Does OST and Mixtapes count as Solo debuts? (EXO, BTS, SEVENTEEN)

I think only promoted albums/EPs truly count as debuts? Could be wrong there

edit: Yeah digital counts too

Quote from blingyblinger

I think only physical promoted albums truly count as debuts? Could be wrong there

Are we still talking about solo artists or just artists in general? I would've thought digital singles counted as debuts? Because I've seen artists/groups debut with digital singles before.

Like if this were the case, then Xdinary Heroes didn't debut last year technically lol

And CRAXY's Swan's digital single came out a few days ago and her company is labeling it as a debut so I think if her company is calling it debut it counts?

Quote from bunnyviolet

Are we still talking about solo artists or just artists in general? I would've thought digital singles counted as debuts? Because I've seen artists/groups debut with digital singles before.

Like if this were the case, then Xdinary Heroes didn't debut last year technically lol

And CRAXY's Swan's digital single came out a few days ago and her company is labeling it as a debut so I think if her company is calling it debut it counts?

Big for myself here! Didn't realize these groups didn't do a physical yet. Then tbh I have no idea the qualifications but maybe just promoting on music shows if they can? Most of the project mixtapes aren't promoted at all except for maybe a special stage here and there

Quote from blingyblinger

Big for myself here! Didn't realize these groups didn't do a physical yet. Then tbh I have no idea the qualifications but maybe just promoting on music shows if they can? Most of the project mixtapes aren't promoted at all except for maybe a special stage here and there

Yeah the promotion seems to be an important point.

I personally go by how it's officially labeled I think.

OST no

Not really.

But Daechwita is a weird case because it even has an MV.

i don't consider them debuts. bts rap line's mixtapes were never promoted, they dropped it and forgot about it. which is tragic lol

Quote from omnimorphism

Not really.

But Daechwita is a weird case because it even has an MV.

it's not only daechwita. all mixtapes have one or two mv's, it depends on the member's choice. there's also no company logo at the beginning of mv's because it's not the company's project but the members'

Mixtapes in a form in which BTS rapline is doing them are definitely not solo debut, cause not only such albums don't have any physicals but they even are available for free on soundcloud and can be downloaded for free as well, also such free rapline works are never available on any Korean platform like melon, etc.

I would kinda consider ost as a debut tho or at least I definitely think of a song being an ost as of a promoted song, cause ost in a dorama is such a good promo. A lot of people, me including, get a lot of songs for their playlists from movies and series, and for Korea it's especially great promo, just look at melon filled with osts any time of a year. So yeah, artist is definitely getting good promo doing an ost (especially if dorama is a popular one or with popular big actors).

Nope. They are not considered to be debuted unless they are released physically or digitally for a fee. Conditions of debut,

1) Promotion

2) Release as a physical single or album

3) Can be purchased digitally

OST do not count mixtapes in the other hand depends of the roll out.

If it's to the level of BTS rapline - I consider that a solo debut - their "mixtapes" are solid bodies of work on par with albums released by non kpop indie artists. You can tell a great deal of care and input went into both RM and suga's mixtapes. Lack of music show promotion does not negate that.

Quote from omnimorphism

Not really.

But Daechwita is a weird case because it even has an MV.

Daechwita and other members mixtapes aren't available on Korean streaming platforms though so imo that doesn't count. Not to mention it was basically dropped with no pre-knowledge or announcement (it was spoilt by AM changing Agust D's pic lol). Not to mention that the mixtapes are just dropped and that's it, no promotions, no performances etc.

Also in regards to OST's, I also wouldn't consider them debuts cause for example: Olivia Rodrigo released songs for the tv show she is on pre 2021 but it was Driver's License in Jan 2021 that is considered her debut.

Quote from kpopnewbie32

If it's to the level of BTS rapline - I consider that a solo debut - their "mixtapes" are solid bodies of work on par with albums released by non kpop indie artists. You can tell a great deal of care and input went into both RM and suga's mixtapes. Lack of music show promotion does not negate that.

As others have said, it's not just an absence of music show promotion. BTS rapline mixtapes are released for free, they are not available on korean streaming platforms like Melon, and there is no physical release. They are not promoted at all be it on music shows or anywhere and not performed. RM first mixtape is not even on spotify.

Quote from lonelymoon

As others have said, it's not just an absence of music show promotion. BTS rapline mixtapes are released for free, they are not available on korean streaming platforms like Melon, and there is no physical release. They are not promoted at all be it on music shows or anywhere and not performed. RM first mixtape is not even on spotify.

BTS members have also mentioned before that they don't consider them official releases themselves and that they are a way to release solo music with no pressure of commercial success and all the stuff that comes with an official debut.

I don't think so but then again

would this be considered a debut for Miyeon??