Kim Yong-sun (Korean: 김용선, born February 21, 1991), better known by the stage nameSolar (솔라), is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and actress signed underRBW. She is the leader and vocalist of girl groupMamamoo and its sub-unitMamamoo+. 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 musicalMata Hari for its 2022 production and in 2025 is set to make her film debut with a role inGory: A Horror Tale.
Solar debuted as a member and vocalist ofMamamoo on June 18, 2014, along withMoonbyul,Wheein, andHwasa. She made a cameo appearance in the 2015 romance web dramaImaginary Cat as Jung Soo-In. On August 30, 2015, she participated in the television singing showKing of Mask Singer.[3] On October 2, she released her first soundtrack "Star" withKim Min-jae for thetvN dramaSecond 20s.[4] On October 16, she released the first part of theSolar Emotion project with the song "Lived like a fool".[5] On December 11, she released the second part of the musical project with the song "Only Longing Grows".[6]
On March 29, 2016, Solar featured in the single "Love Again" byYang Da-il.[7] On April 2, Solar was announced to be a part ofWe Got Married withEric Nam and appeared in episode 316.[8] The pair completed their last appearance on November 19, 2016, in episode 348.[9] On December 29, 2016, the pair won 'Best Couple Award' at the2016 MBC Entertainment Awards, which was Solar's first variety show award as an entertainer. She was also nominated for 'Rookie Award (Female) in Variety Show' on the same night.[10]
On July 8, 2016, she released the third part of her project with the song "In My Dreams".[11] On February 21, 2017, Solar released the fourth part of the project with the song "Happy People".[12] On October 17, the fifth part was released, it consisted of two singles "Alone People" and "Autumn Letter".[13] On November 15, she was featured on "Cloudy" byKiggen.[14]
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.[15] To celebrate the release, she held concerts titled 'Solar Concert Blossom' from April 27 to 29 inSeoul andBusan.[16] On August 22, she featured onRavi's single "Leopard". On October 13, she featured on Cosmic Girl's single "Lie Ya".[17][18]
2019–2021: Solarsido, solo debut and variety show appearances
Solar on her way to film forHappy Together 4 in November 2019
On February 21, 2019, Solar launched her personalYouTube channel called "Solarsido" to celebrate her 29th birthday (Korean age). She gained 1 million subscribers in 9 months and revealed on the showHappy Together that her highest earning was approximately 100 millionSouth Korean won in 1 month just from her channel revenue alone.[19] Solar has continued to upload weekly on her channel and gained over 260 million views.
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'sM Countdown.[20] On April 28, she won her first music show award as a solo artist on SBS MTV'sThe Show.[21]
On November 8, 2020, Solar joinedBoss in the Mirror 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 forMen's Health magazine alongside fellow boss Yang Chi-seung.[22] On May 12, 2021, it was announced that Solar joinedGummy,Lee Seung-chul,Bae Cheol-soo,Jung Jae-hyung, Kim Hyun-chul, andKang Seung-yoon on KBS audition programThe Song We Loved, New Singer show as a judge, her first time taking on such a role.[23] On July 20, 2021, it was announced that Solar joined JTBC'sPoongryu – Battle Between the Vocalist as a judge alongsideSong Ga-in,Lena Park,Sung Si-kyung, Kim Jong-jin,Lee Juck, and2PM'sJang Wooyoung.[24]
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 the2021 KBS Entertainment Awards for her work inThe Legend, The New Singer andBoss in the Mirror.[25] During her time as a cast member and guest star, Solar recorded minute ratings of 9.7%,[26] 10.6%,[27] 10.8%,[28] and 12.7%.[29]
2022–2024:容: Face, theatre debut and continued OST and competition judging appearances
On March 16, 2022, she released her first EP容: Face and its lead single "Honey".[30] "Honey" was listed as one of the 'Best K-pop Track of 2022' by British magazineDazed, who described it as a "sweet yet bright and bold song."[31]
