By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
It's been over a year since Shinhwa, one of the longest running Korean boy bands, has released an album. While younger boy groups like TVXQ, Super Junior, SS501 and Big Bang have been getting all the attention, Shinhwa members are concentrating on solo activities.
This summer, three Shinhwa members, Kim Dong-wan, Lee Min-woo and Shin Hye-sung are set to release their solo albums. The three singers are counting on loyal Shinhwa fans to support their solo efforts, but are also attempting to attract new fans with a more mature image.
Lee, who was the first member to go solo in 2003, will hold a showcase concert for his third album ``Explore M'' on July 8. His album will be released on July 10.
Adopting the stage name M for his solo activities, Lee has already released two albums with an R&B style. Lee seems to be the most serious when it comes to music, having written and produced songs for other K-pop artists such as Jewelry. He established his own music company M Rising Entertainment, and expressed interest in nurturing new artists.
Last Sunday, he performed as the opening act for international pop star Christina Aguilera's concert in Seoul. Lee has already held a concert in Japan, and has plans of touring China, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore this year.