Solar (singer)
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Kim Yong-sun (, born February 21, 1991), better known by the stage name Solar (), is a South Korean singer, songwriter and actress signed under RBW. She is the leader and main vocalist of girl group
Mamamoo Mamamoo (, stylized in all caps) is a South Korean girl group formed by RBW (formerly WA Entertainment) in 2014, composed of four members: Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein and Hwasa. The group officially debuted with their single "Mr. Ambiguous" on ...
and its sub-unit Mamamoo+. She made her solo debut with the single " Spit It Out" on April 23, 2020. She released her first extended play '' 容 : Face'' with its lead single "Honey" on March 16, 2022. Solar ventured into musical acting through the musical
Mata Hari Margaretha Geertruida MacLeod (née Zelle; 7 August 187615 October 1917), better known by the stage name Mata Hari (), was a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was convicted of being a spy for Germany during World War I. She was executed ...
for its 2022 production on May 28, 2022, marking her first role as a musical actress.


Biography

Kim Yong-sun was born in Gangseo-gu,
Seoul Seoul (; ; ), officially known as the Seoul Special City, is the Capital city, capital and largest metropolis of South Korea.Before 1972, Seoul was the ''de jure'' capital of the North Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea ...
, South Korea, where she lived with her parents and elder sister, Yong-hee. She went to Hanyang Women's University with a major in tourism.


Career


2014–2018: Debut with Mamamoo

Solar debuted as a member and vocalist of
Mamamoo Mamamoo (, stylized in all caps) is a South Korean girl group formed by RBW (formerly WA Entertainment) in 2014, composed of four members: Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein and Hwasa. The group officially debuted with their single "Mr. Ambiguous" on ...
on June 18, 2014, along with
Moonbyul Moon Byul-yi (, born December 22, 1992), better known by her stage name Moonbyul, is a South Korean rapper and singer signed under RBW. She is the rapper of the girl group Mamamoo and its sub-unit Mamamoo+. In May 2018, Moonbyul made her debu ...
, Wheein, and
Hwasa Ahn Hye-jin (, born July 23, 1995), known professionally by her stage name Hwasa (), is a South Korean singer, rapper, and television personality currently signed to RBW. She debuted as a member of the girl group Mamamoo in 2014. She made her ...
. She made a cameo appearance in the 2015 romance web drama
Imaginary Cat ''Imaginary Cat'' () is an 8-episode South Korean television series starring Yoo Seung-ho. It aired on cable network MBC Every 1, every Tuesday at 20:50 ( KST) from November 24, 2015, to January 12, 2016. Synopsis The series tells the story of ...
as Jung Soo-In. On April 2, 2016, Solar was announced to be a part of
We Got Married ''We Got Married'' () was a South Korean reality variety show that aired on MBC from 2008 to 2017. The show paired up celebrities who pretended to be married couples and completed various challenges together. The show ran for four seasons and ...
with Eric Nam and appeared in episode 316. The pair completed their last appearance on November 19, 2016, in episode 348. On December 29, 2016, she won 'Best Couple Award' at the
2016 MBC Entertainment Awards The ''2016 MBC Entertainment Awards'' () presented by Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), took place on December 29, 2016 at MBC Public Hall in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. It was hosted by Kim Sung-joo, Jun Hyun-moo Jun Hyun-moo (born N ...
, marking her first variety show award as an entertainer. She was also nominated for 'Rookie Award (Female) in Variety Show' on the same night. On April 24, 2018, she released her first solo EP, ''Solar's Emotion'', which included previously released covers of several Korean pop songs and her solo version of Mamamoo's " Star Wind Flower Sun," which she wrote herself.


