Who is Kim Yong-sun? The Untold Story of MAMAMOO's Solar

Kim Yong-sun, known professionally as Solar, is more than just the leader of the popular South Korean girl group MAMAMOO. Born on February 21, 1991, she has established herself as a multifaceted artist in the K-pop industry. Initially discovered by her agency after simply singing for a free gift, Solar (김용선) has since become a prominent figure known for her powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence.

Furthermore, Solar made her solo debut with the single "Spit It Out" on April 23, 2020, marking the beginning of her journey as an individual artist while maintaining her position as MAMAMOO's leader. Besides her singing career, she ventured into musical acting through productions like "Mata Hari" in 2022 and is set to make her film debut in the horror movie "The Cursed". Additionally, Solar released her first extended play "容: Face" with its lead single "Honey" in March 2022, followed by her second EP "COLOURS" in April 2024. When not performing, Solar enjoys playing the piano and considers herself MAMAMOO's "mother", showcasing her nurturing personality as the group's leader.

Early Life and Background

The story of MAMAMOO's leader begins in Gangseo District, Seoul, South Korea, where Kim Yong-sun was born on February 21, 1991. Growing up in western Seoul, she shared her childhood home with her parents and elder sister, Kim Yong-hee. Interestingly, among the four MAMAMOO members, Solar stands as the only one born in Seoul itself, with her bandmates hailing from other regions of South Korea.

Birthplace and family

Kim Yong-sun's birth name carries a beautiful meaning - "the face of an angel". Though details about her parents remain private, her relationship with her older sister Yong-hee appears in several biographical accounts. The family's residence in Gangseo-gu provided the foundation for what would eventually become an extraordinary career in music, though music wasn't always her primary ambition.

Education and early interests

Throughout her formative years, Kim Yong-sun pursued a conventional education path. She attended Seoul Deunghyeon Elementary School followed by Myeongdeok Girls' Middle School before graduating from Seoul Management Information High School. After completing her secondary education, she enrolled at Hanyang Women's University, where she earned an Associate Degree in International Tourism.

Contrary to what fans might expect, Kim Yong-sun's initial career aspirations had little to do with performing. Prior to her music career, she dreamed of becoming a flight attendant, which explains her choice of tourism as her university major. However, fate had different plans for the young student. During a street busking event in Hongdae, a representative from the music industry spotted her talent among the audience. Though she initially declined the opportunity due to her focus on becoming a flight attendant, the seed had been planted.

The path to her eventual career wasn't straightforward. After reconsidering her options, Kim Yong-sun began auditioning for entertainment companies but faced numerous rejections. Persistence eventually paid off as she secured acceptance into RBW Entertainment in 2011 - remarkably, at age 22, considerably older than typical K-pop trainees. For her successful audition, she performed Whitney Houston's iconic ballad "I Will Always Love You".

How she got her stage name 'Solar'

The origin of her stage name "Solar" carries two fascinating meanings that reflect both practicality and creativity. First, she derived it from the last syllable of her given name, "Sun," adopting its English translation. However, there's also a musical connection to the name. Originally, Kim Yong-sun had chosen "Doremi" (도레미) as her potential stage name. When both her fellow MAMAMOO members and the company CEO expressed disapproval, she pivoted creatively. Taking the "Sol" and "La" notes from higher positions in the Solfège musical scale, she combined them to create "Solar".

After joining RBW Entertainment, she completed additional musical education at Modern K Music Academy, honing the vocal skills that would later captivate audiences worldwide. This preparation, combined with her natural talent and determination, laid the groundwork for her eventual debut with MAMAMOO.

The Road to Debut: Pre-MAMAMOO Years

The journey to stardom for Kim Yong-sun was anything except straightforward. Unlike many K-pop idols who begin training in their early teens, her path to becoming Solar started considerably later and faced numerous obstacles along the way.

