[Edaily Starin KIM HYUNSIK Reporter] One of the key themes of this summer’s idol solo battle is “songwriting.” Artists such as Apink’s Jung Eun-ji, DAY6’s Young K, and Oh My Girl’s Mimi are leading this trend with solo releases in which they have personally participated in writing lyrics, composing music, and producing.

◇Showcasing Creative Talent Through Solo Projects
On the 11th, Jung Eun-ji will release her new mini-album “SUMMER, I.” “SUMMER, I” is Jung Eun-ji’s first solo album in 3 years and 9 months since she released the remake album “log” in November 2022.
The album features seven tracks, including the title track “Wave” (I LOVE YOU), as well as “No Fight,” “Linguini,” “Following the Wind,” “I Don’t Think We’ll Meet Again,” “Romantic Party,” and “Where Love Passed By.” Jeong Eun-ji contributed to the lyrics of six of the tracks—excluding “Linguini”—and composed five of them. She also personally handled the album’s production.
Jung Eun-ji debuted in the music industry in 2011 as a member of Apink and has been pursuing a solo career alongside her group activities since 2016, gaining popularity with songs such as “Gazing at the Sky” and “You Are Spring.” Previously, she took on the challenge of producing every track on her mini-albums “Hyehwa” (暳花) and “Simple,” released in 2018 and 2020, respectively.
At a press listening session held on the 6th at the Spigen Hall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, she described herself as a “character in the process of growth,” saying, “I’m growing little by little, even if it’s just a tiny bit. Producing this album has given me even more courage when it comes to songwriting.” She also expressed pride, adding, “I’m achieving many of the things I imagined as a child, and I’m fulfilling my dream of becoming a singer-songwriter in addition to being a singer.”
Young K of DAY6, a leading idol band, released his new full-length album *YOUNGEST* on the 27th of last month, having written and produced every track himself.
Young K has been active as DAY6’s vocalist, bassist, and rapper since 2015, and has been pursuing a solo career as a singer-songwriter alongside his group activities since 2021. “YOUNGEST” is Young K’s new solo album, released approximately two years and ten months after his first full-length album, “Letters with Notes,” in September 2023.
The album features a whopping 15 tracks, including the title track “Shut The Door.” Young K showcased a broad musical spectrum, spanning diverse genres such as rock, pop, ballad, house, country, and jazz. The album’s total running time is approximately 44 minutes.
In a behind-the-scenes video recently released on his YouTube channel, Young K said, “While full-length albums usually have 10 to 12 tracks, going the extra mile is what makes it ‘Young K-style.’” He added, “I hope this is an album that elicits reactions like, ‘He’s changing again?’ or ‘He’s doing this too?’”

◇Beyond a Performer, a Creator… “A Catalyst for Fresh Music”
Oh My Girl’s Mimi is also joining the songwriting competition with her first solo release, 11 years after her debut. Mimi will release her first solo single, “Bish Bash Bosh,” on the 20th. She took charge of the production herself and participated in both the lyrics and composition, infusing the track with her own musical style.
The title track, “Bish Bash Bosh,” which shares the same name as the single, highlights key themes such as “READY,” “CONFIDENT,” and “BOLD ENERGY.” With Mimi having raised her public profile through variety show appearances, all eyes are on what kind of music she will present as a solo artist now that she has returned to her primary calling: music.
Her agency, RBW, stated, “Mimi is mobilizing all the musical capabilities she has accumulated so far to face a new version of herself,” adding, “She is determined to show her true self by singing a bold declaration as she stands at the starting point of this change.”
Solo activities for idols are effective in revealing new facets not seen in their groups, thereby showcasing a different kind of charm to both existing fans and the general public. In particular, releasing a song in which the artist participated directly in songwriting can further strengthen the distinctiveness and identity of their solo career. Furthermore, the trend of idol members writing and producing their own songs is viewed positively as it helps deepen the pool of K-pop creators.
Pop culture critic Shim Jae-geol told Edaily, “Many idols often have to suppress their own style to fit the group’s musical style. Solo activities are a great opportunity to break out of that mold, and taking on songwriting and production themselves is a challenge that goes beyond being a mere performer. It shows that they are growing into independent creators.”
He added, “Exploring the thoughts and emotions an artist has poured into their music can itself become a new source of enjoyment for fans and serve as an opportunity to foster a deeper connection,” noting, “This is a very welcome trend, especially since the original songs by solo idol artists sometimes reveal a fresh vibe that even professional producers have failed to detect.”