2019–present: Solo activities

She made her official solo debut with the single, " Spit It Out," which was released with a music video on April 23, 2020. The same day, Solar had her debut stage on Mnet's '' M Countdown''. On April 28, she won her first-ever music show award as a solo artist on SBS MTV's '' The Show''. On November 8, 2020, Solar joined
Boss in the Mirror ''Boss in the Mirror'' () is a South Korean variety show hosted by Jeon Hyun-moo and Kim Sook. The show was initially aired as a pilot program on KBS2 The Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) () is the national broadcaster of South Korea. Fou ...
as 'Idol Boss' in episode 81 to 85. She returned as a fixed guest star and panelist for episodes 107 on May 9, 2021, and would subsequently guest star in the following episodes (107 to 109, 115 to 120, and 124 to 126). She became the photoshoot model for
Men's Health ''Men's Health'' (''MH''), published by Hearst, is the world's largest men's magazine brand, with 35 editions in 59 countries. It is also the best-selling men's magazine on U.S. newsstands. Started as a men's health magazine by Rodale, Inc. ...
magazine alongside fellow boss
Yang Chi-seung Yang may refer to: * Yang, in yin and yang, one half of the two symbolic polarities in Chinese philosophy * Korean yang, former unit of currency of Korea from 1892 to 1902 * YANG, a data modeling language for the NETCONF network configuration pr ...
. On May 12, 2021, it was announced that Solar joined
Gummy Gummies, gummi candies, gummy candies, or jelly sweets are a broad category of gelatin-based chewable sweets. Gummi bears, Sour Patch Kids, and Jelly Babies are widely popular and are a well-known part of the sweets industry. Gummies are availab ...
,
Lee Seung-chul Lee Seung-chul (; born December 5, 1966) is a South Korean singer best known for the hit songs, "My Love", "Never Ending Story", and "Girls' Generation". Currently an artist of Kakao Entertainment's label Flex M, he debuted in 1985 as the vo ...
,
Bae Cheol-soo Bae Cheol-soo (born August 18, 1953) is a South Korean radio host and former singer. His syndicated talk radio show '' Bae Cheol-soo's Music Camp'', airs via the MBC FM4U since 1990. Life Bae was born in 1953 in Gahoedong, Jongno district in Seou ...
,
Jung Jae-hyung Jung Jae-hyung (; born January 12, 1970) is a South Korean pop singer-songwriter, pianist and film music composer. Currently, his agency is the Antenna. Biography Jung Jae-hyung was born in Seoul and graduated from Hanyang University's Colleg ...
, Kim Hyun-chul, and
Winner Winner(s) or The Winner(s) may refer to: * Champion, the victor in a game or contest *The successful social class in winner and loser culture Film * ''The Winner'' (1926 film), an American silent film starring Billy Sullivan * ''The Winner'' ...
's
Kang Seung-yoon Kang Seung-yoon (Korean: 강승윤; born ), also known mononymously as Seungyoon or Yoon, is a South Korean singer-songwriter, actor, and leader of boy band Winner. His appearance on the reality television singing contest ''Superstar K2'' (20 ...
on KBS audition program 'The Song We Loved, New Singer' show as a judge, marking her first time as a judge in a singing/audition program. On July 20, 2021, it was announced that Solar joined JTBC's 'Poongryu - Battle Between the Vocalist' as a judge alongside
Song Ga-in Jo Eun-sim (; born December 26, 1986), better known by her stage name, Song Ga-in (), is a South Korean female trot singer. She is the winner of the 2019 reality television show ''Miss Trot.'' She often appears on KBS's '' Golden Oldies''. ...
,
Lena Park Park Jung-hyun (; born March 23, 1976), also known as Lena Park (), is an American-born South Korean singer who debuted in 1998 with the album, ''Piece.'' She is also widely known in South Korea as her nickname "National fairy" due to her peti ...
, Sung Si-kyung, Kim Jong-jin,
Lee Juck Lee Juck (; born February 28, 1974) is a South Korean singer, lyricist, composer and arranger. Biography Lee Juck was born in Seoul and attended Banpo High School. He graduated from Seoul National University with a major in sociology. ...
, and
2PM 2PM (; romanized; ''Tupiem'') is a South Korean boy band formed by JYP Entertainment. The group is composed of six members: Jun. K (formerly known as Junsu), Nichkhun, Taecyeon, Wooyoung, Junho and Chansung. Originally a seven-piece group, fo ...
's
Jang Wooyoung Jang Woo-young (Hangul: 장우영; Hanja: 張祐榮; born on April 30, 1989), better known mononymously as Wooyoung, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, dancer and actor. In 2008, he debuted as a member of 2PM, a boy band currently managed by J ...
. This marked her second time as judge for a singing competition. On December 25, 2021, Solar won her second award as an entertainer and first solo award as an entertainer as 'Best Entertainer in Show and Variety' at the
2021 KBS Entertainment Awards The 2021 KBS Entertainment Awards ( presented by Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), took place on December 25, 2021, at KBS New Wing Open Hall in Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. It was hosted by Kim Sung-joo, Moon Se-yoon and Han Sun-h ...
for her work in "The Legend, The New Singer” and “Boss in the Mirror. On March 16, 2022, she released her first mini album '' 容 : Face'' and its lead single "Honey". '' 容 : Face'' has been met with positive critical acclaim from reviews.
NME ''New Musical Express'' (''NME'') is a British music, film, gaming, and culture website and brand. Founded as a newspaper in 1952, with the publication being referred to as a 'rock inkie', the NME would become a magazine that ended up as a f ...
critic Rhian Daly gave the album a 4 out of 5 score, and stated "‘容 : FACE’ captures Solar’s energetic, bright and breezy personality well. The rap verse on ‘Honey’ is a particular highlight that showcases her dynamism, while the mini-album as a whole pops with little vocal details that subtly elevate the songs." In addition, Honey has been listed as one of the 'Best K-pop Track of 2022' by British magazine
Dazed ''Dazed'' (''Dazed & Confused'' until February 2014) is a bi-monthly British style magazine founded in 1991. It covers music, fashion, film, art, and literature. Dazed is published by Dazed Media, an independent media group known for producing ...
.
Dazed ''Dazed'' (''Dazed & Confused'' until February 2014) is a bi-monthly British style magazine founded in 1991. It covers music, fashion, film, art, and literature. Dazed is published by Dazed Media, an independent media group known for producing ...
stated "Solar often changes the sense of speed and atmosphere in the song, which further emphasizes the meaning of the lyrics written by Solar herself, doubling the feeling of challenge. It is a sweet yet bright and bold song." On August 10, 2022, Solar was announced to join as Star Maker/Judge for JTBC's 'A Star Is Born' alongside
Jung Jae-hyung Jung Jae-hyung (; born January 12, 1970) is a South Korean pop singer-songwriter, pianist and film music composer. Currently, his agency is the Antenna. Biography Jung Jae-hyung was born in Seoul and graduated from Hanyang University's Colleg ...
, Sung Si-kyung,
Jang Min-ho Jang Ho-geun ( ko, 장호근, born 11 September 1977), known professionally as Jang Minho, is a South Korean singer. He competed in the TV Chosun audition show ''Mr Trot, Mr. Trot'', placing in the top sixth. He is also a model, dancer, and TV ...
,
Defconn Yoo Dae-joon (; January 6, 1977), known by his stage name Defconn, is a South Korean rapper and television personality. Biography 2004 In 2004, Defconn received the Korean Music Award for "Best Hip-Hop Album". His songs are mostly comical, som ...
,
Yoo Se-yoon Yoo Se-yoon (; born September 12, 1980) is a South Korean comedian and television comedy show host. He hosts and co-hosts a variety of shows, in addition to being a part of musical/comedic duo, UV. Yoo has been a part of shows such as South Kor ...
, and
Kim Feel Kim Feel (; born August 27, 1986) is a South Korean singer-songwriter. He was the runner-up of the television talent show ''Superstar K 6'' in 2014. Kim signed contract with CJ E&M in May 2016 and managed under CJ E&M label MMO Entertainment ...
, marking her third time as a judge in a singing/audition competition. On October 2022, Solar released the single "After Love" from the Casting in the Corner project with
Yesung Kim Kang-hoon (born Kim Jong-woon; August 24, 1984), better known by his stage name Yesung is a South Korean singer, songwriter, actor, radio personality and television presenter. He debuted in 2005 as a member of Super Junior and its subgroup ...
. The song was a remix of the 2006 version and was released on October 20. On December 21, 2022, it was announced that Solar will be singing in the title song "Paradise" for Channel S' DJ Survival competition show 'WET!:World EDM Trend'. The song and music video will be released on December 28, 2022. "Paradise" is described as a song with an atmosphere that matches Solar's unique voice.


