisters.
  • Moonbyul
    Photo: RBW
    14
    355 votes

    2022 Releases: 

    6equence (EP) w/ lead single "Lunatic"

    Moon Byul-yi (born December 22, 1992), better known by the mononym Moonbyul, is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, dancer, and radio host signed under RBW. She is the main rapper of the South Korean girl group Mamamoo. In May 2018, Moonbyul made her debut as a solo artist, releasing the digital single "Selfish".
  • Hyuna
    Photo: P-Nation
    15
    235 votes
    Kim Hyun-ah (born June 6, 1992), better known by the mononym Hyuna, is a South Korean singer-songwriter, rapper and model. She debuted as a member of the girl group Wonder Girls in February 2007. After leaving the ensemble shortly after, Hyuna subsequently left JYP Entertainment and joined the girl group 4Minute, under Cube Entertainment. 4Minute debuted in June 2009 and went on to become one of the most popular girl groups in the country.In 2010, Hyuna began a solo career with a style she described as "performance-oriented music". In 2018, Hyuna ended her contract with Cube Entertainment after several internal conflicts, and signed with Psy's P-Nation the following year.
  • Sunmi
    Photo: ABYSS Company
    16
    263 votes
    Lee Sun-mi (born May 2, 1992), known mononymously as Sunmi, is a South Korean singer. She debuted in 2007 as a member of South Korean girl group Wonder Girls and left the group in January 2010 to pursue an academic career. After a three-year long hiatus from the music scene, Sunmi resumed her career as a soloist in August 2013 with her debut extended play Full Moon. The EP spawned the single "24 Hours", which charted at number two on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart. In 2015, Sunmi was announced to be resuming promotion with the Wonder Girls until their disbandment in 2017. She subsequently left JYP Entertainment and joined Makeus Entertainment. Her second extended play Warning was released in 2018 and produced the hit singles "Gashina", "Heroine" and "Siren".
  • Wendy
    Photo: SM Entertainment
    17
    220 votes
    Shon Seung-wan (born February 21, 1994), known professionally as Wendy, is a South Korean singer, voice actress, and radio host. She is a member of the South Korean girl group Red Velvet. She made her solo debut in 2021 with the EP Like Water. She is also a member of South Korean supergroup Got the Beat.
  • Yena
    Photo: Yue Hua Entertainment
    18
    258 votes

    2022 Releases:

    Smiley (Debut EP) w/ lead single "Smiley"

    Choi Ye-na (born September 29, 1999), better known mononymously as Yena, is a South Korean singer and actress. She is a former member of the temporary girl group Iz*One for 2.5 years after Mnet's reality girl group survival show Produce 48. She is currently an actress and soloist under Yuehua Entertainment. She debuted as a soloist on January 17, 2022 with the EP Smiley.
  • Joy
    Photo: SM Entertainment
    19
    282 votes
    Park Soo-young (born September 3, 1996), known by the stage name Joy, is a South Korean singer, actress, and host. She debuted as a member of South Korean girl group Red Velvet in August 2014. In 2017, Joy debuted as an actress and has had starring roles in the television dramas The Liar and His Lover (2017), Tempted (2018), and The One and Only (2021). In 2021, Joy officially debuted as a soloist with the release of her special album Hello.
  • D.O.
    Photo: SM Entertainment
    20
    192 votes
    Do Kyung-soo (born January 12, 1993), better known by his stage name D.O., is a South Korean singer and actor. He is best known as a member and one of the main vocalists of the South Korean-Chinese boy group Exo. Apart from his group's activities, D.O. has also starred in various television dramas and movies such as Pure Love (2016), My Annoying Brother (2016), Positive Physique (2016), Room No.7 (2017), 100 Days My Prince (2018), Along with the Gods and Swing Kids (2019).
  • Wheein
    Photo: THE L1VE
    21
    249 votes

    2022 Releases:

    Whee (2nd EP) w/ lead single "Make Me Happy"

    Jung Whee-in (born April 17, 1995), known professionally as Wheein, is a South Korean singer best known as a member and vocalist of South Korean girl group Mamamoo. In April 2018, Wheein made her debut as a solo artist with her digital single "Easy." In September 2019, she released her first single album, Soar.
  • BIBI
    Photo: Feel Ghood Music
    22
    152 votes

    BIBI

    Kim Hyung-seo (born September 27, 1998), better known as Bibi, is a South Korean solo singer-songwriter and rapper under Feel GHood Music. She made her debut on May 15, 2019 with the digital single "Binu". BIBI was a former contestant on reality television show, The Fan, after being recommended onto the show by Yoonmirae and Tiger JK. She made into the finale, but ultimately lost in the final episode to Car, the Garden.
  • Kwon Eun Bi
    Photo: Woollim Entertainment
    23
    161 votes

    2022 Releases:

    "Esper"

    "Glitch"

    Kwon Eun-bi (born September 27, 1995), also known by the mononym Eunbi, is a South Korean singer. She debuted as a member of the short-lived girl group Ye-A under the stage name Kazoo in 2014 before leaving the group and signing a contract with Woollim Entertainment. In 2018, she participated on the survival show Produce 48, finishing in seventh place, which allowed her to debut as a member and the leader of the show's girl group Iz*One. Following Iz*One's disbandment, Woollim Entertainment revealed on August 5, 2021, that she was preparing to debut as a solo singer and released her first mini album Open on August 24.
  • Yuju
    Photo: KONNECT Entertainment
    24
    202 votes

