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| Zico of Block B will release his solo mini-album on July 12. / Yonhap |
By Kim Ji-soo
K-pop stars, working with their bands or as solo artists, have given fans an array of choices in the first half of the year. And the trend is expected to continue, with some soloists to watch for making a return this month.
Male solo artist Kim Tae-woo, former main vocal of g.o.d released his 6th album "T-With" on July 3, his first in two years. The track "With Fans" features only Kim with his soulful voice, while other featured artists sing with him on other songs.
If Zico of boy band Block B had made news last year for dating Seolhyun, this summer he hopes to make another splash with his mini-album to be released July 12.
The talented musician's latest album follows in the footsteps of his 2015 mini-album titled "Gallery," and since his single "She's A Baby" released in April.
Offering a glimpse of what might be to come, the star joined hands with dingo mobile media to create "Hack Zico" showing daily aspects of star's life. The star is also currently serving as a judge on the popular television show "Show Me the Money 6."
Another male artist who will go solo this summer is Chung Yong-wha of the four-member boy band CNBLUE. Chung and fellow members released CNBLUE's 7th mini-album in March this year. Since then, Chung has been active on the small screen, currently starring in a reality television show with comedian Kang Ho-dong and actress Kim Hee-seon.
Musically, he nimbly returns with the "Do Disturb" album, which will drop July 19. His agency, FNC Entertainment, said Chung's forthcoming music will be friendlier, as suggested by the title. He worked with rising rapper Roco on the title song for the solo album.
Jang Hyun-seung, the only member of the former boy band Beast to remain with Cube Entertainment, is due for a solo release following work with agency mate HyunA, formerly of 4minute, on the popular duet "Troublemaker."
For the solo album, the first in two years since the disbandment of Beast, Chang is working with Black Eyed Pilseung, the producer of "Troublemaker" and JYP Entertainment's Twice's hit song "TT."
The other members of Beast have gone on to form a new boy band Highlight.
Big Bang's Taeyang is poised for a solo return as well. Taeyang will provide a glimpse of what he will be like as a solo performer with concerts on July 8 and 9 in Chiba, Japan. He also has a concert planned for Seoul in September, putting industry insiders to predict his first release will be in July. Taeyang has released solo singles and albums and is known for such hits as "Look at me Only" and "I Need a Girl."
Solo male singer One from YG Entertainment is expected to make his debut July 11. One participated in the popular survival rap audition "Show Me the Money" seasons 4 and 5.
Since his appearances on the program, he has been working on music writing and singing to prepare for his debut.
Much anticipation looms over the first male solo singer since Se7en debuted 14 years ago under the YG umbrella.
On the female side, following in the footsteps of Hyori who returned with the album "Black," is rapper Jessi. She will release her first solo mini-album titled "Un2verse" July 13. The star, while having debuted in 2005, made her name when she was a runner-up on the rap survival program "Unpretty Rap Star" season 1 in 2015. She has mostly released singles.
Female solo singer Park Bo-ram, will drop her mini-album "Orange Moon" July 13.
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| One, new male solo singer to debut with YG Entertainment on July. 11/ Courtesy of YG Entertainment |
janee@koreatimes.co.kr
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