About

 

Name: Big Bang (빅뱅)

Debut: August 2006

Labels SM Entertainment and JYP established themselves as leaders in the K-Pop industry with boy groups such as H.O.T and G.O.D after the initial explosion of popularity in the modern music movement in the late 90s, but behind the scenes, hip-hop/R&B based label YG Entertainment was building what would become one of the most popular and artistically respected groups in the history of K-Pop. Young trainees G-Dragon and Taeyang turned to the label to make their dreams of being hip-hop stars a reality. T.O.P was pulled from the underground rap scene, and Seungri from a local dance team. Daesung's vocal power blew everyone away in an open audition for the company.

 

Years later, Big Bang has become the most popular hip-hop influenced boy band in South Korea, launched as top Hallyu idols in Japan, and established lucrative solo careers for each of the five members of the group. Their reach has become increasingly global with every year, with member G-Dragon regularly collaborating with Western artists and T.O.P recognized as one of Rolling Stone's Hottest Sex Symbols of 2013. Whether as a group or soloists, the music released from Big Bang dominates the charts. The members are frequently cited by rookies as their number one influences. Their songwriting and production abilities are legend, making them among the most creative and artistically-driven mainstream acts in South Korea.

 

Big Bang also established YG Entertainment as one of the top three major players in the K-pop industry, paving the way for girl group 2NE1 and upcoming rookies WINNER. With a group comeback promised for this year, it seems like the group has plenty more to offer as their groundbreaking career progresses!

 

Members

 

G-Dragon

Born: August 18, 1988
Real Name: Kwon Jiyong. He's also referred to as "GD."
Position: Leader, high-range rapper

 

 

 

 

T.O.P

Born: November 4, 1987
Real Name: Choi Seunghyun
Position: Low-range rapper

 

 

 

Taeyang

Born: May 18, 1988
Real Name: Dong Youngbae. Also known as SOL when performing in Japan.
Position: Main vocals, lead dancer

 

 

 

 

Daesung

Born: April 26, 1989
Real Name: Kang Daesung. Also known as D-LITE when performing Japan
Position: Lead vocals

 

 

 

 

Seungri

Born: December 12, 1990
Real Name: Lee Seunghyun. Also known as V.I when performing in Japan
Position: Sub-vocalist, dancer

 

 

 

 

Discography

 

Full-Length Studio Albums (Korean)

Since 2007 (2006)
Remember (2008)

 

Mini-Albums (Korean)

Always (2007)
Hot Issue (2007)
Stand Up (2008)
Tonight (2011)
Alive/Still Alive (2012)

 

Full-Length Studio Albums (Japanese)

Number 1 (2008)
Big Bang (2009)
Big Bang 2 (2011)
Alive (2012)

 

Mini-Albums (Japanese)

For the World (2008)
With U (2008)

 

Taeyang

Hot (2008)
Solar (2010)
Ringa Linga (Single) (2013)

 

Daesung
D'scover (2013) (Japanese)

 

G-Dragon

Heartbreaker (2009)
One of a Kind (2012)
Coup d'etat (2013)

 

G-Dragon and T.O.P

GD & TOP (2010)

 

Seungri

VVIP (2011)
Let's Talk About Love (2013)

 

 

Where to Watch Them

 

Though Big Bang is harder to pin down for variety show appearances, two of their most popular features have been on Running Man and Strong Heart. Their fan favorite variety was a spoof of TV drama Secret Garden the members put on, which is beloved for its hilarity (and G-Dragon cross-dressing, T.O.P's in group kissing, and Daesung's brilliant acting as a snobby upper class woman).

The group also has various acting credits. Daesung starred in drama What's Up; T.O.P was in Nineteen, Iris, 71: Into the Fire, I AM SAM, Commitment, and Tazza 2; and Seungri was in Nineteen, Why Did You Come to My House?, Kindaichi Shonen no Jikenbo, and Yubikoi.

 

Fun Facts

 

1. G-Dragon initially recommended T.O.P for a YG audition, but he was rejected for being overweight. Not to be deterred, T.O.P dropped twenty pounds in forty days and re-auditioned

2. Even celebrities like Big Bang can get starstruck! The first time Seungri met TVXQ/JYJ's Junsu, he got so nervous that he couldn't let go of Junsu's hand after he shook it!

3. In spite of his super-romantic singles, Taeyang gets incredibly nervous around girls. His first kiss was in the "Ma Girl" MV!

4. G-Dragon is recognized as one of South Korea's top songwriters, is a highly sought after collaborator, and is an international style icon. It is highly suspected that he has more fanboys than any other male performer in the industry

 

5. Though most K-Pop groups are expected to dance, Big Bang is not known for having many routines, particularly since G-Dragon and T.O.P are somewhat of dancing black holes. Taeyang and Seungri are both good dancers, however, and will include dancing into their MV appearances

6. Despite having many difficult things happen in his life, Daesung is admired by fans for always wearing a smile and displaying his bright personality

7. T.O.P is one of the highest paid celebrities in the K-Pop industry, regularly earning in the millions for his endorsements and acting appearances

8. YG Entertainment's CEO Yang Hyunsuk is one of the most intimidating and strict personalities in the industry, but G-Dragon has grown to command his respect over the years with his artistry and talent.

 

5 Essential Songs (Group)

 

1. “Fantastic Baby”

2. “Haru Haru”

3. “Bad Boy”

4. “Tonight”

5. “Love Song”

 

 

5 Essential Songs (Solo)

 

1. “Crayon”- G-Dragon

2. “Doom Dada”- T.O.P

3. “What Can I Do?”- Seungri

4. “I Need a Girl”- Taeyang

5. “Utautai no Ballad”- Daesung