Krystal begins her solo chapter with the release of “Solitary,” offering the first look into her debut solo album.
Krystal has officially returned to the music scene with the release of “Solitary,” the lead single from her upcoming debut solo album. The track, now available on major streaming platforms, marks her first formal musical project in nearly a decade. Accompanying the release is the official music video. It offers fans their first visual glimpse into the sound and style shaping her long-anticipated solo era.
“Solitary” introduces the sonic foundation of Krystal’s album, leaning heavily into R&B and soul influences. The track follows a string of R&B-soul covers previously uploaded on her SoundCloud—including “Georgy Porgy,” “I’m Coming Back,” and “My Flame”—which hinted at her artistic direction. A special party remix of “Solitary,” available exclusively on the CD version. It adds another layer of appeal for collectors and longtime followers. Within just nine days of pre-order sales, the single surpassed 32,000 copies, signaling strong demand for her return.
Inside “Charging Crystals” and Krystal’s upcoming solo album
On November 6, Krystal also launched “Charging Crystals,” a documentary series that chronicles the making of her debut album. Released through her label Beasts And Natives Alike (BANA)’s official YouTube channel, the first episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at her creative journey. The production follows Krystal across multiple cities. This includes London, Jeju Island’s House of Refuge, and San Francisco, tracing the evolution of her sound and artistic vision. The documentary also features studio sessions with renowned singer-songwriter and producer Toro y Moi. It is the first time the public has seen the collaborative and developmental process behind her solo music.
The unveiling of “Solitary” represents a significant milestone for Krystal. She first rose to fame in 2009 as a member of f(x). Debuting at just fourteen, she quickly became a prominent figure in modern K-pop. Particularly, f(x)’s second studio album Pink Tape (2013) was listed among the “100 Greatest Korean Albums” by Korean music critics and remains a defining release within the genre. Their final studio album, 4 Walls (2015), earned critical recognition. This includes a 7.3 review score from Pitchfork, for its sleek, forward-thinking dance-pop production.
Krystal is set to return to the small screen with a new Kdrama
After f(x) concluded group activities, Krystal transitioned to acting and steadily built a respected career in film and television. Her performance as Han Yoo-rim in Kim Jee-woon’s 2023 film Cobweb earned her the Best New Actress award at the 33rd Buil Film Awards. She is also set to appear in an upcoming tvN drama alongside Ha Jung-woo and Lim Soo-jung, further expanding her range in the entertainment industry.
Following years of anticipation, Krystal’s return to music signals the beginning of a new phase—one shaped by artistic maturity, creative exploration, and a renewed musical identity. Her debut solo album, scheduled for release in 2025, will mark her first major music project since her final activities with f(x).
Press Release, Instagram