Audition struggles and rejections

After her chance encounter with a music industry representative, Kim Yong-sun developed a newfound passion for singing that couldn't be ignored. Despite her original career plans, she made the bold decision to pursue music seriously. "I kept debating whether I should give it a try, and I finally decided, 'Let's do this'". This choice, although life-changing, came with significant personal challenges.

Kim Yong-sun's determination was tested through approximately 50 auditions, nearly all ending in rejection. Notably, she consciously avoided auditioning for SM Entertainment, explaining, "Because of my appearance, I decided to remove myself from the pool on my own". Her candid acknowledgment that "I knew all too well that I wouldn't get in" reveals the self-doubt she battled throughout this period.

The aspiring singer's decision to pursue music additionally strained family relationships. "I come from a pretty scholastic family. So my parents wanted me to pursue studying. When I told them I want to do music, they cut off all support". Consequently, she had to become entirely self-sufficient, a challenge that ultimately strengthened her character. "That paid off because now I'm really good at setting my own goals and pushing myself to achieve those".

Joining RBW and training period

In 2010, at age 20, Kim Yong-sun's life changed through a serendipitous encounter. While still training to become a flight attendant, she stopped to sign up for a free gift that required singing to receive. This impromptu performance caught the attention of an RBW Entertainment (formerly WA Entertainment) representative who recognized her potential. Following a successful audition, she signed with the company as a trainee in 2011.

Throughout her three-year training period, Kim Yong-sun specialized in vocals. As one of the oldest trainees at RBW, beginning at age 22, she faced unique challenges compared to younger counterparts who typically start in their early teens. Nevertheless, her maturity likely contributed to the leadership qualities that would later define her role in MAMAMOO.

First public appearances

Even before official debut, Kim Yong-sun and her future MAMAMOO members encountered harsh criticism about their prospects. "It was hard before our debut. Since we weren't visually perfect, many people said, 'Those girls won't make it' and 'You guys have to put on perfect performances or you'll be done for'". This skepticism extended beyond casual observers to industry professionals as well.

According to Solar, "Before our debut, our CEO introduced us to outside connections. They all said, 'They're going to flop because they're short and don't look like idols'". These discouraging assessments created immense pressure on the group to deliver exceptional performances to compensate for what critics perceived as visual shortcomings.

Rather than becoming discouraged, these negative evaluations fueled the group's determination. "We didn't have many activities in the beginning, but while we met lots of people during the activities we did have, we were looked down upon. It made us angry. We wanted to prove them wrong. I think that's what made us stronger in the end".

After persevering through three years of training and countless obstacles, Kim Yong-sun officially debuted as Solar, the leader and main vocalist of MAMAMOO on June 19, 2014. Her advice to those struggling reflects her own difficult journey: "I want to tell them to endure and never give up. Just hang in there a little longer and you will come across an opportunity".

Debut with MAMAMOO and Rise to Fame

After years of training and perseverance, Kim Yong-sun's dreams materialized as MAMAMOO made their official debut on June 18, 2014, with their first extended play titled Hello. This milestone marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey for the four-member girl group under RBW Entertainment.

Debut date and group formation

MAMAMOO burst onto the K-pop scene with their lead single "Mr. Ambiguous," a track that immediately showcased their distinct musical identity. The song featured a retro-inspired funk rhythm with a blues-rock chord progression that highlighted the group's soulful vocals. What made their debut particularly remarkable was the music video's impressive lineup of cameo appearances from established artists including CNBLUE's Lee Jong-hyun, Baek Ji-young, Wheesung, Jung Joon-young, Bumkey, K.Will, and Rhymer.

The group made their first live appearance on Mnet's M Countdown on June 19, 2014. Critics subsequently recognized MAMAMOO's debut as one of the best K-pop debuts of 2014. Throughout their first year, they achieved impressive rankings in Gaon's year-end charts, placing tenth among idol girl groups for digital sales, 19th in album sales, and 11th in overall sales.

Role as leader and main vocalist

As MAMAMOO's leader, Kim Yong-sun (under her stage name Solar) took charge of guiding the group while simultaneously serving as their main vocalist. Her powerful vocals became one of the group's defining characteristics, establishing MAMAMOO as a vocal-oriented act in an industry often dominated by choreography and visuals.

