Boy Band Members Go Solo

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

There is little doubt that boy bands dominate the K-pop scene, with good-looking boys singing and dancing their way into the hearts of girls across Asia.

But what happens when these boys grow into men?

More often than not, boy band members attempt to retain their popularity by going solo. Perhaps these boys are encouraged by the success of pop superstar Justin Timberlake, who has managed to make the public forget that he was once a member of the popular boy band N'Sync.

Nowadays, the K-pop scene is crowded with solo albums being released by boy band members.

Ex-G.O.D. members Son Ho-young and Kim Tae-woo released debut albums last month, only a few weeks apart. Jang Woo-hyeok, an ex-member of H.O.T., released his second album "My Way" late last month. Shinhwa member Jun Jin came out with his single album this month.

In boy bands, the members usually need to have a clean-cut, goody-two-shoes image, but as solo artists, singers can establish a more mature image and distinct musical style, which they hope will attract a wider fan base.

G.O.D. is considered one of the most successful boy bands in Korea. Son and Kim have taken different approaches to their solo careers.

Son has taken a sexier image with his debut album "Yes", which features a mix of R&B and hip-hop tracks. Kim showed off his strong vocals in his album "Solo Special". Instead of becoming rivals, Son and Kim collaborated on a track called "My Friend", which appears on Kim's album.

There is no clear-cut formula for success when it comes to boy band members going solo. They usually tap their loyal fan base for support, which generally ensures album sales.

H.O.T'.s five members have all embarked on solo careers. Thanks to their loyal fans, H.O.T. members have enjoyed success, though in varying degrees.

Jang Woo-hyeok's second album has topped the charts. Kang Ta has released three albums and formed a duo with Taiwanese singer Vanness Wu. Other members Tony An, Moon Hee-jun and Lee Jae-won have also released solo albums.

Unlike G.O.D. and H.O.T., whose members went solo only after their groups disbanded, several members of Shinhwa have taken on solo careers while their group is on hiatus.

Lee Min-woo has released two R&B albums under the stage name M and has written and produced several songs. Shin Hye-sung released an album last year.

This year, it is Jun Jin's turn to go solo. Known more for his dancing skills, Jun Jin is showing off his vocals with a ballad "사랑이 오지 않아요" (Love Doesn't Come).

Next month, these boy band members turned solo artists will test their ability to draw crowds to their winter concerts.

M is holding two concerts "M Live Works 2006-2007" on Dec. 2 and 3 at the Melon-AX.

Jang is holding a New Year's Eve concert at Olympic Park Gymnasium on Dec. 31. Fellow former H.O.T. member Lee Jae-won is holding a Christmas live concert on Dec. 16 at the Dom Art Hall in Children's Grand Park.

Kim has a series of shows called "Soul Shopping _ Midnight Concert" at the Sheraton Grand Walkerhill Hotel in Kayagum Hall from Dec. 22-30.

For more information about these concerts, visit Open the link