On April 6, 2022, South Korean production company EMK Musical announced that Solar would be starring in the 3rd season of the musicalMata Hari as thetitular character. The musical ran from May 28 to August 15, 2022,[32] with her performance receiving acclaim from critics. Yang Hyungmo reviewed the performance forSports Donga, stating that her clear notes and drawn tones exceeded expectations, and she "tore up" the stage.[33] Jo Suhyun noted forStar Daily Korea that it was hard to believe it was her first musical, highlighting her strong presence and singing skills.[34] For her performance, she was nominated for the Best Female Newcomer Award at the 7thKorea Musical Awards on December 20.[35]
On June 1, 2022, Solar was announced to join as a cast member for Season 2 of the popular Korea's first ghost story storytelling programMidnight Ghost Story (also known asLate Night Ghost Talk). She joined actorLee Yi-kyung, entertainerKim Sook andKim Gura as MC and storyteller. First broadcast aired on June 9, 2022, and the show concluded on February 23, 2023. Solar was known asFully Paid Fairy for obtaining 44 candles in 3 different episodes, the first and only cast member to achieve this. Solar was regarded for her realistic acting, proper diction and ASMR like storytelling, capturing the hearts of viewers.[36]
In October 2022, Solar released the single "After Love" from the Casting in the Corner project withYesung. The song was a remix of the 2006 version and was released on October 20.[40] On December 28, 2022, Solar released "Paradise" for Channel S' DJ Survival competition showWet!: World EDM Trend.[41] On March 12, 2024, she released "Eternal" for the OST ofPandora: Beneath the Paradise.[42]
On November 15, 2023, Solar was cast in the Korean version ofNotre-Dame de Paris, scheduled to run from January 24 to March 24, 2024. She would be playing the role ofEsmeralda.[47] Solar again received positive reviews for her performance.MyDaily magazine reporter Lee Seung-gil wrote that "Solar's renowned singing ability and performance shines" and noted her dancing ability, stemming from her career as an idol.[48]Sports Q reporter Na Hyein described her casting a perfect due to her "unrivaled explosive vocal range, [captivating] dance skill, and enchanting eyes and gestures".[49] For her performance, she was nominated for the Female Rookie of the Year award at the 18th Daegu International Musical Awards held on July 8, 2024, her second nomination as a musical actress.[50]
2024–present: The Return ofSolar Emotion,Colours and touring
On January 10, 2024, Solar announced the return of herSolar Emotion Project after 5 years withSolar Emotion Part.7, remakingKim Kwang-seok's "Love Has Gone" (사랑했지만).Solar Emotion Part.7 was released on January 18, 2023.[51][52]IZM critic Jang Junhwan reviewed the cover, regarding it as a "good example of a successful remake" and rated it three out of five stars.[53]
In March 2024, Solar launched her official fanclub called "Yongsoonie" (용순이) to support the release of her new album and concert.[citation needed] On April 8, Solar announced her second EP titledColours.Colours was released on April 30.[54] On May 7, Solar won her second music show award as a solo artist on SBS MTV'sThe Show for "But I". On the same day, she announced her second solo concert titled Colours, performing at the Blue Square Mastercard Hall on June 1 and 2, 2024.[55] The tour went on from June to October, with stops in Manila, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Macau, with dates in United States and Europe to be announced.[56]
On October 14, 2024, Solar announced the return of herSolar Emotion Project with a teaser ofSolar Emotion Part. 8 drawing film that was posted on her official social media pages.[57] The project includes a remake of"First Love" by Hikaru Utada and "Love Letter" (나 그대에게 모두 드리리) by Lee Jang Hee. A mood sampler was released on October 20, 2024, with the sound of cassette tape and Solar's narration about her first love "To my first love, I will remember the love you taught me for the rest of my life". Solar then puts a letter in the mailbox after much thought. The video contains the unique loneliness and warmth of autumn, catches the eyes of fans.[58] On October 21, Solar announced her first talk concert "Know Your Place" for November 17.[59] "Colors" was listed as the "Top 50 best K-pop tracks of 2024" by British magazineDazed, highlighting the song as a rare example of diverse LGBTQ+ representation in K-pop.[60]