Solar's leadership proved instrumental in developing the group's identity as they navigated the competitive K-pop landscape. Together with members Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa, they formed a quartet known for their exceptional vocal harmonies and distinctive personalities. The group's name itself—an onomatopoeia of baby babbling—represented their desire to create music accessible to listeners worldwide.

Breakthrough performances

Following their debut, MAMAMOO quickly gained recognition for their vocal prowess and stage presence. On January 10, 2015, they performed Joo Hyun-mi's "Wait a Minute" on the popular show Immortal Songs 2, reaching the final round. Solar personally appeared on MBC's King of Mask Singer as "Sunflower" in episodes 21-22, further showcasing her exceptional vocal abilities.

The group's commercial breakthrough came with their third EP Pink Funky and its lead single "Um Oh Ah Yeh," released on June 19, 2015. The song peaked at number three on the Gaon Chart, becoming their first top-three single. Afterward, their popularity continued to surge with hits like "You're the Best" (2016), which earned them their first music show win on Inkigayo on March 6, 2016, followed by seven additional wins.

From April to November 2016, Solar appeared on MBC's reality show We Got Married alongside Eric Nam, spanning episodes 316 to 348. This experience culminated in the pair winning the "Best Couple Award" at the 2016 MBC Entertainment Awards—Solar's first variety show award as an entertainer.

Through their powerful performances and distinct musical style, MAMAMOO steadily built their reputation as one of K-pop's most vocally talented groups, with Kim Yong-sun's leadership and vocals at the forefront of their success.

The Solar Emotion Project: A Personal Journey

Parallel to her career with MAMAMOO, Kim Yong-sun embarked on a deeply personal artistic endeavor that would showcase her individual musical identity. In October 2015, she launched the "Solar Emotion" project (also known as "Solar Gamsung" in Korean), a series dedicated to reinterpreting classic songs that held special significance to her.

What is Solar Emotion?

Solar Emotion represents Kim Yong-sun's canvas for artistic expression outside MAMAMOO's group dynamic. The project consists primarily of carefully selected covers of vintage Korean songs, lovingly reimagined through her distinctive vocal style. In essence, this ongoing series functions similarly to other notable remake projects in K-pop, such as IU's "Kkotgalpi" series.

The project originated when Kim Yong-sun prepared a song for the third round of MBC's "The King of Mask Singer" competition. This initial performance ignited a creative spark that would develop into a meaningful artistic journey spanning many years. Moreover, the project ultimately served as an unofficial prelude to her later solo career.

Notable remakes and releases

The inaugural release, "Lived Like a Fool" (바보처럼 살았군요), debuted on October 16, 2015, reinterpreting Kim Do-hyang's classic ballad. This was promptly followed by "Only Longing Grows" (그리움만 쌓이네) in December 2015, a remake of Yeojin's "Nostalgia" that earned praise from the original songwriter herself.

In 2017, the fourth installment featured "Happy People," a reinterpretation of Sunflower's 1983 release, accompanied by childhood photos of Kim Yong-sun that added a personal touch to the video. Perhaps most notably, the sixth part of Solar Emotion included her original composition "Star Wind Flower Sun," marking a significant creative milestone.

The project's diversity expanded in 2018 with its sixth installment, which featured "Nada Sou Sou," a Japanese song—a departure from the previous Korean-only selections. Another fascinating milestone came in 2024 with Part 8, which included "First Love," originally by Hikaru Utada. Remarkably, Kim Yong-sun became the first artist, domestic or international, to officially remake this iconic track.

How the project evolved over time

The evolution of Solar Emotion mirrors Kim Yong-sun's growth as an artist. Initially focused on simple video releases, the project gradually increased in production value and ambition. By April 2018, the sixth installment expanded into a proper EP format with four songs, each accompanied by its own music video—an unusual approach that demonstrated her growing artistic vision.

