Solar (singer)

Kim Yong-sun (, born February 21, 1991), better known by the stage name Solar, is a South Korean singer, songwriter, and actress signed under RBW. She is the leader and vocalist of girl group Mamamoo and its sub-unit Mamamoo+. She made her solo debut with the single "Spit It Out" 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 on May 28, 2022, marking her first role as a musical actress.

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

2014–2018: Debut with Mamamoo
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 April 2, 2016, 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, she won 'Best Couple Award' at the 2016 MBC Entertainment Awards, marking her first variety show award as an entertainer. She was also nominated for 'Rookie Award (Female) in Variety Show' on the same night. 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.

2019–2021: Solo activities and awarded 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 260 million views.

She made her official solo debut with the single "Spit It Out" 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-ever 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 Winner's Kang Seung-yoon on KBS audition program 'The Song We Loved, New Singer' show as a judge, marking her first time as a judge in a singing/audition program. 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. This marked her second time as judge for a singing competition.

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 the best minute ratings of 9.7%, 10.6%, 10.8%, and 12.7% in multiple episodes, proving her power as a variety show personality and entertainer.

2022–2024: Continued solo success, soundtrack and variety show appearances, and continued role as vocal judge
On March 16, 2022, she released her first mini album 容: Face and its lead single "Honey". 容: Face has been met with positive critical acclaim from reviews. NME critic Rhian Daly gave the album a 4 out of 5 score, and stated "容: FACE captures Solar's energetic, bright and breezy personality well. The rap verse on "Honey" is a particular highlight that showcases her dynamism, while the mini-album as a whole pops with little vocal details that subtly elevate the songs." In addition, "Honey" has been listed as one of the 'Best K-pop Track of 2022' by British magazine Dazed. Dazed stated "Solar often changes the sense of speed and atmosphere in the song, which further emphasizes the meaning of the lyrics written by Solar herself, doubling the feeling of challenge. It is a sweet yet bright and bold song."

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 ended on February 23, 2023. Solar was known as Fully Paid Fairy for obtaining 44 candles in 3 different episodes, making history as the first and only cast member to achieve this. Solar was known for her realistic acting, proper diction and ASMR like storytelling, capturing the hearts of viewers. Solar would not be returning for season 3 due to her busy schedule.

On August 10, 2022, Solar was announced to join as Star Maker/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, marking her third time as a judge in a singing/audition competition. 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 21, 2022, it was announced that Solar will be singing in the title song "Paradise" for Channel S' DJ Survival competition show 'WET!:World EDM Trend'. The song and music video will be released on December 28, 2022. "Paradise" is described as a song with an atmosphere that matches Solar's unique voice.

On March 10, 2023, it was announced that Solar will be singing the OST titled "Eternal" for Pandora: Beneath the Paradise. The song was released on March 12, 2023, and served as the drama's opening song and first soundtrack.

On June 6, 2023, Solar was announced to join as the last judge for the show "2023 Veiled Musician" alongside Paul Kim, Highlight's Yang Yo-seob and Son Dong-woon, Yang Da-il, Melomance's Jeong Dong-hwan, Sole, and Shin Yong jae. Solar was chosen for her singing ability which dominates the stage. First broadcast will be aired in September 22 in Wavve.

On September 22, 2023, it was announced that Solar will be singing the soundtrack titled 'EXIT' for the show The Escape of the Seven. The song will be released on September 23 and serves as the show's main theme song and its first OST.

On December 12, 2023, Solar was announced as one of the five judges for Mnet's new vocal boy group competition titled Build Up: Vocal Boy Group Survival. She will be joined alongside Red Velvet's Wendy, BTOB's Seo Eunkwang, NU'EST's Baekho, and Lee Seok-hoon. The show is scheduled to premiere in early 2024. Solar was chosen for her established title as the main vocalist and continued active solo activities. She is recognized for her extraordinary vocal skills, and will be expected to give guidance in stage and performance, as well as insight as professional idol.

On March 21, 2024, Solar was announced as one of the coaches for KBS's new Global Idol Debut Project Make Mate 1. She will be joined by singer Lim Han-byul, vocal teacher Kim Seongeun, dancer WE DEM BOYZ In-gyu and Bata, and rapper Hanhae.

2024–present: The Return of Solar Emotion, COLOURS album and World Tour
On January 10, 2024, Solar announced the return of her Solar Emotion Project after 5 years and 9 months with Solar Emotion Part.7 remaking the late Kim Kwang-seok's song 사랑했지만 (English title: Love Has Gone). Solar Emotion Part.7 was released on January 18, 2023, at 6 pm through various music sites and limited cassette tape album which features the song. In partricular, Solar is expected to leave a leave a deep impression by presenting a different charm from the original song with her unique voice and explosive high notes.