    2022 Releases:

    Rec. (Debut EP) w/ lead single "Play"

    Choi Yu-na (born October 4, 1997), better known by her stage name Yuju, is a South Korean singer. She participated in various singing competitions and was signed to Source Music in 2014. She is best known for being a former member of the South Korean girl group GFriend. She is the first Korean female idol to be declared as the winner on Fantastic Duo 2.
  • Suho
    Photo: SM Entertainment
    25
    167 votes

    2022 Releases:

    Grey Suit w/ lead single "Grey Suit"

    Kim Jun-myeon (born May 22, 1991), better known by his stage name Suho, is a South Korean singer and actor. He is the leader of the boy group EXO, and a member of its subgroup EXO-K. He made his solo debut on March 30, 2020, with his first mini album Self-Portrait. Apart from his group's activities, Suho has also starred in various television dramas and movies such as One Way Trip (2016), The Universe's Star (2017), Rich Man (2018), Middle School Girl A (2018), and How Are U Bread (2020).
  • Key
    Photo: SM Entertainment
    26
    108 votes
    Kim Ki-bum (born September 23, 1991), better known by his stage name Key, is a South Korean singer, actor, fashion designer and television presenter. Born and raised in Daegu, South Korea, he later travelled to Seoul after a successful audition at the S.M. National Tour Audition Casting. In May 2008, Key debuted as a member of South Korean boy group Shinee, who later went on to become one of the best-selling artists in South Korea. Key is widely recognised as a singer, but he has also ventured into different careers, notably as an actor and fashion designer. As a singer, he has collaborated with various artists, and debuted in the sub-unit Toheart with Woohyun of Infinite. He made his debut as a soloist in November 2018 with the release of the digital single "Forever Yours", and his first studio album, Face, was released later that month. Key has also contributed to songwriting that have been released in Shinee's and Toheart's albums. As an actor, he was cast in multiple musicals, such as Bonnie & Clyde (2013), Zorro (2014), and Chess (2015). He has since widened his field as an actor by taking part in several television drama roles, like Drinking Solo (2016) and The Guardians (2017). In 2015, Key progressed to becoming a fashion designer and took part in numerous projects. For instance, he collaborated with Bridge Shop House to design Shinee concert outfits, and worked with model Irene and the brand Charm's to design fashion apparel. Due to the success of his works, Key was later appointed as fashion director of the group. In 2016, he became a model for the American fashion brand Jill Stuart.
  • BoA
    Photo: SM Entertainment
    27
    144 votes
    BoA, born as Kwon Bo-ah on November 5, 1986, in Guri, South Korea, is a multitalented and internationally recognized entertainment icon. She embarked on her illustrious career at the tender age of eleven after being discovered by SM Entertainment, one of Korea's largest entertainment companies. Despite her early start, BoA displayed a maturity beyond her years, mastering singing, dancing, and even learning multiple languages to appeal to various markets. Her dedication saw her debut album rise to the top of the Korean music charts when she was just 13, setting the tone for her future successes. Not content with domestic renown, BoA went on to become the first Korean pop star to break into the Japanese market successfully. Her debut album in Japan, Listen To My Heart, made her the first Korean artist to have an album reach number one on the Oricon chart. This achievement led to a series of successful albums in Japan, making BoA a household name across Asia. Her musical style, a vibrant blend of pop, R&B, dance, and hip-hop, combined with her attractive stage presence, captivated audiences both at home and abroad. In addition to her singing prowess, BoA has also made notable strides in acting. She made her acting debut in the television drama Waiting Love and later starred in the Hollywood dance movie Make Your Move. In terms of her contributions to the music industry, she has been recognized with numerous awards, including Best New Artist, Best Female Artist, and Artist of the Year at various award shows. Unafraid of pushing boundaries and constantly striving to reach new heights, BoA has proven herself to be a true pioneer in the world of Asian pop culture.
  • Bae Suzy
    Photo: Management SOOP
    28
    137 votes

    2022 Releases:

    "Satellite"

    Bae Su-ji (born October 10, 1994), better known as Bae Suzy, is a South Korean singer, actress and model. She was a member of the girl group Miss A under JYP Entertainment. She made her debut as an actress with television series Dream High (2011) and has gone on to appear in series such as Gu Family Book (2013), Uncontrollably Fond (2016), While You Were Sleeping (2017), Vagabond (2019) and Start Up (2020). She made her film debut in Architecture 101 (2012). Since her successful film debut, she has been hailed as "The Nation's First Love" in her home country.
  • AleXa
    Photo: ZB Label
    29
    163 votes

    AleXa

    2022 Releases:

    "Tattoo"

    Alexaundra Christine Schneiderman (born December 6, 1996), better known as Alex Christine or Alexa, is an American singer under ZB Label. She made her solo debut on October 21, 2019 with the single "Bomb."
  • Hyolyn
    Photo: bridʒ
    30
    132 votes

    2022 Releases:

    "Layin' Low"

    Kim Hyo-jung (born December 11, 1990), better known by her stage name Hyolyn, is a South Korean singer-songwriter now under the management of her own self-started production company Bridʒ. She is best known as a former member and leader of the South Korean girl group Sistar and their sub-unit Sistar19.