After the sixth release, Kim Yong-sun celebrated the project's success by hosting a dedicated "Emotion Concert Blossom". The project then entered a prolonged hiatus, leaving fans wondering if it had concluded. Nevertheless, nearly six years later, in January 2024, Kim Yong-sun surprised everyone by resurrecting Solar Emotion with Part 7, featuring Kim Kwang-seok's "Love Has Gone".

Most recently, Part 8 arrived in October 2024, featuring Utada Hikaru's "First Love" alongside Lee Jang-hee's "I Will Give Everything to You" (retitled "Love Letter"). For this latest installment, Kim Yong-sun personally participated in rewriting the lyrics in Korean, demonstrating her growing involvement in all aspects of her artistry.

Through Solar Emotion, Kim Yong-sun effectively created a musical diary that runs parallel to her group activities, revealing the artistic sensibilities that continue to shape her identity as a performer.

Solo Career and YouTube Channel 'Solarsido'

Beyond her group activities and personal projects, Kim Yong-sun launched her official solo career relatively late compared to her MAMAMOO bandmates. Her parallel venture as a content creator additionally established her as a multifaceted entertainer with remarkable business acumen.

Debut with 'Spit It Out'

After years of anticipation, Kim Yong-sun made her official solo debut as Solar with the single "Spit It Out" (뱉어) on April 23, 2020. This Latin-influenced pop track showcased a fiercer side of her artistry through its dark pop sound featuring distinctive Latin guitar riffs blended with unique synth sounds. The song carried significant personal meaning as Kim Yong-sun herself participated in writing the lyrics alongside producer Kim Do-hoon, expressing her desire to "spit out" all thoughts and behaviors without concern for others' judgments.

Her debut proved commercially successful, with the physical version debuting at number two on the Gaon Album Chart and selling an impressive 62,000 copies on its first day. Internationally, "Spit It Out" reached number six on Billboard's World Digital Songs chart, marking her first top-ten single on that platform. Just five days after release, Kim Yong-sun secured her first-ever solo music show win on SBS MTV's "The Show" on April 28, 2020. In 2022, she followed up with her first extended play "容: Face" featuring the lead single "Honey".

Success of her YouTube channel

In February 2019, Kim Yong-sun established her personal YouTube channel "Solarsido" as a birthday gift to herself. The channel name cleverly combines her stage name with the Korean word for "try" (시도), reflecting her desire to challenge herself through various activities. This venture rapidly gained popularity, surpassing 1 million subscribers within just nine months of launch.

Financially, the channel proved extraordinarily lucrative. Kim Yong-sun revealed on KBS' "Happy Together" that her highest monthly revenue reached approximately 100 million South Korean won (about $85,400). Yet, she clarified this wasn't her net earnings as she shared revenues with her agency and covered production costs.

Fan engagement and content style

"Solarsido" features diverse content structured around personal challenges that Kim Yong-sun sets for herself. From trying eccentric foods to attempting figure skating during the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, her willingness to venture outside her comfort zone resonates strongly with viewers. Initially, she maintained a consistent schedule with uploads every Monday and Thursday, though she later adjusted to a weekly format.

Her audience, affectionately nicknamed "Yongwangnims" (derived from her given name "Yong"), became active participants in her content. Notably, Kim Yong-sun often features her MAMAMOO bandmates, particularly Moonbyul who reportedly appears in approximately two-thirds of her videos. Her sister Kim Yong-hee makes frequent appearances as well. In September 2020, she even released "Ddun Ddun Ddun," a song based on her YouTube channel's intro jingle, demonstrating how her content creation directly influences her musical output.

Venturing into Musicals and Acting

Expanding her artistic horizons beyond singing, Kim Yong-sun has successfully ventured into theatrical productions and film, establishing herself as a multifaceted performer in the Korean entertainment industry.

Debut in 'Mata Hari'

In 2022, Kim Yong-sun made her theatrical debut in the musical "Mata Hari," portraying the enigmatic titular character. This groundbreaking role came through a recommendation from renowned music director Kim Moon-jeong. Throughout the production, she performed alongside BTOB's Lee Changsub, alternating the lead role with veteran musical actress Ock Joo-hyun.

