Xiah Junsu to kick off solo career on May 22

Korean pop idol Xiah Junsu will officially begin his solo activities in Japan on May 22, according to Japanese daily newspaper Sankei Sports on Monday.

Sankei reported that the 23-year-old singer is set to give a guest performance at the "Girls Awards 2010," a major music and fashion event to be held at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo.

At the 15,000-seat ceremony, Xiah will perform his solo debut single "Intoxication" which is set for release four days later.

"I am nervous and excited about the performance since it has been a while that I have sung on a big stage alone. Hopefully my fans will enjoy it," Xiah was quoted as saying in the paper.

Xiah's first single album titled "XIAH" will feature his title track "Intoxication" and "Beautiful Love - If You Are By My Side," the main theme song for the mobile Bee TV drama of the same name that stars fellow TVXQ member Micky Yoochun.

TVXQ members Hero Jaejoong, Micky and Xiah have been going their separate ways from their five-man band since July last year when they were granted partial victory by a court in a request to have their 13-year exclusive contract with major talenthouse SM Entertainment nullified.

They started by halting their activities in Korea immediately and later in Japan in early April, but Avex, who had been in charge of the boys' career in Japan, stated just a week later that the three have formed a separate group through which they will pursue their singing careers.

SM has filed a suit against the three, claiming compensation for the damages the agency and the remaining two members have suffered from the action.

TVXQ had been one of the most successful groups in Asia since their debut in 2004 with reportedly the largest fan base in the world.

Reporter: Cho Bum-ja anju1015@
Editor : Lucia Hong luciahong@