IZM (Korea's biggest music website) critic Jang Junhwan stated "Solar successfully conveys the aspects of redrawing the charm of the original song and reinterpreting it in her own color. By using mid-tempo rhythm and modern composition, she created a different emotional resonance from the original song, simultaneously, she showcased the original strengths of the song known for its powerful vocals and precise pronunciation. The homage to Kim Kwang Seok's unique slurred pronunciation when singing 'Love Has Gone' in the chorus is a subtle fun element of fun. At this moment, another good example of a successful remake has increased."

On March 2024, Solar will officially launch her official fanclub called "Yongsoonie" (용순이) in 2024 to support the release of her new comeback album and solo concert. She stated in the Fromm that Yongsoonie is a community or group of people that loves Yongsun purely. The first teaser image on her fanclub titled Dear My Solshine was released on March 21, 2024.

On April 8, 2024, Solar announced her comeback with her second extended play (EP) titled Colours, 2 years and 1 month after the release of her first mini album 容: Face. Colours will be released on the April 30, 2024 at 6 pm through various music sites, CD and Nemoz version. As a solo artist, it is expected that Solar, who has shown unrivaled colour and expression in challenging and unconventional concepts, will show a colorful yet exotic charm with COLOURS album. As the name of the album 'COLOURS' indicates, it is expected to include various genres of music.

On May 7, 2024, Solar won her second music show award as a solo artist on SBS MTV's The Show for the title track of Colours's "But I". Simultaneously, she also announced her second solo concert titled COLOURS where she will be performing in Blue Square Mastercard Hall on June 1 and June 2, 2024. Tickets began selling for her official fan club membership on May 8, 2024, while general sales of ticket will begin selling on May 13.

On May 7, 2024, Solar announced that she will hold her 2ND CONCERT COLOURS with its first performance held in Blue Square Mastercard Hall in Seoul on June 1-2, 2024. On May 11, 2024, Solar announced that she will embark on her first world tour 2ND CONCERT COLOURS Tour. The first stop outside of Korea is in Manila in Solaire Theatre, June 16, 2024. Throughout June, July and October, She will continue to tour East Asia and South East Asia with stops in Manila, Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Macau. Furthermore, there will be more dates for tours in United States and Europe to be announced in the future.

2022–present: Debut as musical actress
On April 6, 2022, EMK Musical announced that Solar will be starring in the 3rd season of the musical Mata Hari alongside Ock Joo Hyun as the titular character. The musical ran from May 28 to August 15, 2022. Her performance as Mata Hari received acclamatory reviews from critics, highlighting her fresh take on the character, which emphasized the human side of Mata Hari who had a lot of scars. Subsequently, she brought her unique powerful vocal and refreshing energy, to express Mata Hari in her own way. One review stated that they were attracted to Solar's style, as her clear notes and drawn tones exceeded expectations, and she "tore up" the stage. In particular, Solar shined in Act 1 number "Become Mata Hari". In "Becoming Mata Hari", Solar delicately added Mata Hari's emotions to the oriental-style dance moves to steal the audience's attention. Another highlighted song was the final number of Act 2 "One Last Time" in which Mata Hari said goodbye to her loved ones, proved Solar's skill again as Mamamoo's vocalist once again. Additionally, many critics could not believe it was her first musical, highlighting her strong presence by perfectly imitating Mata Hari; her explosive singing skills, colorful dance performances, and delicate emotions that "it's unbelievable it's her first musical challenge". For her performance in the musical, she was nominated for Best Newcomer Award (Female) at the 7th Korea Musical Awards on December 20, making this her first nomination as a musical actress.

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 has received notable reviews from journalists and musical critics for her portrayal of Esmeralda. MyDaily magazine reporter Lee Seung-gil wrote on his review regarding Solar's performance as Esmeralda, stating that "Solar's renowned singing ability and performance shines as Esmeralda in both the first and second act. In the first act, she skillfully portrays the role of Esmeralda that grew up amongst gypsies who dreams of true love. In the second act, she shows off her acting skills showcasing Esmeralda's tragedy as she gets caught up in various twists and turns with the three main characters being in love with her." The review continued by praising her skills, stating, "Not only does she skillfully perform Esmeralda's theme songs such as 'Bohemian' and 'Vivre', but she also naturally utilizes the 'dancing' advantage that idol actors have in the process of expressing the gypsy woman. The fact that 'Notre Dame' is a sung-through musical is also a plus for Solar, as it helps her developing expertise in musical."

Sports Q reporter Na Hyein also adds the perfection of her casting and vocal prowess, stating "With her unrivaled explosive vocal range, dance skills that captivate the audience, and enchanting eyes and gestures, Solar's talents all point to Esmeralda, there could not be a more perfect casting than this."

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.

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 46 credits as a songwriter and 24 credits as a composer.