On October 5, 2024, it was announced that Solar would be returning to acting in the supernatural thrillerGory: A Horror Tale directed byHong Won-ki. She will be acting alongsideMoon Chae-won,Yoo Jae-myung,Seo Young-hee,Cha Sun-woo,Choi Bo-min, Son Juyeon, Bae Su-min, and Seo Ji-soo. The movie is currently in post-production and is set to release in 2025.[61] On October 11, 2024, EMK Musical released a teaser featuring Solar's silhouette.[citation needed] Three days later, EMK Musical officially announced Solar as a returning cast member for the fourth season ofMata Hari, premiering on December 5, 2024, until March 2, 2025.[62][63]
On March 17, 2025, Solar announced a new single titled "Want", to be released on April 2.[64]
In 2016, Solar was ranked as the 18th and 10th most popularK-pop idol according to Women in the age range of 19–29 years old in annual surveys conducted byGallup Korea. Additionally, in 2017, she ranked 19th most popular K-pop idol in the same surveys conducted byGallup Korea.[65][66]
On April 27, 2019, Solar was selected asLipton's 5th Lipton Girl for their 'Iced Tea' Campaign.[67] On April 22, 2020, Solar was selected as brand muse for beauty brandBlancow. She was chosen for her "clean skin" and "bright and lively energy" that go well with the brand image that pursues bare-faced confidence.[68] 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.[69] On May 14, 2021, Solar was selected as one of the musicians and content creator collaborating withSamsung to commemorate the launch ofSamsung's Galaxy Book series with a 'Galaxy Live Quiz Show' (Gala Show), as well as promotional advertisements alongside fellow musician and content creatorGray.[70] On April 25, 2022, Solar was selected as the face for 'New Gyeonggi-do Song' titled "Relaxing in Gyeonggi-do" by theGyeonggi Province to support residents who are exhausted from the prolongedCOVID-19 pandemic.[71][72]
On September 27, 2021, Solar participated inWorld's Vision 'Girl's 60 Days' campaign. The campaign aimed to help girls of their rights to protection for matters such as early marriage, school interruption, and reproductive diseases. Specifically, the campaign aimed to protect the rights of girls daily lives of girls overseas who suffer unwanted pain during the average menstrual period of 60 days per year. Solar participated without hesitation, stating "I have always been interested in the problems that girls around the world are experiencing, and it is an honor to participate in spreading good influence."[73]
All song credits are adapted from theKorea Music Copyright Association's database unless stated otherwise.[119] Solar has a total of 46 credits as a songwriter and 24 credits as a composer.
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^Sun, Mi-kyung (February 22, 2022).마마무 솔라, 1년 11개월 만에 솔로 컴백...3월 '容:FACE' 발매[공식] [Mamamoo's Solar to make a solo comeback after 1 year and 11 months... March Released '容:FACE' [Official]].Naver (in Korean).Osen [ko].Archived from the original on February 22, 2022. RetrievedFebruary 22, 2022.
^Ji Min Kyung (December 22, 2022).마마무 솔라·원어스·퍼플키스, 英 데이즈드 '2022년 최고의 K-팝 트랙' 선정 [Solar, ONEUS, Purple Kiss (Mamamoo) selected as 'Best K-Pop Track of 2022' by Dazed UK].Naver.Osen [ko].Archived from the original on December 25, 2022. RetrievedDecember 25, 2022.
^abKim, Na-yeon (April 6, 2022).뮤지컬 '마타하리', 옥주현·솔라→이홍기·이창섭 캐스팅..5월 28일 개막 [공식] [Musical 'Mata Hari', Ock Joo-hyun, Solar → Lee Hong-ki, Lee Chang-seop Casting..Opening on May 28 [Official]] (in Korean). MT Star News.Archived from the original on May 4, 2022. RetrievedApril 6, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Lee, Min-ji (August 30, 2022).마마무 첫 유닛 출격, 오늘(30일) 마마무+ 첫 싱글 'Better' 발매 [Mamamoo's first unit sortie, released Mamamoo+'s first single 'Better' today (30th)] (in Korean). Newsen.Archived from the original on July 12, 2023. RetrievedJuly 12, 2023 – viaNaver.
