SM Entertainment, one of South Korea's original "Big 3" entertainment companies, has been a powerhouse in the music industry since its establishment in 1995. Renowned for producing some of the biggest names in K-pop, SM Entertainment also boasts a rich history of nurturing talented solo artists who have made significant domestic and international impact.
Let’s delve into some of the iconic soloists produced by SM Entertainment.
BoA
BoA, often referred to as the "Queen of K-pop," is one of SM Entertainment's first soloists to achieve international stardom. Debuting at the young age of 13 in 2000, BoA quickly became a sensation in South Korea and expanded her influence to Japan, contributing to the Hallyu wave. Her rich solo discography has garnered numerous accolades.
KANGTA
Kangta, a former member of the legendary SM boy group H.O.T., embarked on his solo career in 2001. Known for his smooth vocals and emotive ballads, Kangta solidified his status as a formidable solo artist with hits like "Pine Tree," "Polaris," etc., and remains an influential figure in the K-pop industry.
Girls' Generation’s TAEYEON
Taeyeon, the leader of Girls' Generation, made her solo debut in 2015 with the mini-album "I." Since then, Taeyeon has released numerous successful albums and singles, cementing her place as one of the top soloists in the industry. Her 2022 album “INVU” made her one of the few female soloists to achieve the prestigious Perfect All-Kill.
EXO’s BAEKHYUN
Members of EXO are successful in their solo careers, but Baekhyun, who made his solo debut in 2019, stands out as one of the industry’s most iconic soloists. With multiple million-selling solo albums and chart-topping hits like "Bambi" and "Candy," Baekhyun has established himself as a prominent soloist, earning numerous acclaims and awards.
SHINEE’s JONGHYUN and TAEMIN
SHINee’s Jonghyun was one of the best SM vocalists and was renowned for his songwriting skills. He debuted as a soloist in 2015 and had a successful solo career with chart-topping albums like “Base,” “She is,” “Poet | Artist,” etc. while also embarking on successful solo concert tours and earning numerous accolades.
Taemin ventured into his solo career in 2014 and has since earned several awards for his solos. Known for his exceptional dance skills, Taemin’s solo albums "Press It," “Move,” "Ace," and “Guilty,” as well as his solo concerts, showcase his innovative approach to music and performance.
SUPER JUNIOR’s KYUHYUN
All Super Junior members have thriving solo careers in various fields, such as acting, variety shows, and singing. Kyuhyun, one of the main vocalists, known for his vocal prowess, has become a renowned soloist, earning numerous accolades. His superhit track “At Gwanghwamun” achieved an all-kill just after 12 hours of its release, topping all charts.
SM Entertainment has a rich history of nurturing talented groups and soloists that have significantly shaped the K-pop landscape. These iconic soloists have not only achieved immense success, but their contributions to music have also solidified SM Entertainment's legacy as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.