Solar

Biography

Kim Yong-sun (Korean: 김용선, born February 21, 1991), known professionally as Solar (솔라), is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and actress signed under RBW. She is the leader and main vocalist of girl group Mamamoo and its sub-unit Mamamoo+. She made her solo debut with the single "Spit It Out×SPIT IT OUT23 April 2020 · SingleSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracks1뱉어 (Spit it out)3:142뱉어 (Spit it out) (inst.)3:14" on April 23, 2020. She released her first extended play 容: Face with its lead single "Honey" on March 16, 2022. Solar ventured into musical acting through the musical Mata Hari for its 2022 production. Solar will make her film debut with a role as Mi-yeon in horror film The Cursed. Solar also made her debut in Taiwan with a Chinese single "Floating Free×Floating Free4 July 2025 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 4 tracks1Floating Free3:262Floating Free (Solar Ver.)3:263Floating Free (Korean Ver.)3:264Floating Free (Inst.)3:24" on June 11, 2025.

Early life

Kim Yong-sun was born in Gangseo District, Seoul, South Korea, on February 21, 1991, where she lived with her parents and elder sister. She went to Hanyang Women's University with a major in tourism.

2014–2018: Debut with Mamamoo and Solar Emotion project

Solar debuted as a member and vocalist of Mamamoo on June 18, 2014, along with Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa. She made a cameo appearance in the 2015 romance web drama Imaginary Cat as Jung Soo-In. On August 30, 2015, she participated in the television singing show King of Mask Singer. On October 2, she released her first soundtrack "Star" with Kim Min-jae for the tvN drama Second 20s. On October 16, she released the first part of the Solar Emotion project with the song "Lived Like a Fool". On December 11, she released the second part of the musical project with the song "Only Longing Grows".
On March 29, 2016, Solar featured in the single "Love Again" by Yang Da-il. On April 2, Solar was announced to be a part of We Got Married with Eric Nam and appeared in episode 316. The pair completed their last appearance on November 19, 2016, in episode 348. On December 29, 2016, the pair won 'Best Couple Award' at the 2016 MBC Entertainment Awards, which was Solar's first variety show award as an entertainer. She was also nominated for 'Rookie Award (Female) in Variety Show' on the same night.
On July 8, 2016, she released the third part of her project with the song "In My Dreams". On February 21, 2017, Solar released the fourth part of the project with the song "Happy People". On October 17, the fifth part was released, it consisted of two singles "Alone People" and "Autumn Letter". On November 15, she was featured on "Cloudy" by Kiggen.
On April 24, 2018, she released her first solo EP, Solar's Emotion, which included previously released covers of several Korean pop songs and her solo version of Mamamoo's "Star Wind Flower Sun," which she wrote herself. To celebrate the release, she held concerts titled 'Solar Concert Blossom' from April 27 to 29 in Seoul and Busan. On August 22, she featured on Ravi's single "Leopard". On October 13, she featured on Cosmic Girl's single "Lie Ya×LIE YA13 October 2018 · SingleSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracks1LIE YA3:202LIE YA (inst.)3:20".

2019–2021: Solarsido, solo debut and variety show appearances

On February 21, 2019, Solar launched her personal YouTube channel called "Solarsido" to celebrate her 29th birthday (Korean age). She gained 1 million subscribers in 9 months and revealed on the show Happy Together that her highest earning was approximately 100 million South Korean won in 1 month just from her channel revenue alone. Solar has continued to upload weekly on her channel and gained over 320 million views.
She made her official solo debut with the single "Spit It Out×SPIT IT OUT23 April 2020 · SingleSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracks1뱉어 (Spit it out)3:142뱉어 (Spit it out) (inst.)3:14" which was released with a music video on April 23, 2020. The same day, Solar had her debut stage on Mnet's M Countdown. On April 28, she won her first music show award as a solo artist on SBS MTV's The Show.
On November 8, 2020, Solar joined Boss in the Mirror as 'Idol Boss' in episode 81 to 85. She returned as a fixed guest star and panelist for episodes 107 on May 9, 2021, and would subsequently guest star in the following episodes (107 to 109, 115 to 120, and 124 to 126). She became the photoshoot model for Men's Health magazine alongside fellow boss Yang Chi-seung. On May 12, 2021, it was announced that Solar joined Gummy, Lee Seung-chul, Bae Cheol-soo, Jung Jae-hyung, Kim Hyun-chul, and Kang Seung-yoon on KBS audition program The Song We Loved, New Singer show as a judge, her first time taking on such a role. On July 20, 2021, it was announced that Solar joined JTBC's Poongryu – Battle Between the Vocalist as a judge alongside Song Ga-in, Lena Park, Sung Si-kyung, Kim Jong-jin, Lee Juck, and 2PM's Jang Wooyoung.
On December 25, 2021, Solar won her second award as an entertainer and first solo award as an entertainer as 'Best Entertainer in Show and Variety' at the 2021 KBS Entertainment Awards for her work in The Legend, The New Singer and Boss in the Mirror. During her time as a cast member and guest star, Solar recorded minute ratings of 9.7%, 10.6%, 10.8%, and 12.7%.

