Big Bang (band)

Infobox musical artist
Name = Big Bang
빅뱅


Img_capt =
Background = group_or_band
Origin = South Korea
Genre = K-pop, Rap, R&B, Hip Hop
Years_active = 2006–present
Label = YG Entertainment (South Korea)
Universal Music Japan (Japan)
URL = [http://www.ygbigbang.com/ www.ygbigbang.com]
Current_members = G-Dragon Taeyang T.O.P. Daesung Seungri

Big Bang (Korean: 빅뱅) is a Korean hip hop & R&B group composed of five members, each contributing different vocal or rapping parts. When they first debuted, they were considered to be the new face of the YG Family, a pet name for their managment company YG Entertainment.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= Big Bang | date=2007-12-26| publisher= | url = http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_artists_detail.htm?No=103896| work= KBS WORLD| pages = | accessdate = 2008-02-20 | language = English] Although their debut was somewhat successful, it was not until the release of "거짓말" ("Lies") that the group had great success.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= CultureTrend 2008| date=2007-12-26| publisher= | url = http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/01/236_16193.html| work= The Korea Times| pages = | accessdate = 2008-01-27 | language = English] Big Bang have been noted for their music as well as their taste in fashion, becoming famous throughout the country in the process.cite news | first= Sang-hee| last= Han| coauthors= | title= Big Bang Will Knock on Japan| date=2008-01-03| publisher= | url = http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/special/special_view.asp?newsIdx=16685&categoryCode=178| work= The Korea Times| pages = | accessdate = 2008-01-27 | language = English]

History

Pre-debut

Before Big Bang's major debuted, each member had his own degree of success and popularity in the entertainment industry. Leader G-Dragon and lead vocalist Tae Yang have already been with YG Entertainment since they were both twelve years old, both known as GDYB back then (as Tae Yang's real name is Young Bae).cite news | first= Sang-hee| last= Han| coauthors= | title= YG Bounce - Big Bang| date=2008-01-03| publisher= | url = http://www.ygbounce.com/| work= YG Entertainment| pages = | accessdate = 2008-02-16 | language = English] Member T.O.P was well known as an underground hip-hop rapper while Seung-ri was first introduced to the entertainment industry through the show Let's Cokeplay Battle Shinhwa.

After the lineups for the group was finally made, the television network M-net released an eleven episode documentary that showed the members in training before their debut as an official group. The first six episodes detailed each individual member's background and motivation for becoming a singer. The documentary portrayed the arduous process of training by showing their dancing and singing practice sessions. Beyond being just a behind-the-scenes reality show, the series also eliminated various candidates unfit for Big Bang. Two members, SO-1 and Seungri (Lee SeungHyun) were considered for elimination, but they were given second chances to showcase their abilities in singing, dancing, and performing. However, this eventually resulted in Yang Hyun Suk (the CEO of YG Entertainment) dropping SO-1 because he lacked stage presence and was "too shy". On the other hand, Seungri was able to successfully impress Yang with his dancing and singing skills, thus making the group. This documentary made the group members even more known before their debut in the Korean entertainment industry as Big Bang.

Before deciding on an official name for the group, the members had suggested several names, such as "Apex", "Stump," and "Diamond" before deciding upon "Big Bang." To celebrate the end of the trials and the official lineups, producer and founder of YG Entertainment Yang Hyun Suk gave each the member a custom pendant. Big Bang made their official debut at the YG Family concert, held on August 19, 2006 at the Gymnastics Arena in Seoul Olympic Park.

2006: Debut and success

Prior to the release of their first album, the group had a unique release schedule, with three EPs released within a span of a few months. Big Bang released their first single, "The First Single Album", on August 29 2006, spawning the Top Ten-hit single "This Love", a remake of the American boy band Maroon 5's own single. The single debuted with 17,159 copies sold in the month of Augustcite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= Album Sales For The Month Of August 2006| date=| publisher= | url = http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/kpop_200608.htm| work= Recording Industry Association Of Korea| pages = | accessdate = 2008-02-15 | language = Korean] and later went on to sell approximately 39,655 copiescite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= Album Sales For The Month of February 2007| date=| publisher= | url = http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/kpop_200702.htm| work= Industry Association Of Korea| pages = | accessdate = 2008-02-15 | language = Korean] . Big Bang's second single "Big Bang is V.I.P." was released a month later on September 28 2006, selling 21,000 copies in that month.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= Album Sales For The Month Of September 2006| date=| publisher= | url = http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/kpop_200609.htm| work= Recording Industry Association Of Korea| pages = | accessdate = 2008-02-15 | language = Korean] It finally netted sales of 32,503 copies.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= Album Sales For The Month of February 2007| date=| publisher= | url = http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/kpop_200702.htm| work= Recording Industry Association Of Korea| pages = | accessdate = 2008-02-15 | language = Korean] On November 22, 2006 they released their third single entitled "B I G B A N G 0 3", following the success of their previous singles with the final sale of 29,138 copies.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= Album Sales For The Month of February 2007| date=| publisher= | url = http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/kpop_200702.htm| work= Recording Industry Association Of Korea| pages = | accessdate = 2008-02-15 | language = Korean]

