Question: Which singer began as a solo artist, Lee Gi-kwang or Natalie Merchant?

Context paragraphs:
Natalie Merchant (album): Natalie Merchant is the eponymous sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant, released on May 6, 2014 by Nonesuch Records.  It is her first studio album consisting of all original material since "Motherland" (2001).

Around Us Entertainment: Around Us Entertainment is a South Korean independent entertainment company established by Yoon Doo-joon, Yang Yo-seob, Yong Jun-hyung, Lee Gi-kwang, Son Dong-woon from boy group Highlight, formerly known as BEAST, after leaving their former label Cube Entertainment.

Lee Gi-kwang: Lee Gi-kwang (Korean: 이기광 ; born March 30, 1990), known professionally as Gikwang or Kikwang, is a South Korean singer-songwriter and actor.  He originally debuted as solo singer with the stage name AJ (Ace Junior), releasing his first mini album "First Episode: A New Hero" on April 4, 2009.  In October 2009, he debuted as the main dancer, visual and a lead vocalist of boy group BEAST which had been renamed to Highlight in February 2017.

Paradise Is There: The New Tigerlily Recordings: Paradise Is There: The New Tigerlily Recordings is the seventh solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant, released on November 6, 2015 by Nonesuch Records.  It is a collection of new recordings of the songs from Merchant's solo debut, "Tigerlily" (1995).

Lee Gi-kwang discography: The discography of South Korean singer-songwriter and actor Lee Gi-kwang consists of two extended plays and three singles.

Highlight (band): Highlight (Korean: 하이라이트 ) is a South Korean boy band formerly known as Beast (Korean: 비스트).  The band consists of five members: Yoon Doo-joon, Yong Jun-hyung, Yang Yo-seob, Lee Gi-kwang, and Son Dong-woon.  Original member Jang Hyun-seung officially left the group in April 2016.  Later that year, the five remaining members moved labels from Cube Entertainment to Around Us Entertainment and subsequently changed their name to Highlight in 2017.

Natalie Merchant: Natalie Anne Merchant (born October 26, 1963) is an American singer-songwriter and musician.  She joined the American alternative/folk rock band 10,000 Maniacs in 1981 and left it to begin her solo career in 1993.  She has since released seven studio albums.

Mrs. Cop: Mrs. Cop () is a 2015 South Korean drama series starring Kim Hee-ae, Kim Min-jong, Lee Da-hee, Son Ho-jun, Heo Jung-do and Lee Gi-kwang.  It aired on SBS on Mondays and Tuesdays at 21:55 for 18 episodes beginning 3 August 2015.

Circle (TV series): Circle () is a South Korean television series starring Yeo Jin-goo, Kim Kang-woo, Gong Seung-yeon, , , Lee Gi-kwang and .  It is scheduled to air on tvN every Mondays and Tuesdays at 23:00 (KST) starting May 22, 2017.

Me Too, Flower!: Me Too, Flower!  () is a 2011 South Korean television series, starring Lee Ji-ah and Yoon Shi-yoon in lead roles, and a supporting cast led by Han Go-eun, Seo Hyo-rim, Jo Min-ki, and Lee Gi-kwang.  It aired on MBC from November 9 to December 28, 2011 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:55 for 15 episodes.

Supporting paragraphs: Lee Gi-kwang Natalie Merchant
Answer: Lee Gi-kwang