Despite it being a decade since their debut, Apink continues to remain ever present within the K-Pop industry. They've certainly solidified their legendary status with hits like 'NoNoNo' and 'Mr. Chu'. But they've also constantly grown, showcasing their evolution with tracks like '%%(Eung Eung)' and more recently 'D N D'.
The girl group have a distinct sound, known best for their refreshing, vitamin-like vocals. While they're most known for their group promotions, Apink is made up of individuals with incredible talent. Over the past week, Apink's Kim NamJoo has been reminding us of this fact with her first solo comeback.
Outside of Apink's innocent image, NamJoo as a soloist is more mature with an alluring sound that would make anyone keep their eyes locked on the idol. Of course she didn't start off like this, making constant improvements throughout her career to become the artist she is today.
Early Stages
Apink's debut song, 'I Don't Know' was a song filled with pure innocence, reminiscent of a bright, clear spring day. In addition to their refreshing image, being part of the maknae line added on to NamJoo's cute aura. But behind her sweet visuals were honey-like vocals that became the source of pure joy.
The few years that followed, NamJoo's focus was on group activities. This time proved pivotal in cementing Apink's status among their colleagues and ever-growing idol landscape. It wouldn't take too long for the girl group to really come into their own and prove their mettle, becoming idols that everyone looked forward to.
While immersed in group promotions, NamJoo was able to participate in a few other projects like 'A Year Ago' with fellow groupmate Jung EunJi and Jang HyunSeung, as well as 'Photograph' with BTOB's Yook SungJae. These showed small glimpses of NamJoo outside of Apink and her potential to spread her wings and fly on her own. However, as we now know, those solo endeavors would come much later.
Polishing Her Skills
Creating a firm foundation, NamJoo continued to polish her skills, whether it came to her already wonderful vocals, stunning dance lines, and all encompassing stage presence. She participated in collaborations with other artists and even formed a subunit with fellow member BoMi, called Apink BnN. Through all these endeavors, NamJoo continued to showcase her evident talent and knack for performing on stage.
Even when not standing underneath the spotlight on music stages, NamJoo stirred the hearts of Panda everywhere with her reinvigorating presence and bubbly personality. She became known as a true mood maker both within her group and among others.
Although she did a lot in order to develop an artist, in between music show visits and studio room recordings, she even opened up her own YouTube channel. Through this new venture, she greeted fans and viewers with joy-inducing mukbangs that filled both your stomach and your heart. NamJoo is definitely an allrounder, able to captivate on any stage.
A Stunning Transformation
Apink Official
Although she led a successful career as an Apink member, when it came time to make her solo debut, NamJoo realized she needed to present a totally different image. And she did just that through her solo debut with title track 'Bird'. In previous years, she was merely spreading her wings to get a feel of the wind, but through her solo debut, NamJoo was able to finally fly off into scary, yet exciting music industry all on her own. With her groupmates and fandom supporting her, she made an incredible transformation into the soloist we see today.
In light of her recent comeback, NamJoo shows she's not done growing as an artist. Through 'BAD' she comes forth more daring and bold than ever before. While she still introduces herself as Apink's NamJoo, there's a clear distinction between her two identities that make up one amazing whole.
Kim NamJoo continues to make headlines, flying higher than ever before. Despite being an established name within the K-Pop industry, she makes multiple strides to improve and become better than ever before.
Have you listened to NamJoo's latest comeback?
Comments