Later in the year, Big Bang's own official fan club was created, calling themselves the "V.I.P." (in reflection of their second single "Big Bang is V.I.P."). Unlike other fan clubs, Big Bang's fans do not have a balloon color for showing support at concerts; instead, fans wave black and white BB (obviously standing for Big Bang) handkerchiefs/bandanas.

At the end of December 2006, Big Bang held their very first concert titled "The Real". They also released a music video of their song "My Girl", which featured member Tae Yang as the soloist. The following month, their first debut album "Since 2007", which was essentially a compilation of songs from their previous singles, was released; it sold 48,009 copies by the end of February 2007.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= February 2007 Album Sales | date=| publisher= | url = http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/kpop_200702.htm| work= Recording Industry Association Korea| pages = | accessdate = 2008-02-21 | language = Korea]

2007: "Lies" and breakthrough success

On February 8 2007, Big Bang released their live concert album entitled "1st Concert Live Album - The Real", which sold 26,787 copies by the end of 2007.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= 2007 Year-end Album Sales| date=| publisher= | url = http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/kpop_2007_2.htm| work= Recording Industry Association Korea| pages = | accessdate = 2008-01-27 | language = Korea] From May through to July 2007, the group also held their first national tour concert in Korea, with the headline "Want You", touring a total of five cities: Incheon, Daegu, Changwon, Jeonju and Busan.

Despite being fairly new, the members dissolved into their own solo activities for 2007. Lead vocalist Tae Yang was expected to release a solo single in September 2007, which would have made him the first member to do so. According to representatives for YG’s Yang Hyun-suk, this solo endeavor came about as a result of Tae-yang’s recent performances as well as his vocal contributions to another artist under the same management Lexy’s album.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= YG Bounce - Big Bang | date= | publisher= | url = http://www.ygbounce.com/| work= YG Entertainment| pages = | accessdate = 2008-02-16 | language = Korean] Despite the rumours, it would be a year later that Tae Yang would release his solo album. Another member, T.O.P. (Tempo), was also cast into the drama "I Am Sam" and was also featured in Red Roc's music video for "Hello," where he shaved his hair. Other Big Bang members have featured in various songs, with Dae Sung in Nemo's digital single, "이제,우리.." ("Now, Us"), released on October 15 2007. G-Dragon was featured in "So In Love Part 2" and Tae Yang in "조금만 사랑할걸" ("I Should've Loved You only a Little"), both songs from renowned Korean artist Kim Jo Han's album "Soul Family with JOHAN", released on October 25 2007.

After the solo activities, Big Bang rejoined together to released the first of their mini albums in August, entitled "Always", with the group holding a Showcase/Fanmeeting for promotional activities. Taking control over their music, leader G-Dragon took charge on producing and writing some of the songs on the album. The mini-album was released to positive reviews from fans and critics alike, especially the song "거짓말," ("Lies") which group leader G-Dragon wrote and composed. ["Arirang TV". [http://www.arirang.co.kr/Tv2/Showbiz_OnLocation.asp?PROG_CODE=TVCR0112&OnAir_Date=2007-09-03&sys_lang=Eng On Location: Big Bang's Showcase & First Fan Meeting] . Retrieved February 21, 2008.] The song became the group's first song to be a breakout hit, reaching number-one on SBS's "Popular Songs" show on September 9 2007, their first to do so, follow by MBC's "Music Core", KBS's "Music Bank" and Mnet's "Countdown" and numerous online and offline charts for many consecutive weeks. However, despite the success, G-Dragon was accused of copying a chord from FreeTempo's "Sky High" for "Lies". Avoiding the controversy, Big Bang then went on to release their the title track from "Always" as their second single, with the music video being filmed in Hawaii. The music video was released in November 2007.

