Solar (singer)
The powerful vocal anchor of Mamamoo whose commanding stage presence and bold solo work have redefined confidence in K-pop.
Born 1991 (age 35)·South Korean singer·Birthday: February 21·Millennials
Biography
Kim Yong-sun, known universally as Solar, built her reputation not just on a formidable vocal range but on an unshakeable artistic identity. As the leader of Mamamoo, she helped steer the group away from conventional cute concepts, embracing a mature, vocal-centric, and often playful style that earned them a dedicated following. Her solo career further revealed her versatility, spanning from the fierce dance-pop of 'Spit It Out' to the sultry, personal vibe of 'Honey.' Solar's ambition extends beyond music; she runs a popular YouTube channel, '솔라시도 solarsido,' documenting her eclectic projects from building a van to attempting professional baking, showcasing a relentless curiosity. This combination of raw talent, leadership, and transparent authenticity has cemented her status as a respected figure who empowers both her group members and her fans.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Solar was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Solar Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Solar's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Debuted as the leader and main vocalist of the influential girl group Mamamoo.
- Released her first solo EP, '容: Face,' with the lead single 'Honey.'
- Successfully ventured into musical theatre, taking on the lead role in 'Mata Hari' in 2022.
- Launched a highly successful personal YouTube channel exploring diverse creative and life projects.
Did You Know?
She holds a degree in Broadcasting and Entertainment from Sungshin Women's University.
She is a certified fitness instructor and has released workout content.
Her YouTube channel name 'solarsido' is a play on her name and the Korean word for 'attempt' or 'challenge.'
She designed and helped build a customized camper van, documenting the entire process online.
“Our team's identity is built on strong vocals and fearless performance.”