Her initial performance received mixed reviews. Although critics praised her vocal abilities, some noted she lacked commanding stage presence. Taking this feedback constructively, Kim Yong-sun worked diligently on improving her theatrical skills. For her performance, she earned a nomination for Best Female Newcomer at the 7th Korea Musical Awards, marking a significant achievement for her first theatrical endeavor.

In late 2024, she returned to the same production, now bringing greater confidence and emotional depth to the character. "When I was in [my first] season, it was my first musical challenge, so I did my best... This time, I feel more at ease and can explore emotions, acting and singing in different ways," she explained.

Role in 'Notre-Dame de Paris'

Following her success in "Mata Hari," Kim Yong-sun was cast as Esmeralda in the Korean production of "Notre-Dame de Paris". The musical ran from January 24 to March 24, 2024, with her sharing the role with actresses Yuria and Jung Yoo-ji.

Once more, critics responded enthusiastically to her performance. MyDaily magazine reporter Lee Seung-gil noted that "Solar's renowned singing ability and performance shines", specifically highlighting her dancing prowess developed through her idol career. Sports Q reporter Na Hyein described her casting as "perfect due to her unrivaled explosive vocal range, captivating dance skill, and enchanting eyes and gestures". This performance earned her a nomination for Female Rookie of the Year at the 18th Daegu International Musical Awards in July 2024.

Film debut in 'The Cursed'

In October 2024, Kim Yong-sun announced her upcoming big screen debut in the supernatural thriller "The Cursed" (귀시), directed by Hong Won-ki. Initially titled "Gory: A Horror Tale," the film underwent several name changes before settling on its final title.

In "The Cursed," she portrays Mi-yeon, a character who visits a rural village to fulfill her dream of becoming a famous writer. The film depicts "a chilling tale of people seeking to acquire what they don't have in a ghost market called gwisi". Reflecting on this new artistic challenge, Kim Yong-sun expressed, "I am truly honored to make my first screen debut with 'Gwishi.' Thanks to the wonderful director and warm staff, I was able to film comfortably and enjoyably throughout".

The film premiered on September 17, 2025, featuring an ensemble cast including Moon Chae-won, Yoo Jae-myung, and Seo Young-hee. For many K-pop enthusiasts, this marked a significant milestone as it represented Kim Yong-sun's transition from the stage to the screen.

Discography Highlights and Creative Credits

Throughout her artistic journey, Kim Yong-sun has built an impressive discography spanning multiple EPs, singles, and collaborative works, establishing herself as both a performer and creator.

Extended plays and singles

As a soloist, Kim Yong-sun's official discography features three extended plays. Following her debut single "Spit It Out," she released her first EP "容: Face" on March 16, 2022, which peaked at number 7 on Korean charts and sold nearly 50,000 copies. The lead single "Honey," co-written by Kim Yong-sun herself, was described by critics as "a witty and kitsch song about how people tempt her sweetly, just like bees bring honey to the queen bee". British magazine Dazed even listed "Honey" as one of the "Best K-pop Tracks of 2022".

Her second EP "Colours," released on April 30, 2024, achieved greater commercial success with sales exceeding 57,000 copies. This deeply personal project featured Kim Yong-sun's involvement in five of the six tracks. Indeed, she explained the album's title had special meaning: "It has the word 'ours' in the spelling — and I used it as the title of my album as a way of respecting all the different colors we each have in ourselves".

OSTs and collaborations

Beyond her solo work, Kim Yong-sun has contributed numerous tracks to television dramas. Her OST portfolio includes "Blue Bird" for "Run On" (2020), "Adrenaline" for "Vincenzo" (2021), and "Lean" for the second season of Netflix's "Gyeongseong Creature" (2024).

