Kang Hee Gun, who is more famously known by his stage name Gary, is a fixture in the South Korean entertainment industry not only for his participation in the incredibly popular variety show Running Man, but also for his role in the music industry.

Gary, a rapper by trade, makes up half of popular hip-hop duo LeeSsang and since the group's debut in 2002, he has climbed up the ranks and is now a highly regarded record producer, songwriter, and all-around entertainer.

The 35-year-old star already has eight studio albums with LeeSsang under his belt in addition to a handful of releases from his early days with X-Teen and Honey Family as well as a long list of collaborations and songwriting and production credits to his name - but he is about to venture into new territory.

With the new year, many fans will get to see a new side of Gary - this time as a soloist.

The rapper has announced that in less than two weeks, he will be dropping his first solo EP.

Reps from the rapper's label Jungle Entertainment explained through a statement that the new album will showcase a whole new side of Gary never before seen.

"He will be leaving aside what he has been showing as a member of LeeSsang to express a style that is unique to Gary," explained the reps.

At well over a decade in the music business, Gary will seek to appeal to a younger crowd with his upcoming release and reportedly worked with a variety of rookies to create "a strong and fresh feel that will appeal to the younger generations."

Already known for his unique off-beat rapping style and willingness to mix a variety of genres together in a single album, a lot of critics and fans are eagerly awaiting what Gary has in store for his solo project.

Many of LeeSsang's songs are already autobiographical and their stage performances are often referred to as "narrative," telling a story to the audience throughout the course of the concert. Because Gary is said to have produced all the EP's tracks himself, many are expecting his first solo album to be creative, instinctive, and exceptionally personal.

The upcoming album's name has not yet been released, but it is expected to hit shelves January 15.