2022–2024: 容: Face, theatre debut and continued OST and competition judging appearances

On March 16, 2022, she released her first EP 容: Face and its lead single "Honey". "Honey" was listed as one of the 'Best K-pop Track of 2022' by British magazine Dazed, who described it as a "sweet yet bright and bold song."
On April 6, 2022, South Korean production company EMK Musical announced that Solar would be starring in the 3rd season of the musical Mata Hari as the titular character. The musical ran from May 28 to August 15, 2022, with her performance receiving acclaim from critics. Yang Hyungmo reviewed the performance for Sports Donga, stating that her clear notes and drawn tones exceeded expectations, and she "tore up" the stage. Jo Suhyun noted for Star Daily Korea that it was hard to believe it was her first musical, highlighting her strong presence and singing skills. For her performance, she was nominated for the Best Female Newcomer Award at the 7th Korea Musical Awards on December 20.
On June 1, 2022, Solar was announced to join as a cast member for Season 2 of the popular Korea's first ghost story storytelling program Midnight Ghost Story (also known as Late Night Ghost Talk). She joined actor Lee Yi-kyung, entertainer Kim Sook and Kim Gura as MC and storyteller. First broadcast aired on June 9, 2022, and the show concluded on February 23, 2023. Solar was known as Fully Paid Fairy for obtaining 44 candles in 3 different episodes, the first and only cast member to achieve this. Solar was regarded for her realistic acting, proper diction and ASMR like storytelling, capturing the hearts of viewers.
On August 10, 2022, Solar was announced to join as a judge for JTBC's A Star Is Born alongside Jung Jae-hyung, Sung Si-kyung, Jang Min-ho, Defconn, Yoo Se-yoon, and Kim Feel. On August 22, it was announced that Solar and Mamamoo groupmate Moonbyul would be debuting in the sub-unit group Mamamoo+. The duo released their first single, "Better" featuring rapper Big Naughty, on August 30, 2022.
In October 2022, Solar released the single "After Love" from the Casting in the Corner project with Yesung. The song was a remix of the 2006 version and was released on October 20. On December 28, 2022, Solar released "Paradise×Paradise28 December 2022 · SingleSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracks1Paradise3:172Paradise (instrumental)3:17" for Channel S' DJ Survival competition show Wet!: World EDM Trend. On March 12, 2024, she released "Eternal" for the OST of Pandora: Beneath the Paradise.
On June 6, Solar was announced as a judge for the show 2023 Veiled Musician alongside Paul Kim, Yang Yo-seob, Son Dong-woon, Yang Da-il, Jeong Dong-hwan, Sole, and Shin Yong jae. On September 23, Solar released the song "Exit" for the OST of The Escape of the Seven. On December 12, she was announced as one of the five judges for Mnet's boy group competition show Build Up: Vocal Boy Group Survival alongside Wendy, Seo Eunkwang, Baekho, and Lee Seok-hoon. On March 21, 2024, Solar was announced as one of the coaches for KBS's competition program Make Mate 1.

