BAE JIN YOUNG: Preparing for his solo debut

BAE JIN YOUNG is set to make his official solo debut this September.

According to a report from TenAsia on August 1, BAE JIN YOUNG, who first rose to fame through “Produce 101 Season 2″ in 2017, will be starting a new chapter in his career this year, marking his 9th year since debut. Industry insiders reveal that he is currently in the final stages of preparation for his solo debut next month.

During “Produce 101 Season 2″, BAE JIN YOUNG gained attention alongside Park Jihoon, ranking at the top of the “visual” trainees. He ultimately finished 10th in the final rankings, earning a spot in the debut lineup for WANNA ONE.

Born in 2000, BAE JIN YOUNG entered the music industry at just 18 years old. Among the 101 trainees, he stood out as a fan favorite chosen by the show’s “national producers.” Although he didn’t get the most screen time during WANNA ONE’s promotions, his dedication behind the scenes earned him nicknames like “hard-working bug” and “growth character.”

WANNA ONE officially wrapped up activities in January 2019. About six months later, in July of the same year, BAE JIN YOUNG re-debuted as a member of CIX, taking on the role of center and main dancer. Leveraging the experience and presence he developed during WANNA ONE, he quickly became the core of CIX’s identity. The group had a strong start, winning first place on SBS MTV’s The Show with their debut track “Movie star”, just 7 days after debuting.

Even during his trainee days under C9 Entertainment, BAE JIN YOUNG attracted attention from K-pop fans, helping to elevate the agency’s name. While C9 Entertainment was previously known for solo artists like Younha and Lee Seok Hoon, BAE JIN YOUNG’s success with WANNA ONE led the company to launch idol groups like CIX, EPEX (8-member boy group), and cignature (girl group).

After spending about 7 years with C9 Entertainment, BAE JIN YOUNG ended his exclusive contract and left CIX last year. Following discussions with several companies, he signed with the newly established Aura Entertainment in December.

His upcoming solo debut comes roughly one year after leaving C9 Entertainment and nine months after joining Aura. Although he previously released a solo single in April 2019, titled “Hard to say goodbye” (끝을 받아들이기가 어려워)—right after WANNA ONE’s disbandment (for which he participated in the lyrics), this new release is being viewed by BAE JIN YOUNG not as a comeback, but as his official beginning as a solo artist.

An industry representative shared:

“Although BAE JIN YOUNG has gained experience and expanded his range of activities, he remains an artist who works tirelessly. After moving to a new agency last year, he went through a long hiatus, not as a break, but as a time for serious preparation. He’s been sharpening his skills and getting ready to reconnect with fans through a well-crafted project.”

Journalist: Shawn
Translator : Shawn
Source: YMC, AURA Entertainment