The K-POP Renaissance: 5 K-pop Icons Owning Their Second Golden Age

“Your best years are right now”, so they say. Sometimes, it may feel that your golden years are just memories now, captured in a graduation photo, a wedding album, or a fleeting summer in your early twenties. But a new chapter in life can shine just as brightly as the first, and K-pop solo artists are living proof.

In 2025, amid the flurry of newly debuting idols, K-pop legends are rising to take back the stage. Seasoned idols, once the faces of beloved groups that dominated the K-pop scene from the late 2000s to mid-2010s, are stepping back into the spotlight, this time as solo artists. Their second chapter as soloists is not just about staying relevant; it is about growth, reinvention, and commanding new stages with a voice that is fully their own.

For longtime K-pop fans, watching this evolution is deeply personal. It is a chance to see their favorite idols grow up, take risks, and tell their own stories. And for the music scene at large, it means bolder sounds, more self-written tracks, and a deeper kind of artistry that pushes past the idol mold.

From GOT7’s leader redefining R&B to SHINee’s main vocal healing through ballads, these five icons are rewriting what it means to be a K-pop icon — again.

Jay Park

Jay Park debuted in 2008 as a member of 2PM, but it didn’t take long for him to become a star in his own right. Over the years, he’s done just about everything: singer, dancer, rapper, producer, label founder, fashion ambassador, and even creator of a massively popular soju brand (WON SOJU). Not stopping at creating music for himself, Jay Park also has plans to nurture the next generation of K-Pop idols with his label MORE VISION. Jay Park’s iconic 2015 hit song “MOMMAE” celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, and the song still has audiences screaming at performances. The track’s recent viral moment on social media only added fuel to the flame, reminding everyone why Jay Park has always been a K-pop icon and a master of bold, unforgettable performances.

Now, in 2025, Jay Park is riding that momentum into his second golden era with his first world tour in six years, Serenades and Body Rolls. It kicks off with two sold-out nights in Seoul on May 24 and 25, followed by stops across Asia, then Australia and New Zealand in the fall. With more cities still to be announced, it’s an exciting new chapter for Jay Park, one of K-pop’s most versatile and enduring artists.

ONEW

ONEW first gained renown as the leader and main vocalist of SHINee, a group known for its sharp choreography, experimental pop hits, and magnetic performances. But on his own, ONEW has carved out a completely different space. His solo work leans into gentle ballads, R&B textures, and a kind of emotional intimacy that places his warm, expressive vocals front and center.

Now, under Griffin Entertainment, ONEW is stepping into his second golden era. His 2024 EP ‘FLOW’ was a turning point, with ONEW taking creative control by writing and producing every track. The music moves between shimmering synths and subtle grooves, with the title track “beat drum” standing out as a vibrant disco pop number that still feels deeply personal. ONEW’s second golden era features his elegant, introspective, and quietly bold energy, and fans love it.

In 2025, ONEW is gearing up for even bigger things, with his first English single, ‘Mad’ dropping on April 21 and the U.S. leg of his solo tour just around the corner. As he continues to evolve, ONEW is set to deliver even more thrilling music and unforgettable performances that will keep fans eagerly anticipating what's next.

NIEL

NIEL first captured attention as the main vocalist of TEEN TOP, but it’s as a solo artist that he has truly come into his own. His solo work leans into smooth R&B, dreamy melodies, and introspective lyrics that show a deeper, more personal side of his artistry.

Beyond K-Pop, NIEL has expanded his career with impressive success in musical theatre, stepping into lead roles in various productions. NIEL’s musical performances earned him praise for his expressive acting and standout vocals, proving just how magnetic he is beyond the K-pop spotlight. With each performance, NIEL has solidified his status not just as a beloved idol but as a compelling solo artist and respected musical theatre actor.

In 2025, NIEL entered an exciting new chapter by founding his own agency, EL&D Entertainment. In April 2025, NIEL released his first mini album under EL&D Entertainment, SHE, and celebrated the moment with a live recording in Seoul, performing every track live to an enthusiastic crowd. Now, standing at the helm of his own company and calling the creative shots, NIEL is fully stepping into his second golden era.

JAY B

JAY B first emerged as the leader and main vocalist of GOT7, and as the leader, he helped define the group's sound and spirit. But as a solo artist, JAY B has built an entire universe of his own, where moody R&B melodies, self-crafted sounds, and arresting visuals come together to reveal the raw edges of his soul.

Under his producer name Def., JAY B has been exploring his more experimental and soulful side. And his artistic freedom came to the forefront in his first full-length solo album Archive 1: [Road Runner], released in November 2024. The 13-track album, led by dual title songs “Crash” and “Cloud Nine,” drew praise for its emotional honesty and innovative sounds. JAY B is also steadily building his presence as a visual artist, with exhibits like ‘ALONE, ’ ‘Be Yourself, ’ and ‘RE LOAD’ giving fans a look at his world through photography, personal items, voice recordings, and even photos of his cats.

Now, in 2025, JAY B is hitting the road for his Asia tour TAPE : RE LOAD, bringing his evolving artistry to fans across Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok, and more. With each stop, he’s cementing this second golden era, not just as GOT7’s former leader but as a fearless storyteller and creative visionary who's shaping his own narrative, one track at a time.

I.M

I.M, the enigmatic rapper and vocalist of MONSTA X, is known for his deep voice and quiet charisma. But as a solo artist, he’s begun to peel back the layers, revealing a side of himself that group activities only hinted at. I.M’s solo music offers a deeper glimpse into the inner workings of his heart and soul, exploring themes such as vulnerability, sensuality, and self-reflection.

I.M’s first solo mini album ‘DUALITY’, released in 2021, was praised for its emotional complexity and innovative sound. He followed it up with ‘OVERDRIVE’ in 2023 and ‘OFF THE BEAT’ in 2024, taking full creative control on both projects. Across these albums, I.M drew from genres like trap, soul, R&B, jazz, and Latin music, using each release as an opportunity to push his sound in new directions and challenge expectations of what solo K-pop can be. At the same time, I.M has been making waves in fashion, featuring in solo pictorials with various Korean fashion magazines. These solo pictorials spotlight his “dreamy yet powerful” visuals and his ability to embody any concept with quiet confidence.

Now, in 2025, I.M is thriving in his second golden era, with both his music and visual presence commanding attention. As he teases new music on the horizon, all signs point to another chapter shaped by emotional honesty and an artistic identity that continues to evolve.

These five artists are proving that their second golden era is every bit as powerful — if not more impactful — than their debut. From expanding their reach beyond K-pop and stepping into new industries to taking creative control to craft music that authentically reflects their identity, these K-pop solo artists are redefining their place in the world of music. As they continue to grow and evolve, fans are eager to follow their journey and witness the third, fourth, and even fifth golden eras still to come.

BDG Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.