On November 15, 2023, Solar was cast in the Korean version of Notre-Dame de Paris, scheduled to run from January 24 to March 24, 2024. She would be playing the role of Esmeralda. Solar again received positive reviews for her performance. MyDaily magazine reporter Lee Seung-gil wrote that "Solar's renowned singing ability and performance shines" and noted her dancing ability, stemming from her career as an idol. Sports Q reporter Na Hyein described her casting a perfect due to her "unrivaled explosive vocal range, captivating dance skill, and enchanting eyes and gestures". For her performance, she was nominated for the Female Rookie of the Year award at the 18th Daegu International Musical Awards held on July 8, 2024, her second nomination as a musical actress. Notre-Dame de Paris went on a national tour, touring in cities outside Seoul, with Solar performing in Busan, Daegu, Jinju, Ulsan and Daejeon from April 6 to June 9, 2024.

2024–present: The Return of Solar Emotion, Colours, Musicals, Movie Debut, Expansion to Chinese Market and touring

On January 10, 2024, Solar announced the return of her Solar Emotion Project after 5 years with Solar Emotion Part.7, remaking Kim Kwang-seok's "Love Has Gone" (사랑했지만). Solar Emotion Part.7 was released on January 18, 2023. IZM critic Jang Junhwan reviewed the cover, regarding it as a "good example of a successful remake" and rated it three out of five stars.
In March 2024, Solar launched her official fanclub called "Yongsoonie" (용순이) to support the release of her new album and concert. On April 8, Solar announced her second EP titled Colours×COLOURS30 April 2024 · EPSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 6 tracks1Colors2:302But I2:413텅2:244Honey Honey3:075Easy Peasy2:356Blues2:52. Colours was released on April 30. On May 7, Solar won her second music show award as a solo artist on SBS MTV's The Show for "But I". On the same day, she announced her second solo concert titled "Colours", performing at the Blue Square Mastercard Hall on June 1 and 2, 2024. The tour went on from June to October, with stops in Manila, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Macau.
On October 14, 2024, Solar announced the return of her Solar Emotion Project with a teaser of Solar Emotion Part. 8 drawing film that was posted on her official social media pages. The project includes a remake of "First Love" by Hikaru Utada and "Love Letter" (나 그대에게 모두 드리리) by Lee Jang Hee. A mood sampler was released on October 20, 2024, with the sound of cassette tape and Solar's narration about her first love "To my first love, I will remember the love you taught me for the rest of my life". Solar then puts a letter in the mailbox after much thought. The video contains the unique loneliness and warmth of autumn, catches the eyes of fans. On October 21, Solar announced her first talk concert "Know Your Place" for November 17. "Colors" was listed as the "Top 50 best K-pop tracks of 2024" by British magazine Dazed, highlighting the song as a rare example of diverse LGBTQ+ representation in K-pop.
On October 5, 2024, it was announced that Solar would be returning to acting in the supernatural thriller The Cursed directed by Hong Won-ki. The movie was previewed on September 9 and officially released on September 17, 2025. Solar portrays Mi-yeon, who comes to a rural village to fulfill her dream of becoming a famous writer.
On October 11, 2024, EMK Musical released a teaser featuring Solar's silhouette. Three days later, EMK Musical officially announced Solar as a returning cast member for the fourth season of Mata Hari, premiering on December 5, 2024, until March 2, 2025.
On April 2, 2025, Solar released her second single album titled "Want" accompanied with a music video. On June 11, she released her first Chinese language single, "Floating Free×Floating Free4 July 2025 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 4 tracks1Floating Free3:262Floating Free (Solar Ver.)3:263Floating Free (Korean Ver.)3:264Floating Free (Inst.)3:24". On June 22, she held her first solo concert titled Floating Free: Between, in Taipei, Taiwan. On August 23, she held her first fan-meeting titled "Floating Free: My Heart is Beating at This Moment", in Chongqing, China, entirely in Chinese. On October 11 and 12, 2025, Solar performed her third solo concert, titled Solaris, performing in Seoul, South Korea at Yonsei University Centennial Hall. She went on to perform in Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Singapore and Taipei from October 25 to November 30, 2025.
On August 2, 2025, Solar appeared as a special cast member on Hangout with Yoo in the 80s MBC Seoul Song Festival. Solar performed songs such as Dear J. by Lee Sun-hee, I Still Don't Know Love by Lee Ji-yeon with Liz, and RalRal, and finally performed Beautiful Landscape by Lee Sun-hee on the finale episode of the Festival. Solar also performed "I Love You" by Go Eun Hui and Lee Jeong Ran with RalRal on the Chuseok special episode.
On September 23, 2025, Solar was cast as Sugar in the South Korean production of Sugar, scheduled to run from December 12, 2025 until February 22, 2026. Solar stars alongside Um Ki-joon, Yoo Yeon-jung, Lee Hong-gi, Nam Woo-hyun, Jung Taek-woon, Yang Seo-yoon, Kim Beom-rae, Kim Hyung-mook, Song Won-geun, Kim Na-hee, Ryubi, Kim Bong-hwan and Cho Nam-hee. Solar's character, Sugar Kane, is a pure-hearted vocalist yearning for love. Sugar continued to go on a national musical tour to Cheongju and Busan on March 27-28, 2026, and April 10, 2026, respectively, marking her second national tour as a musical actress.
On March 9, 2026, Solar released her second Chinese single titled "總有一顆屬於的星球 (There's Always a Planet that Belongs to You)" (Official English Title: Your Own Star) a collaboration with Top Gen-Z band Accusefive. The song was released in digital format, alongside a music video and photobook. The song was number 1 on Taiwan iTunes chart and its music video was the number 1 trending video on Taiwan YouTube Chart, cementing her prominence in the Chinese music market. Solar performed and attended 2026 Weibo GALA - Weibo Cultural Communication Night in Macau, China on April 11, 2026, where she won "Outstanding Vocal Artist of the Year", further showcasing her dedication and expansion in the Chinese and Greater China market. On April 22, 2026, Solar released a solo version and special clip of "總有一顆屬於的星球 (There's Always a Planet that Belongs to You)" (Official English Title: Your Own Star).

