Solji's Inspiring Journey: From Struggling Artist to Respected University Professor

Time of India

14-07-2025

The Humble Beginnings of a Future Star
Picture this - you're 18, fresh-faced, and ready to conquer the world with your voice. That's exactly what Solji did when she debuted as part of the female duo 2NB in 2006.
But here's the thing about the entertainment industry - it's brutal, especially for young artists trying to make their mark.
Solji's early tracks like 'Missing You Today,' 'I Have a Lover,' and 'Love is Leaving' showcased her emotional depth and vocal prowess. However, despite the quality of her music, commercial success remained elusive. It's a story that resonates deeply with many young Indians who've faced similar struggles in competitive fields - whether it's Bollywood, cricket, or even the corporate world.
The pressure to succeed, the constant rejection, and the feeling of being overlooked despite having talent are something every ambitious youngster can relate to.
After six years of trying to make it work with 2NB, Solji made the difficult decision to leave the group in 2012. It takes serious guts to walk away from something you've invested years in, but sometimes you've got to know when to pivot - a lesson many young professionals learn the hard way.
The EXID Era_ When Hard Work Finally Paid Off
Just when things seemed uncertain, Solji joined EXID as the leader and main vocalist. Now, this is where her story gets really interesting - and honestly, pretty inspiring for anyone who's ever felt like giving up on their dreams.
EXID's journey wasn't smooth sailing either. They debuted in 2012, but it wasn't until their track "Up & Down" went viral that they experienced what Koreans call a "reverse run" - basically going from flop to hit.
Songs like "Ah Yeah" and "DDD" followed, cementing their place in K-pop history.
During her struggling years, Solji worked as a vocal trainer, guide vocalist, and backup singer - basically doing whatever it took to stay in the industry and hone her craft. She even provided guide vocals for major artists like Ailee's "U&I" and Hong Jin-young's "Boogie Man." It's like those stories of Bollywood playback singers who worked behind the scenes for years before getting their big break.
The Karaoke Incident That Almost Broke Her Spirit
Here's where Solji's story gets really raw and relatable. During her early 2NB days, she was at a karaoke session with broadcasting officials - you know, one of those networking events that are crucial in the entertainment industry. When she offered to help select songs (literally just being helpful and polite), one official coldly asked, "Are you a karaoke hostess?"
Imagine the humiliation.
Here's a young artist, already struggling for recognition, being reduced to such a demeaning comment. Solji later revealed that she was so hurt she cried, but she still had to sing because, well, that's what you do when you're trying to make it in this industry. It's the kind of moment that either breaks you or makes you stronger - and clearly, Solji chose the latter.
This incident reminds me of the countless stories we hear from young Indians in various fields - from aspiring actors being typecast to young professionals facing workplace discrimination.
The entertainment industry, whether in Korea or anywhere else, can be particularly harsh on young women trying to establish themselves.
The Masked Singer Breakthrough
2015 was Solji's year. Her appearance on MBC's "King of Mask Singer" was nothing short of spectacular - she became the first-ever winner of the show. This performance catapulted her from being "EXID's main vocalist" to "one of Korea's representative female vocalists."
The beauty of "King of Mask Singer" is that it strips away all the visual elements and focuses purely on vocal talent - something that really resonated with audiences who had perhaps overlooked Solji's abilities before. It's similar to how shows like "The Voice" have given many talented but previously unknown artists their moment to shine.
From Stage to Classroom_ The Academic Achievement
Fast forward to 2021, and here's where Solji's story takes an inspiring academic turn.
At 32, she was appointed as a full-time professor in the Practical Music Vocal Department at Yongin University of Science and Arts. Born in 1989, she's now 36 and successfully balancing her entertainment career with academia.
This transition is particularly impressive when you consider the Korean education system's emphasis on academic credentials. For someone who started as an 18-year-old trainee to become a university professor shows incredible personal growth and dedication to continuous learning.
During her recent appearance on KBS 2TV's "Immortal Songs," host Shin Dong-yup described her packed schedule: "She's incredibly busy these days. She cleared her busy schedule to meet Yoon Jong-shin for this appearance. Currently, she's actively involved not only in university lectures but also in her second musical production and festival performances."
What's really heartwarming is how Solji brought 26 of her students from Yongin University to perform with her on the show.
When asked if it was "field practice," she responded with typical humor: "That's right. There's no more important class than this." It shows her commitment to giving her students real-world experience - something every good teacher strives for.
A Story of Resilience That Transcends Borders
Solji's journey from an 18-year-old trainee facing harsh criticism to a 32-year-old university professor is more than just a success story - it's a testament to the power of perseverance and reinvention. Her ability to transform pain into purpose, whether through her music or her teaching, reflects a maturity that comes from weathering life's storms.