^Park, Seo-hyun (October 13, 2022).예성X솔라, 첫 듀엣 호흡..20일 '사랑 후에' 발매(공식) [Yesung X Solar, first duet breathing..20th 'After Love' released (official)] (in Korean).Herald POP.Archived from the original on October 13, 2022. RetrievedOctober 13, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Kim, No-eul (December 21, 2022).[단독]마마무 솔라, 'WET!' 타이틀곡 부른다..제2의 '픽미' 예고 [[Exclusive] Solar of Mamamoo, 'WET!' Singing the title song.. Notice of the 2nd 'Pick Me'] (in Korean). Star News.Archived from the original on December 25, 2022. RetrievedDecember 25, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Lee, Miji (March 10, 2023).마마무 솔라, '판도라: 조작된 낙원' OST 첫 주자..12일 발매(공식) [Solar of Mamamoo, the first runner of the OST for 'Pandora: Beneath the Paradise'...Released on the 12th (official)] (in Korean).Herald POP.Archived from the original on June 25, 2023. RetrievedJune 6, 2023 – viaNaver.
^Ahn, Byung Kil (June 6, 2023).마마무 솔라 '베일드 뮤지션' 심사위원 [Mamamoo's Solar 'Veiled Musician' Judge] (in Korean). Sports Kyu ghyang.Archived from the original on June 25, 2023. RetrievedJune 26, 2023 – viaNaver.
^Kim, Mikyung (September 22, 2023).마마무 솔라 , '7인의 탈출' OST 'EXIT' 23일 공개 [Mamamoo Solar, 'Escape of the Seven' OST 'EXIT' Released on the 23rd].싱글리스트 (in Korean). Slist.Archived from the original on November 7, 2023. RetrievedSeptember 22, 2023.
^Kim, Minji (December 12, 2023).이석훈·백호·서은광·솔라·웬디, 서바이벌 '빌드업' 심사위원 합류 [Lee Seok-hoon, Baekho, Seo Eunkwang, Solar, Wendy join the judges of survival show 'Build Up'] (in Korean).News1 [ko].Archived from the original on December 12, 2023. RetrievedDecember 12, 2023 – via Naver Blog.
^Kang, Ae-ran (November 15, 2023).'노트르담 드 파리' 한국어 공연에 정성화·양준모·솔라 출연 [Jeong Seong-hwa, Yang Jun-mo, and Solar appear in the Korean performance of 'Notre Dame de Paris'] (in Korean).Yonhap News Agency.Archived from the original on November 15, 2023. RetrievedNovember 15, 2023 – viaNaver.
^tenasia.hankyung.com, Digital (May 8, 2024).솔라, 6년만에 솔로 단독 콘서트 개최 | 텐아시아.텐아시아 연예뉴스 (in Korean).Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. RetrievedMay 10, 2024.
^abAn, Byung-kil (May 11, 2024).솔라, 亞투어 나선다 [Solar is going on tour] (in Korean).Sports Kyunghyang.Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. RetrievedMay 22, 2024.
^Yoon, Ki-baek (December 21, 2022).마마무 솔라, DJ 서바이벌 'WET!' 타이틀곡 가창 [Solar of Mamamoo sings the title song of the DJ survival show 'WET!] (in Korean).Edaily [ko].Archived from the original on December 21, 2022. RetrievedDecember 21, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Park, Jin-young (October 26, 2015).'상상고양이' 측 "마마무 솔라, 유승호 첫사랑 역 캐스팅" ['Imaginary Cat' side "Mamamoo's Solar cast as Yoo Seung-ho's first love"].Naver (in Korean).Osen [ko].Archived from the original on July 30, 2021. RetrievedJuly 30, 2021.
^Seo, Jang-won (June 15, 2016).마마무, '안투라지' 특별 출연 ... 미친 존재감 과시 [Mamamoo to make a special appearance in 'Entourage' ... Show off your crazy presence].Naver (in Korean). Sports Seoul.Archived from the original on July 30, 2021. RetrievedJuly 30, 2021.
^Kwon, Hye-rim (August 30, 2015).마마무 솔라 "'복면가왕', 가수 인생의 포인트 됐다" [Mamamoo's Solar "'King of Mask Singer' became the point of my life as a singer"].Naver (in Korean). Joy News 24.Archived from the original on July 30, 2021. RetrievedJuly 30, 2021.
^'우결'의 여행은 진리다 (in Korean). Korea Daily. Archived fromthe original on March 24, 2017. RetrievedMarch 23, 2017.
^Hong, Se-young (July 20, 2021).전현무→송가인 '풍류대장' 론칭, 9월 첫방 확정 [공식] [Jeon Hyun-moo → Song Ga-in 'Pungryu Captain' launch, September first air confirmed [Official]].Naver (in Korean).Sports Donga.Archived from the original on July 22, 2021. RetrievedJuly 30, 2021.
