Late summer goes solo as Joy, Chaeyoung, Haechan and more lead fall K-pop lineup

From left are K-pop solo acts Wendy from Red Velvet, 2PM's Jun.K and MAMAMOO's Moonbyul. All three are expected to release new music in late August or September. Courtesy of ASND, JYP Entertainment, RBW

As the festival heat of summer fades, the K-pop spotlight is shifting as idols trade the safety of their groups for center stage through late August and September.

Red Velvet's Joy already opened the solo parade and in the weeks ahead, TWICE's Chaeyoung, NCT's Haechan, MAMAMOO's Moonbyul and more will be stepping forward — with debuts, comebacks and world tours packing the early autumn calendar.

Red Velvet's Joy was the first to make her move, releasing her debut mini-album "From JOY, with Love" on Monday.

The official teaser image for Red Velvet member Joy's latest solo release, "From JOY, With Love" / Courtesy of SM Entertainment

The six-track project threads together different shades of romance, including the bright and bubbly pop dance title "Love Splash!," which she co-wrote. The song captures the rush of first love with a fluttering beat, sweet lyrics and a melody designed to sparkle.

"Releasing an album filled with my own emotions once felt vague and difficult, but thanks to the people who supported me, I was able to bring it into the world," Joy said Monday through an official release. "I wanted to capture the greatness and preciousness of love in this album. The biggest challenge was expressing such a vast and profound theme in a way that feels approachable."

Another Red Velvet member is also preparing for her solo spotlight. Wendy will drop a solo album in September, followed by her first-ever world tour. Her agency ASND unveiled the tour poster on social media, announcing the series of shows under the banner "We Are Live."

The tour begins with concerts at Jangchung Gymnasium in central Seoul on Sept. 20 at 6 p.m. and Sept. 21 at 4 p.m. It will also mark Wendy's first global trek since leaving her former label, SM.

The official jacket image for NCT member Haechan's upcoming solo debut album, "TASTE" / Courtesy of SM Entertainment

SM's powerhouse boy group NCT is also sending one of its own into solo territory. Haechan will debut as a solo artist on Sept. 8 with his first full-length album "TASTE."

The record includes 11 tracks, led by the title song "CRZY." Built entirely on R&B, the genre Haechan loves most and feels best reflects the singer's identity, the album was designed to showcase his personal color across a range of styles.

According to his label, the title "TASTE" carries a double meaning: sharing the musical "taste" the NCT vocalist has been collecting since childhood and offering fans a first "taste" of his artistry as a soloist.

The official jacket image for "LIL FANTASY vol.1," TWICE member Chaeyoung's first solo work set for release on Sept. 12 / Courtesy of JYP Entertainment

Carrying the baton from Nayeon, Jihyo and Tzuyu, Chaeyoung will be the fourth TWICE member to go solo, with a debut set for Sept. 12 with an album dubbed "LIL FANTASY vol.1."

While further details remain under wraps, Chaeyoung's recent projects have hinted at her solo potential. She recently joined bandmates Jeongyeon and Jihyo on the soundtrack for Netflix's animated sensation "KPop Demon Hunters," while TWICE's July release, "THIS IS FOR," showcased an expanded musical direction. Just weeks ago, the group also drew headlines with a glittering headlining set at Lollapalooza Chicago.

MAMAMOO's Moonbyul is also returning with fresh solo material. On Wednesday, the rapper released her fourth mini-album, "laundri" across streaming platforms — described as her one-of-a-kind "emotional laundromat."

Its title track, "Goodbyes and Sad Eyes," leans on upbeat guitar riffs and a pulsing drum topline for an addictive band sound. According to her label RBW, Moonbyul channels the freeing emotions of moving on after a breakup through this project.

Official teaser images for solo singer Soojin's upcoming solo album, "BADITUDE" / Courtesy of BRD Entertainment

Former i-dle member Soojin is also breaking her silence with a new single. Her agency BRD Entertainment announced that "BADITUDE" will arrive on Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.

Soojin relaunched her career as a soloist with the mini-album "Agassy" in November 2023, followed by "RIZZ" in May 2024. "BADITUDE" will be her first release in more than a year, marking her return after a 15-month gap.

Jun.K of JYP's iconic boy band 2PM is also preparing a comeback of his own. On Sept. 1, he will release his fourth mini-album "Dear my muse."

The record is his first mini-album in nearly five years, since "20 Minutes" in December 2020, and his first new music in about a year following the digital single "Paint this love" in August 2024.