What Are The Leader Of 2PM'S Solo Projects?

The BTS members have been killing it with their solo projects lately! RM dropped his solo album 'Indigo' last year, and it's this gorgeous blend of hip-hop and introspective lyrics—perfect for late-night drives. Suga released 'D-Day' under his Agust D alias, and man, the raw energy in tracks like 'Haegeum' hits different. J-Hope's 'Jack In The Box' was a total vibe shift with its gritty, experimental sound, and his Lollapalooza performance? Legendary. Jimin’s 'FACE' gave us sultry bops like 'Like Crazy,' while V’s 'Layover' oozed that smooth, jazz-infused charm. Jungkook’s 'Golden' is pure pop gold—'Seven' had everyone humming for weeks. Even Jin’s solo single 'The Astronaut' (collab with Coldplay!) was a heartfelt goodbye before enlistment. Each project feels like a love letter to their individual artistry, and I’m here for it all.

The journey of the SHINee leader, Onew, is pretty fascinating, filled with all kinds of diverse solo projects that showcase his versatility and talent. One standout moment was his debut solo mini-album, 'Voice', which hit us with such heartfelt tracks. The lead single, 'Sunflower', really allowed him to shine and showcase his unique vocal color. I remember just getting lost in the melodies while driving, thinking how beautiful the lyrics were. It's so personal and resonates deeply, especially for those of us who have been following him since SHINee's early days. His venture into acting is also noteworthy. I was surprised yet thrilled to see him taking on a role in the drama 'Descendants of the Sun'. It was like seeing a whole new side of him, immersing himself into acting while still maintaining his musical identity. His charm really came through, capturing the hearts of many fans, including mine. And then there’s his musical contributions for soundtracks; I absolutely loved his track for 'The King: Eternal Monarch'. It's that kind of song that can bring back emotional moments from the series and still feel fresh every time you listen. He definitely knows how to tug at those heartstrings! Beyond music and drama, Onew's also explored theater! His role in the musical 'Gwanghwamun Sonata' was such a bold step, proving he’s willing to push boundaries. The love he received for his performances was totally deserved— it’s hard work, and he poured his heart into it. Knowing he thrives on stage, transcending the typical pop idol image, is inspiring. You can't help but cheer him on, as Onew continues to carve his path, showing that there’s so much more to him beyond just SHINee. Onew’s solo journey reflects not only his growth as an artist but also his genuine passion for music and performance. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!

2PM has been one of those groups that feels like they've grown up alongside their fans, and their leadership has always had this cool, big brother vibe. After Jay Park left back in 2009, the group reorganized, and Jun.K really stepped into that role naturally—not just because he’s the oldest but because of how he carries himself. He’s got this mix of professionalism and warmth that just fits. Watching their interviews and performances over the years, you can tell the members respect him, but it never feels rigid. They still joke around like the chaotic family they are, but when it’s time to work, Jun.K’s the one who subtly steers the ship. It’s fascinating how K-pop groups balance that dynamic—strict hierarchies aren’t as obvious as they used to be, but the unspoken leadership is still there. What’s really endearing is how 2PM’s bond translates on stage. Even during their military hiatuses, they’d hype each other up, and Jun.K’s solo work never overshadowed the group’s identity. Now that they’re all back, their 2021 comeback 'Must' proved they haven’t lost a step. The way Jun.K harmonizes with Nichkhun’s softer tones or playfully bickers with Taecyeon during variety shows—it’s clear he’s the glue. Not in a domineering way, but like someone who just gets how to keep six strong personalities in sync. Honestly, I think that’s why their fans (HOTTESTs) stick around; the leadership feels earned, not assigned.

The story behind how Taecyeon became part of 2PM is actually pretty wild and speaks volumes about how unpredictable the K-pop trainee system can be. Originally, he wasn't even aiming for a music career—he was studying abroad in the U.S. with plans to attend an Ivy League university. JYP Entertainment scouts spotted him during a street performance in Boston, of all places, and convinced him to audition. What's crazy is that he initially turned them down because of his academic goals, but they kept pursuing him. After multiple calls and offers, he finally agreed to fly to Korea for a trial period. Once he joined JYP as a trainee, his athleticism (he was a taekwondo athlete) and multilingual skills made him stand out, but his lack of formal vocal training meant he had to work twice as hard. The grueling practice sessions almost made him quit, but the other members—especially Jun.K—helped him push through. His deep voice eventually became one of 2PM's trademarks, and his stage presence in performances like 'I’ll Be Back' solidified his role as the group’s visual and rap anchor. It’s funny how life works; if those scouts hadn’t been so persistent, K-pop might’ve missed out on one of its most iconic 'beast-dols.'