Her collaborative projects showcase her versatility, especially "Coffee & Tea" with Eddy Kim (2015) and "Honey Bee" with Luna and Hani (2017). These collaborations often achieved significant commercial success, with several entering Korea's top 50 charts.

Songwriting and composition work

Kim Yong-sun's creative contributions extend far beyond performance. With 46 songwriting credits and 24 composition credits, her work spans both MAMAMOO's discography and her solo projects. In addition to writing for her own releases, she contributed to MAMAMOO hits like "Um Oh Ah Yeh," "Décalcomanie," and "Yes I Am".

For her "Colours" EP, she served as the sole lyricist and composer for three tracks: "Colors," "Empty," and "Easy Peasy". In describing her creative approach, she remarked: "I just wanted to show that I'm capable of pulling off all sorts of different kinds of songs".

Awards, Influence, and Public Image

Kim Yong-sun's impact reaches far beyond her artistic contributions, encompassing recognition across entertainment, humanitarian efforts, and advocacy.

Major awards and nominations

Throughout her career, Kim Yong-sun has garnered prestigious accolades for her multifaceted talents. At the 2016 MBC Entertainment Awards, she received the 'Best Couple Award' alongside Eric Nam for her appearance on "We Got Married". Her entertainment prowess earned further recognition when she won 'Best Entertainer in Show and Variety' at the 2021 KBS Entertainment Awards. In the musical realm, her performance in "Mata Hari" secured a nomination for Best Female Newcomer at the 7th Korea Musical Awards, followed by a Female Rookie of the Year nomination at the 18th Daegu International Musical Festival for "Notre-Dame de Paris". Per Gallup Korea surveys, she ranked as the 18th and 10th most popular K-pop idol among women aged 19-29 in 2016, maintaining her popularity by ranking 19th in 2017.

Philanthropy and endorsements

In September 2021, Kim Yong-sun participated in World's Vision's 'Girl's 60 Days' campaign, supporting girls' rights against early marriage, school interruption, and reproductive diseases. She stated, "I have always been interested in the problems that girls around the world are experiencing".

Simultaneously, her commercial appeal attracted major brands. She became Lipton's fifth 'Lipton Girl' in 2019, Blancow's brand muse in 2020, and collaborated with Samsung for their Galaxy Book series launch in 2021. In 2022, she represented Gyeonggi Province as the face for their 'New Gyeonggi-do Song'.

Cultural impact and LGBTQ+ representation

Kim Yong-sun has established herself as a prominent ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Her 2024 music video for "Colors" notably featured South Korea's House of Love, the country's largest Kiki house. British magazine Dazed highlighted this song in their "Top 50 best K-pop tracks of 2024," recognizing it as a rare example of diverse LGBTQ+ representation in K-pop.

As part of MAMAMOO, she has consistently supported queer representation through gender-neutral lyrics, collaborations with drag queens in music videos, and public support during Pride month. Her work has been especially meaningful in South Korea, where openly supporting the queer community could potentially jeopardize career stability.

FAQS

Curious fans frequently ask questions about Kim Yong-sun beyond her professional achievements. First and foremost, regarding her personality type, she appears to display characteristics of an ENFJ personality type—warm, empathetic, and caring with excellent communication skills. At times, her relationship with fellow MAMAMOO members had rocky moments; historically, she and Moon Byul once disliked each other so intensely that they engaged in a physical altercation.

Concerning creative control, Kim Yong-sun clarified that for solo albums, members can freely choose concepts or styles without company approval, yet group comebacks require company authorization. For unit projects, both members must agree on concepts—a process she finds more complex than solo work.

On a lighter note, Kim Yong-sun stands as the only MAMAMOO member without tattoos. Her impressive qualifications extend beyond music, holding certificates in recreation (level 1), laughter therapy, and fun leadership. Furthermore, she possesses piano-playing abilities.

As an astute businesswoman, she owns a 4.5 billion won building in Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul—a four-story structure with basement. For those wondering how she manages to look flawless on stage despite intense choreography, she employs various techniques including scalp cooling spray, armpit pads, cool spray, and fever patches.