2022–present: Debut as Musical actress

On April 6, 2022, EMK Musical announced that Solar will be starring in the 3rd season of the musical ''
Mata Hari Margaretha Geertruida MacLeod (née Zelle; 7 August 187615 October 1917), better known by the stage name Mata Hari (), was a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was convicted of being a spy for Germany during World War I. She was executed ...
'' alongside Ock Joo Hyun as the titular character "Mata Hari". The musical ran from May 28 to August 15, 2022. Her performance as Mata Hari received acclamatory reviews from critics, highlighting her fresh take on the character, which emphasized the human side of Mata Hari who had a lot of scars. Subsequently, she brought her unique powerful vocal and refreshing energy, to express Mata Hari in her own way. One review stated that they were attracted to Solar's style, as her clear notes and drawn tones exceeded expectations, and she "tore up" the stage. In particular, Solar shined in Act 1 number "Become Mata Hari." In "Becoming Mata Hari," Solar delicately added Mata Hari's emotions to the oriental-style dance moves to steal the audience's attention. Another highlighted song was the final number of Act 2 "One Last Time" in which Mata Hari said goodbye to her loved ones, proved Solar's skill again as Mamamoo's main vocalist once again. Additionally, many critics could not believe it was her first musical, highlighting her strong presence by perfectly imitating Mata Hari; her explosive singing skills, colorful dance performances, and delicate emotions that "it's unbelievable it's her first musical challenge". Expectations and anticipation are high for the future of musical actress Solar. On December 20, 2022, Solar is nominated at the 7th
Korea Musical Awards Korea Musical Awards () is an awards ceremony held yearly. Originally sponsored by Sports Chosun ''The Chosun Ilbo'' (, ) is a daily newspaper in South Korea and the oldest daily newspaper in the country. With a daily circulation of more t ...
for 'Best Newcomer Award (Female)' for her role as
Mata Hari Margaretha Geertruida MacLeod (née Zelle; 7 August 187615 October 1917), better known by the stage name Mata Hari (), was a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was convicted of being a spy for Germany during World War I. She was executed ...
in the 2022 Production of
Mata Hari Margaretha Geertruida MacLeod (née Zelle; 7 August 187615 October 1917), better known by the stage name Mata Hari (), was a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was convicted of being a spy for Germany during World War I. She was executed ...
. This marks her first nomination as a musical actress.