The leader of 2PM, Jun. K (formerly known as Junsu), became famous for a mix of raw talent, charisma, and the group's explosive debut concept. 2PM wasn't just another K-pop group—they were marketed as 'beast idols,' a term that highlighted their rugged, masculine image and intense performances. Jun. K stood out early with his powerful vocals, especially in songs like '10 Out of 10' and 'Heartbeat,' where his high notes became a signature. Beyond singing, his stage presence was magnetic; he had this way of commanding attention without even trying too hard. The group's variety show appearances also played a huge role. Shows like 'Wild Bunny' showcased his playful, sometimes mischievous personality, making him relatable to fans. What really cemented his fame, though, was 2PM's international success. They were one of the first K-pop groups to gain traction in Japan and Southeast Asia, and Jun. K's fluency in Japanese (he later debuted solo there) helped bridge that gap. His songwriting skills also earned respect—he co-wrote many of 2PM's tracks, proving he wasn't just a performer but a creative force. Over time, his consistency—whether in music, variety, or solo projects—kept him relevant even as K-pop evolved. It's rare to find someone who balances idol charm with genuine artistry, but Jun. K managed it, and that's why his fame stuck.

The leader of 2PM, Jun. K (formerly known as Junsu), debuted as part of the group back in September 4, 2008. I still vividly recall the buzz around their debut single '10 Out of 10'—it was such a fresh, energetic sound that immediately set them apart from other idol groups at the time. Their performances were packed with acrobatic stunts and powerful choreography, which became their signature style. Jun. K stood out not just for his leadership but also for his incredible vocals, which added depth to their music. Over the years, 2PM evolved into one of the most respected groups in K-pop, blending pop, R&B, and even hip-hop influences seamlessly. What’s fascinating is how Jun. K’s role expanded beyond just being the leader. He became a key songwriter for the group, contributing to hits like 'A.D.T.O.Y.' and 'My House.' His solo work also showcases his versatility, from soulful ballads to upbeat tracks. It’s wild to think it’s been over a decade since their debut—time flies when you’re stanning a group with such staying power. Even now, their music holds up, and Jun. K’s influence is undeniable.

2PM's leader Jun.K (formerly known as Junsu) is actually from South Korea, specifically born in Seoul. But what's fascinating about him isn't just his origins—it's how his journey reflects the global nature of K-pop. Though he trained under JYP Entertainment like the rest of 2PM, his musical influences stretch way beyond typical idol training. He's written songs for other artists and even dropped solo Japanese albums, which gives his leadership a unique flavor compared to other group leaders. I've always admired how 2PM's dynamic shifted when he took over as leader after Jay Park's departure. There's this unspoken resilience in how he held the group together through military enlistments and solo projects. His leadership feels less about rigid control and more about mutual respect—something you can see in their variety show appearances where the members playfully roast each other but never cross lines. Seoul might've shaped his beginnings, but his artistry feels borderless.

EXO has such a talented lineup, and it's no surprise several members have branched out into solo work! Chen was actually the first to debut solo back in 2019 with 'April, and a Flower.' His voice is pure magic—those ballads wreck me every time. Then there's Baekhyun, who dropped 'City Lights' the same year and totally owned the R&B scene. His later albums like 'Bambi' just solidified his status as a solo powerhouse. Lay (Zhang Yixing) has been killing it too, though his solo career started earlier in China with albums like 'Lose Control.' D.O. joined the solo squad in 2021 with 'Empathy,' and his warm, acoustic vibe feels like a hug. Kai brought the PERFORMANCE with his self-titled EP—those choreographies live in my mind rent-free. Suho went the rock route with 'Self-Portrait,' and Xiumin surprised everyone with 'Brand New' last year. Even Chanyeol's collaborated on solo tracks, though he hasn't released a full album yet. Honestly, watching them thrive individually while still reuniting as EXO? That's the dream.

TXT's leader Soobin has such a warm, soothing voice that stands out even in their group tracks. While he hasn't released official solo songs under TXT's discography yet, he's shared incredible covers that feel like hidden gems. His cover of 'Falling' by Harry Styles went viral for how tenderly he reinterpreted it, and his duet with Arin for 'Love Rain' during an 'Immortal Songs' episode was pure magic. What makes Soobin's voice special is how it carries this gentle vulnerability—perfect for emotional ballads or indie-acoustic vibes. I really hope HYBE gives him a solo track in future albums, maybe something like a soft piano-based song or a dreamy lo-fi project. Until then, I replay his covers like they're official releases!