K-pop idols who made solo debuts in their mid-twenties
Written by: Alena
The mid-twenties (ages 24-27) feel like the perfect age for experienced K-pop idols to make their debut as solo artists.
After all, K-pop idols usually debut during their mid-teenage years (ages 14-16), late-teenage years (ages 17-19), or early twenties (ages 20-23) after months or years of rigorous training and monthly evaluations.
They often gain years of experience as members of K-pop groups before transitioning as soloists within their group.
The mid-twenties are a period when the “quarter-life crisis” hits. Individuals often face challenges in their careers, reflect on their life paths, and make significant decisions regarding their future, according to an article titled “The Difference Between Your Early 20s and Late 20s” by writer Marcus Tan.
Here are some K-pop idols who have made their solo debuts in their mid-twenties, proving that their continuous years of experience in the K-pop industry have stood the test of time.
BTS Jungkook
BTS Jungkook made his solo debut on July 14, 2023, with the digital single “Seven” at the age of 25.
Seven is an “invigorating ‘summer song’ that is sure to have you experience the full breadth of Jung Kook’s charm,” according to BigHit Music.
It stars “The World of the Married” actress Han So-hee, who acts as his partner in the music video.
In November 2023, the BTS vocalist released his debut solo album “GOLDEN” with the lead track “Standing Next to You.” The album also includes his previously released singles “3D (featuring Jack Harlow)” and clean and explicit versions of “Seven (featuring Latto).”
He is the sixth member of BTS to come up with a solo release.
BTS Jimin
At 27, BTS Jimin released his debut solo title track “Like Crazy” on March 24, 2023, as part of his debut solo album “Face.”
BigHit Music said “Face” is all about Jimin “facing himself head-on as he gets ready for his next step as a solo artist.”
Prior to the release of the album, he unveiled a music video for his single “Set Me Free Pt.2” on March 17, 2023.
He is the fourth BTS member to release solo music projects following J-Hope, Jin, and RM.
BTS V
BTS member V made his solo debut at 27 with the release of his album “Layover,” featuring the cinematic music video for the lead single “Slow Dancing” on September 8, 2023.
“Layover consists of six tracks in total – five tracks and a bonus track. To fully appreciate the album’s flow, we recommend listening to it in sequence from start to finish,” according to a Weverse post.
“Slow Dancing” serves as the third music video from his album after “Love Me Again,” “Rainy Days,” “Blue,” and “For Us.” The album also consists of a piano version of “Slow Dancing.”
He became the final BTS member to officially debut as a soloist after J-Hope, Jin, RM, Jimin, Suga, and Jungkook.
BLACKPINK Lisa
At 24, Lisa of Blackpink made her solo debut on September 10, 2021, with her first album “Lalisa.”
Lisa released her second album “Alter Ego” on February 28, 2025. Her latest song “SaWaDiKa” was released last September 2.
She is the third Blackpink member to make a solo debut, following Rose with “On the Ground” in March 2021 and Jennie with “Solo” in 2018. Meanwhile, Jisoo released her solo debut album “Me” in 2023.
TWICE Nayeon
TWICE lead vocalist Nayeon, at the age of 27, released her debut solo album “Im Nayeon” on June 24, 2022, with the lead single “POP!”
She released her second album “NA” on June 14, 2024, with the lead track “ABCD.”
Nayeon is the first out of the nine members of TWICE to release a solo album.
TWICE Jihyo
TWICE leader and vocalist Jihyo made her solo debut with her first album “Zone” on August 18, 2023, with the title track “Killin’ Me Good,” at the age of 26.
Her latest song “Distant Lover” with Shenseea and FANDOM was released last July 10.
Jihyo is the second member of the girl group to become a solo artist after Nayeon, who debuted as a soloist in 2022.
TWICE Tzuyu
Tzuyu is the third TWICE member to launch her solo music with her first mini album “abouTZU” on September 6, 2024, at the age of 25.
The album is accompanied by the music video for her debut title track “Run Away.”
Last September 26, 2025, Tzuyu featured in a song by Corbyn Besson titled “Blink.”
ITZY YEJI
Six years into being the leader of ITZY, Yeji debuted as a soloist at the age of 24 with the release of her first solo album “AIR.”
Released on March 10, 2025, the album features the title track, “Air,” along with other songs such as “Invasion,” “Can’t Slow Me, No,” and “258.”
Yeji is the first member of ITZY to make her solo debut.
TXT YEONJUN
At 24, TOMORROW X TOGETHER Yeonjun made his solo debut on September 19, 2024, with the single track “GGUM” from his debut solo mixtape “YEONJUN’s Mixtape: GGUM.”
The mixtape is followed by his debut solo album “No Labels: Part 01,” released on November 7, 2025, with the lead track “Talk to You.”
“No Labels: Part 02” was released on July 10, 2026, with the title track “Ice Cream.”
Yeonjun is the first TXT member to debut as a soloist and release a solo album.
TXT BEOMGYU
Beomgyu of TOMORROW X TOGETHER debuted as a soloist on March 27, 2025, with the release of his debut solo mixtape “BEOMGYU’s Mixtape: Panic” at the age of 24.
“BEOMGYU’s Mixtape: Panic” is his “solo debut project that captures his distinct musical colors and personal story with a powerful rock band sound,” according to a Weverse post.
