Baekhyun, Wonho, J-Hope, RM & Rosé – Forbes’ Pick of K-pop Solo Idols Who Could Break into American Market

Forbes predicted five K-pop solo idols who could succeed in the U.S. this year.

On Feb 5, music journalist Hugh McIntyre wrote a column titled “Baekhyun, Wonho, J-Hope, RM And Blackpink’s Rosé: The K-Pop Solo Stars Who Could Break In America In 2021.”

“Almost all of the most successful musical acts from South Korea are groups, which is notably different to the American music market,” McIntyre wrote. “(Many groups) have managed to make many of the largest and most historic impressions on the Billboard charts, though solo acts have been gaining ground steadily throughout the past few years.”

Saying that a handful of idols are planning on returning with their solo career this year, McIntyre introduced “five South Korean solo musicians who could very well break in America in 2021.”

Wonho – “His debut EP Love Synonym Pt.1: Right for Me reached the Top Album Sales chart, which is notable for someone who just embarked on a solo venture. He may no longer be attached to the band that made him a household name in his home country, but it looks like Wonho is headed toward major things.”

J-Hope – “J-Hope, one of the seven members of BTS, made history when he became one of about five South Korean soloists to appear on the Billboard 200, and he was the first to break into the top 40 with a collection … J-Hope returned with a new single titled ‘Chicken Noodle Soup,’ … (and) that cut made its way to the Hot 100. … J-Hope may release another studio effort in 2021, and it will surely be even bigger than his first.”

Rosé – “Blackpink accomplished incredible things on a number of Billboard charts in 2020. … Rosé has hinted that solo music is on the way. Details are scarce, but Blackpink is now so huge in America, it’s difficult to imagine any of the four musicians in the act could drop something and it wouldn’t make some sort of noticeable impact.”

Baekhyun – “In K-pop, an industry dominated by those who work long hours and put in the effort, Baekhyun may very well be the most productive musician there is. … At the rate he’s doling out new music, Baekhyun will absolutely make it to at least a handful of Billboard charts in 2021, now it’s just a matter of seeing how well he does and under what name he chooses to do so.”

RM – “Like J-Hope, RM of BTS has achieved solo success in addition to his work with the chart-topping band… Back in 2018, RM’s mono. reached No. 26 on the Billboard 200, which at the time was incredible, as very few titles from South Korean musicians had placed inside the top 40 on that roster. … No matter how he chooses to release music as RM in 2021 (if he does at all), he’s sure to establish himself further as a star in America when he does.”

 

 

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