^Ji, Seung-hoon (March 21, 2022).솔라, 미식 인문학 토크쇼 '로컬식탁' 특별 MC 출연...리액션 甲 [Solar to appear as a special MC on the gourmet humanities talk show 'Local Dining Table'... Reaction 甲] (in Korean).YTN.Archived from the original on March 21, 2022. RetrievedMarch 21, 2022 – viaNaver.
^abKim, Ji-yong (May 13, 2022).심야괴담회2', 이이경X솔라 합류...6월 9일 첫 방송 [Lee Yi-Kyung and Solar to Joins Late Night Ghost Talk Season 2, First Broadcast on June 9th] (in Korean). JoyNews.Archived from the original on May 13, 2022. RetrievedMay 13, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Kim, Bo-young (August 10, 2022).스타들의 가수 재데뷔...정재형→성시경 8인 JTBC '스타 탄생' 합류 [Stars' singers re-debut... Jaehyung Jung → Sikyung Sung joins 8 members of JTBC's 'Birth of a Star'] (in Korean).Edaily [ko].Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. RetrievedAugust 10, 2022 – viaNaver.
^Kim Min Ji (March 8, 2023).마마무 솔라, 오늘 '웻!' 막방 출격...'파라다이스' 무대 최초 공개 [MAMAMOO's Solar will perform on the last episode of "Wet!". The first performance of "Paradise".] (in Korean).News1 [ko].Archived from the original on March 8, 2023. RetrievedMarch 8, 2023 – viaNaver.
^Ahn, Byung Kil (June 6, 2023).마마무 솔라 '베일드 뮤지션' 심사위원 [Mamamoo's Solar 'Veiled Musician' Judge] (in Korean). Sports Kyu ghyang.Archived from the original on June 25, 2023. RetrievedJune 6, 2023 – viaNaver.
^Baek, Ji-eun (December 12, 2023).[공식] 이석훈·백호·서은광·솔라·웬디, Mnet '빌드업' 심사위원 확정 [[Official] Lee Seok-Hoon, Baek Ho, Seo Eun-Kwang, Solar, and Wendy confirmed as judges for Mnet's 'Build Up'] (in Korean).Sports Chosun.Archived from the original on February 9, 2024. RetrievedJanuary 22, 2024 – viaNaver.
^마마무 솔라·갓세븐 영재, '꿈꾸라' 스페셜 DJ 출격 [Got7's Youngjae and Mamamoo's Solar selected as special DJs for MBC FM4U 'Dream Radio'].Naver (in Korean).Archived from the original on January 17, 2022. RetrievedJanuary 16, 2022.
^세종문화회관.Archived from the original on April 11, 2024. RetrievedApril 5, 2024.
^인터파크 티켓.tickets.interpark.com.Archived from the original on February 5, 2024. RetrievedFebruary 5, 2024.
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^Jeong, Tae-gun (December 26, 2021).솔라X장도연X홍현희X사유리X김병현, 'KBS 연예대상' 베스트 엔터테이너상 [Solar X Jang Do-yeon X Hong Hyun-hee X Sayuri X Kim Byeong-hyun, 'KBS Entertainment Awards' Best Entertainer Award].Ten Asia (in Korean).Naver.Archived from the original on December 25, 2021. RetrievedDecember 26, 2021.
^Lee, Seung-rok (December 26, 2021).오윤아·장민호, 우수상 리얼리티 부문 수상 영광 [KBS연예대상] [Yoona Oh and Minho Jang, Received Excellence Award in Reality Category [KBS Entertainment Awards]] (in Korean).My Daily [ko].Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. RetrievedDecember 26, 2021 – viaNaver.
^Lee, Seung-rok (December 29, 2016).[MBC연예대상] '우결' 에릭남♥솔라, 베스트커플상 받았다 [[MBC Entertainment Awards] 'We Got Married' Eric Nam ♥ Solar received Best Couple Award].Naver (in Korean).My Daily [ko].Archived from the original on July 30, 2021. RetrievedJuly 30, 2021.
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Media related toSolar (vocalist) at Wikimedia Commons