Impact and influence

In 2016, Solar was ranked as the 18th and 10th most popular K-pop idol according to Women in the age range of 19–29 years old in annual surveys conducted by Gallup Korea. Additionally, in 2017, she ranked 19th most popular K-pop idol in the same surveys conducted by Gallup Korea.

Endorsements

On April 27, 2019, Solar was selected as Lipton's 5th Lipton Girl for their 'Iced Tea' Campaign. On April 22, 2020, Solar was selected as brand muse for beauty brand Blancow. She was chosen for her "clean skin" and "bright and lively energy" that go well with the brand image that pursues bare-faced confidence. On April 15, 2021, Solar renewed her contract with Blancow as an exclusive model. Solar's candid charms to pursue "bare-faced confidence", matched well with the image pursued by Blancow. It was considered positively that it brought about a synergistic effect. On May 14, 2021, Solar was selected as one of the musicians and content creator collaborating with Samsung to commemorate the launch of Samsung's Galaxy Book series with a 'Galaxy Live Quiz Show' (Gala Show), as well as promotional advertisements alongside fellow musician and content creator Gray. On April 25, 2022, Solar was selected as the face for 'New Gyeonggi-do Song' titled "Relaxing in Gyeonggi-do" by the Gyeonggi Province to support residents who are exhausted from the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
On September 16, 2025, Solar was selected as the promotional ambassador for Shin Kong Mitsukoshi SO LOVE anniversary celebration in Taiwan. On October 21, 2025, Solar was announced as the promotional ambassador for Garena mobile game Arena of Valor's 9th anniversary, voicing the character "Yena". On October 25, 2025, Solar sang its new theme song titled "Come Away With Me (Just Waiting for You)".
On March 25, 2026, Taiwanese game "Star 3 Missing 1" 《明星3缺1》 or better known as Celebrity Mahjong released multiple promotional commercial videos of Solar as their brand ambassador, making her their first Korean star to promote the game. This marks her third advertisement in Taiwan, ensuring her expansion to Chinese and Greater China markets.

Philanthropy

On September 27, 2021, Solar participated in World's Vision 'Girl's 60 Days' campaign. The campaign aimed to help girls of their rights to protection for matters such as early marriage, school interruption, and reproductive diseases. Specifically, the campaign aimed to protect the rights of girls daily lives of girls overseas who suffer unwanted pain during the average menstrual period of 60 days per year. Solar participated without hesitation, stating "I have always been interested in the problems that girls around the world are experiencing, and it is an honor to participate in spreading good influence."

Composition credits

All song credits are adapted from the Korea Music Copyright Association's database unless stated otherwise. Solar has a total of 51 credits as a songwriter and 29 credits as a composer.