As usual, at the end of the K-Pop year, it is time to reflect on some of the best moments of the year and look forward to what will happen in the new year in the K-Pop landscape. Whilst many focus on the success of boy groups and girl groups, it’s also important to reflect on the K-Pop soloists who worked hard to bring us good music. In 2021, we created a list of soloists who were influential in 2021. The list included IU, BLACKPINK’s Rosé, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, CL, SHINee’s TaeMin, EXO’s Kai, HyunA, SunMi, WonHo, LeeHi, GOT7’s Jay B, WOODZ, and ASTRO’s MJ. Read more about what made them influential in the article below. Which K-Pop soloists do you think were the most influential this year? Is there a soloist who had a huge impact on you in 2022? Today, we’ll be taking a look at some of the most influential K-Pop solo artists who made our year both musically and in other fields. Top 10 Most Influential Soloists Of 2021 Kpopmap Highlights 2021|Dec 15, 2021 However, this raises one question…
What defines an influential artist in K-Pop?
The English definition of ‘influence’ or ‘being influential’ is, “the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.” Going by this definition, the acts of belonging to a fandom or supporting an artist by buying their album can be considered an act of being influenced, for example. Another example of being influenced in the K-Pop sphere could include fans being encouraged to take care of themselves through lyrics about self-care or messages about mental health spoken by their favorite idols, etc. Additionally, the positivity that radiates from K-Pop artists and their music, content, etc., and brings joy to their fans, can be considered one of the best ways that artists influence their supporters. Considering some of these acts of influence, factors such as album sales, the success of non-musical activities, inspiring moments, exceptional lyricism, and much more can be factored in when contemplating an artist’s influence. With that said…
Who are the most influential K-Pop soloists in 2022?
At Kpopmap, we have identified 10 K-Pop soloists who we think have been exceptionally influential in 2022. Let us know who you agree with and who else you think was influential this year in the comment section below. Note: This list is not in any particular order. It is not a ranking. Additionally, the poll included at the end of the article is intended to gather readers’ opinions and will thus remain constantly open. However, no results article based on the findings will be published.
1. TWICE’s NaYeon
Not only did NaYeon have a successful year as a member of TWICE with their world tour and comeback with the mini album “Between 1&2” and the title track ‘Talk that Talk’; but the year proved significant as she made her solo debut, as well. Fans applauded her debut for several reasons. One of which is that NaYeon is the first soloist among the TWICE members to debut after years of having performed only as a group. The announcement of her solo debut not only created great anticipation but lived up to the hype and exceeded it. Her debut mini-album “Im Nayeon” and the title track ‘POP!’ sold 252,900+ copies in the first week of album sales. Her solo debut literally took the K-‘POP!’ world by storm. The song was a hit sensation with its addictive melody and choreography. NaYeon highlighted her musicality in a new spotlight that allowed fans to appreciate every aspect of her performance from her vocals, dance abilities, and right down to the little details like some of the best stage outfits of the year. ‘POP!’ is known as one of the signature stand-out K-Pop songs of the summer of 2022.
2. GOT7’s BamBam
GOT7’s BamBam exhibited stellar work ethic this year and the proof is in the pudding of his music. GOT7 came back with a self-titled EP “GOT7” and the title track ‘NANANA’ in May, making history as the first-ever K-Pop group where all of the members left their company but stayed together as an active group and gained full trademark rights to their group and its assets. BamBam not only rocked the comeback but he excelled as a soloist this year, too. BamBam’s second mini album “B” and the double title tracks ‘Slow Mo’ and ‘Who Are You’ sold 87,000+ copies in the first week of album sales. The album reiterated the high quality that is always associated with BamBam’s musicality and creative direction. Additionally, many Ahgases (iGOT7 - GOT7’s fandom) were impressed with BamBam’s achievements in the industry this year. Especially as a non-Korean idol who is consistently flourishing in both the Korean entertainment industry and internationally, 2022 proved that BamBam has established himself as a trendsetting and industry-leading brand in himself. From MCing the K-Quiz show “Quiz On Korea” to being a charming panel member on “Transit Love Season 2”, BamBam has been booked and busy in the most inspiring way.
3. BTS’ RM
Not only did the global boy group sensation BTS have yet another amazing year, but as a soloist, their leader RM brought the heat musically, too. BTS had a busy year with the release of their compilation/anthology album “PROOF” and ‘Yet To Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)’ serving as the title track. This is among several other promotional activities. As the group members embarked on a journey that allowed them to focus more on solo projects, RM made his official solo debut. His first full-length album “INDIGO” and the title track ‘Wild Flower’ sold 619,200+ copies in the first week of album sales. This album has been moving a lot of music fans since its release including ARMY, non-ARMY K-Pop fans, and general music fans (who might not be into K-Pop) alike. It is an album that appeals to all, proving his wide range of influence. Another impressive aspect of the album is how he was able to collaborate with a number of artists including musical legends such as Erykah Badu, making the collaborations possible through his sincerity and the musicality that he has proven over the years. Many fans expressed that this album is not only musically and lyrically beautiful but also awe-inspiring.