Impact and Influence

Solar was ranked as the 18th most popular
K-pop idol An idol () refers to a type of celebrity working in the field of K-pop in fandom culture in South Korea, either as a member of a group or as a solo act. K-pop idols are characterized by the highly manufactured star system that they are produced by ...
and 10th most popular
K-pop idol An idol () refers to a type of celebrity working in the field of K-pop in fandom culture in South Korea, either as a member of a group or as a solo act. K-pop idols are characterized by the highly manufactured star system that they are produced by ...
according to Women in the age range of 19–29 years old in 2016 in annual surveys conducted by
Gallup Korea Gallup Korea () or Gallup Korea Research Institute () is a South Korean research company. Founded by Park Moo-ik in 1974, the company became a member of Gallup International Association in 1997. It is best known for conducting public surveys o ...
. Additionally, she ranked 19th most popular
K-pop idol An idol () refers to a type of celebrity working in the field of K-pop in fandom culture in South Korea, either as a member of a group or as a solo act. K-pop idols are characterized by the highly manufactured star system that they are produced by ...
in 2017 in the same surveys conducted by
Gallup Korea Gallup Korea () or Gallup Korea Research Institute () is a South Korean research company. Founded by Park Moo-ik in 1974, the company became a member of Gallup International Association in 1997. It is best known for conducting public surveys o ...
.


Endorsements

On April 27, 2019, Solar was selected as Lipton's 5th Lipton Girl for their 'Iced Tea' Campaign. On April 22, 2020, Solar was selected as brand muse for beauty brand Blancow. She was chosen for her "clean skin" and "bright and lively energy" that go well with the brand image that pursues bare-faced confidence. On April 15, 2021, Solar renewed her contract with Blancow as an exclusive model. Solar's candid charms to pursue "bare-faced confidence", matched well with the image pursued by Blancow. It was considered positively that it brought about a synergistic effect. On May 14, 2021, Solar was selected as one of the musicians and content creator collaborating with
Samsung The Samsung Group (or simply Samsung) ( ko, 삼성 ) is a South Korean multinational manufacturing conglomerate headquartered in Samsung Town, Seoul, South Korea. It comprises numerous affiliated businesses, most of them united under the ...
to commemorate the launch of
Samsung The Samsung Group (or simply Samsung) ( ko, 삼성 ) is a South Korean multinational manufacturing conglomerate headquartered in Samsung Town, Seoul, South Korea. It comprises numerous affiliated businesses, most of them united under the ...
's Galaxy Book series with a 'Galaxy Live Quiz Show' (Gala Show), as well as promotional advertisements alongside fellow musician and content creator
Gray Grey (more common in British English) or gray (more common in American English) is an intermediate color between black and white. It is a neutral or achromatic color, meaning literally that it is "without color", because it can be composed o ...
. On April 25, 2022, Solar was selected as the face for 'New Gyeonggi-do Song' titled "Relaxing in Gyeonggi-do" by the
Gyeonggi Province Gyeonggi-do (, ) is the most populous province in South Korea. Its name, ''Gyeonggi'', means "京 (the capital) and 畿 (the surrounding area)". Thus, ''Gyeonggi-do'' can be translated as "Seoul and the surrounding areas of Seoul". Seoul, the na ...
to support residents who are exhausted from the prolonged
COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identi ...
.


Discography


Extended plays


Single albums


Singles


As lead artist


Remakes


Collaborations


As featured artist


Soundtrack appearances


Other charted songs


Composition credits

All song credits are adapted from the
Korea Music Copyright Association The Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA) is a South Korean non-profit copyright collective for musical works, administering public performance and broadcasting rights, and mechanical recording and reproduction rights. Founded in 1964, it i ...
's database unless stated otherwise.


Filmography


Television series


Television shows


Host


Radio shows


Theatre


Concerts

* Solar "Emotion Concert Blossom" (2018) ** April 27–29 – Seoul, South Korea – Ewha University ** June 16–17 – Busan, South Korea – Sohyang Theater Shinhan Card Hall


Awards and nominations


Notes


References


External links

* {{Authority control 1991 births Living people People from Seoul Singers from Seoul K-pop singers South Korean women pop singers South Korean female idols South Korean television actresses 21st-century South Korean women singers Mamamoo members