4. Park JiHoon
Park JiHoon’s music this year added to his already solid discography and further solidified his stance as an artist. His sixth mini album “The Answer” and the title track ‘NITRO’ sold 37,500+ copies in first-week album sales. Park JiHoon made an additional impact with his role in the web drama “Weak Hero Class 1” which moved several audiences. The drama held a heavy storyline that Park JiHoon acted out authentically and with unequivocally convincing emotion. The drama really highlighted his acting prowess and gained him a number of new fans who fell for his charm. Once again proving himself as a force both onstage and onscreen, Park JiHoon had a stellar year in 2022. His fans’ hearts didn’t stand a chance as he made sure that their hearts were swollen with pride for their beloved artist.
5. Girls’ Generation’s TaeYeon
TaeYeon had a superstar year. She made her debut as a member of the SM Entertainment unit GOT The Beat and showed fans a fierce side of herself through the digital single ‘Step Back’. 2022 also saw her having a successful comeback/reunion with her fellow Girls’ Generation members for their seventh full-length album “FOREVER 1” and the title track of the same name. On top of that, as a soloist, she blessed the K-Pop world as well. Her third full-length album “INVU” and the title track of the same name sold 142,000+ copies in album sales during the first week. TaeYeon truly delivered a musical masterpiece through her album “INVU” which was the true definition of a ’no-skip’ album. The album was not only musically masterful but the creativity and attention to detail that went into the concept were unmatched. There was initially some resistance from SM Entertainment regarding this release. However, fans are grateful that she went ahead with it. The album concept was very different from her previous work and showed a new side of TaeYeon as an artist that we hope to see more of in the future.
6. B.I
B.I has always been known for being a musical and producing genius. Every song he touches turns to gold and 2022 was no different. His second EP “Love or Loved Part. 1” and the title track ‘Keep Me Up’ sold 19,900+ copies in the first week of album sales. The track ‘BTBT’ on the album was pre-released and did exceptionally well in its own right, too. B.I filled the playlists of almost every K-Pop listener with his addictive musical offerings this year. There were no skips in sight on his tracklist. Additionally, the rollout of his releases truly showcased his creativity and musicality as a producer and artist. He deserves big ups for his contribution to K-Pop this year.
7. MONSTA X’s KiHyun
KiHyun had a successful year as a member of the internationally acclaimed boy group MONSTA X, making great achievements through the promotion of their eleventh mini-album “SHAPE OF LOVE” and the title track ‘LOVE’. 2022 also marked his official solo debut. His debut single album “VOYAGER” and the title track of the same name sold 135,400+ copies in the first week of album sales. He also came back with his first mini album “Youth” and the title track of the same name which sold 114,900+ copies in first-week album sales. MONBEBE (MONSTA X’s fandom) has particularly enjoyed KiHyun’s solo music as it is filled with and highlights his personality in a new light. The cherry on top of this musical style is the way that it has showcased KiHyun’s wide vocal range which he has always been renowned for. We are all looking forward to seeing what KiHyun will bring us next.
8. Red Velvet’s SeulGi
SeulGi is the soloist who took everyone by pleasant surprise this year. She had success as a member of SM Entertainment’s unit GOT The Beat, showing her usual brilliance as a performer, and has been killing her comebacks with Red Velvet, too. Red Velvet came back with their mini albums “The ReVe Festival 2022 - Feel My Rhythm” and “The ReVe Festival 2022 - Birthday” with SeulGi showing her standard outstanding performance power during both. In a solo capacity, she made her solo debut in 2022. Her solo debut mini album “28 Reasons” and the title track of the same name sold 184,400+ copies in the first week of album sales. When the name ‘SeulGi’ comes up, it is almost expected to see a dynamite performance. However, her debut took fans by surprise as SeulGi managed to unlock a new level of perfection. Many fans have summed up the album to be a masterpiece. This also goes for the entire concept which is the first of its kind among female idols, creating a new artistic standard. This just goes to prove how far her influential reach goes and will continue to go.
9. AleXa
AleXa is another K-Pop soloist who killed it this year. In addition to her success winning the “American Song Contest” and going on a concert tour of the US, AleXa’s reach grew exponentially in 2022. Her first mini album “Girls Gone Vogue” and the title track ‘Back In Vogue’ sold 1,600+ copies in the first week of album sales. This is 4 times the amount that she sold with her previous release, ‘Tattoo’. Many have dubbed the album as her best release yet, raising anticipation of what she will release next. The album not only showed her creative flair as she displayed a theatrical and conceptual side of herself but also emphasized her wide range as an artist who can pull off any genre.
10. Lee ChanHyuk (AKMU)
Lee ChanHyuk is one of the artists who definitely won 2022. Not only did the visionary allow us to see him in a new light and break boundaries as a revolutionary conceptualist and musician; but he also opened up conversations about his art. Lee ChanHyuk brought the aspect of the debate that comes with an album release and rollout back in 2022, inspiring many with his solo debut. His debut album “ERROR” and the title track ‘Panorama’ sold 1,500+ copies in the first week of album sales. His album is one of the hidden gems in K-Pop music this year, without a doubt. The album has been described by fans as being an experience from start to finish. In fact, the same can be said for the marketing rollout of the album. From his guerilla promotional activities in the hotspots of Seoul’s city to his out-of-the-box and fresh conceptual performances (including interesting visual pieces such as shaving his head on stage); Lee ChanHyuk didn’t just produce a piece of music to listen to. He created an invitation into his world as a creative genius. Which soloists do you think were the most influential this year? Let us know in the comments!
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