The mini-album was successful enough for Big Bang to collect numerous awards by the end of 2007, including "Best Male Group" and "Song Of The Year" from the 2007 M.NET/KM Music Festival.ko iconNate.com News. [http://sports.nate.com/Service/news/ShellView.asp?ArticleID=2007111722560038191&LinkID=2&lv=10 빅뱅 '올해의 노래'-슈주 '올해의 가수'…MKMF '아이돌 천하'(종합) ("Big Bang 'Song of the Year', Super Junior 'Artist of the Year', MKMF 'Idol Reign' (Updated)").] November 17, 2007. Retrieved February 21, 2008.] Later in 2008, Big Bang also collected the prestigous "Daesang" from the 17th Seoul Music Awards.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= Big Bang Wins Pop Music Award | date=2008-01-21| publisher= | url = http://english.kbs.co.kr/entertainment/news/1505226_11858.html| work= KBS GLOBAL| pages = | accessdate = 2008-02-01 | language = English]

To capitalize the success of their mini-album, Big Bang announced that they were going to release an official album in November; however, another mini album was released instead, entitled "Hot Issue". The album yielded another strong single for the group, "Last Farewell," mirroring the success of "거짓말 (Lies)" and topping various music charts and winning "Song of the Month Digital Music Award" from Cyworld yet again, beating strong competitors such as Girls' Generation, Wonder Girls and F.T. Island. It also topped Juke-On's chart for eight consecutive weeks.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= 빅뱅 쥬크온차트 8주 연속 1위 기염, JOO도 2주만에 7위 진입 | date=2008-01-21| publisher= | url = http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?news_uid=200034&code=100200| work= Newsen| pages = | accessdate = 2008-02-01 | language = Korean]

Big Bang held their second round of concerts on the 28th of December to the 30th, with the headline "Big Bang Is Great", where tickets were reportedly sold out in 10 minutes.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= 빅뱅, 단독콘서트 티켓 또 10분 만에 매진 | date=2007-11-20 | publisher= | url = http://www.ytnstar.co.kr/news/news_view.php?cd=0103&key=200711201407036900 | work= YTNStar | pages = | accessdate = 2008-02-21 | language = Korean] Despite this, various members were hospitalized due to sickness and injuries from over performing and exhaustion,cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= 빅뱅, 멤버들 줄부상에 일시 활동중단 (Big Bang, String of Member Injuries Cause Break in Schedule) | date= 2007-12-31 | publisher= | url = http://star.moneytoday.co.kr/view/stview.php?no=2007123109144603151&EVEC| work= StarNews | pages = | accessdate = 2008-02-20 | language = Korean] thus halting and limiting their promotional activities for a while. A representative for YG Entertainment then addressed the issue by stating that though the group would perform at the "MBC Music Festival" on the 31st, they would cancel everything else on their schedule for the first week of next year. It was later reported in the year that Big Bang's albums and singles have been in high demand, causing the record company to reprint and repackage it for re-releases.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= Big Bang’s Albums in Short Supply | date=2007-12-26 | publisher= | url = http://rki.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=6858| work= KBS World| pages = | accessdate = 2008-02-01 | language = English]

2008: Expanding overseas and solo activities

After the breakthrough success in South Korea, Big Bang ventured out overseas towards Japan. Kicking off 2008, their first Japanese album "For the World" was released, with previous singles appearing on the album, in addition to a Japan-only song, "How Gee" (a new remix version from "How Gee" by Black Machine). All their previous songs were also re-recorded in English. [KBS World. [http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=6233 Big Bang To Make Japanese Debut] . September 12, 2007. Retrieved February 17, 2008.] "For The World" debuted at #14 on the Oricon chart (the official music chart in Japan) and eventually crawled its way to #10, despite lack of promotions.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= Big Bang, putting their name up on 'Oricon Chart'| date= 2008-02-14 | publisher= SportsHankook | url = http://sports.hankooki.com/lpage/music/200802/sp2008021407561495510.htm| work= | pages = | accessdate = 2008-02-15 | language = Korean] On the 28th and 29th of March, Big Bang held their own concert in JCB hall in Tokyo Dome City. The group then proceeded to release a 4th mini-album in late May titled "With U", with a corresponding single of the same name. Aside from the title single, the mini-album included many of their earlier hits, such as "Last Farewell" and "This Love", rerecorded in English. The solo song "My Girl", sung by Tae Yang, was also rerecorded into a Japanese.

Upon returning to Korea soon after their Japanese activities, the members separated into their own individual solo activities. While the youngest member, Seungri, tried his luck in theatre by starring in musicals such as "Sonagi" (based on the popular, classic novel) earlier the year and is set to act in his first movie, "Why did you come home?" starring Kang Hae-Jung (which will release in theaters in November), member Tae Yang finally released his anticipated solo mini-album, "Hot", which proved to be a success, topping online and public charts with its lead single, "Look At Me Only". The decidedly R&B album and its lead single was heavily choreographed with dance moves that were later parodied by many comedians. G-Dragon soon after released a digital remake version of the single entitled "Look Only at Me 2", which was not as heavily promoted. Instead, G-Dragon spent much of the first half of the year composing and producing songs for other artists, such as collaborating with pop-star Uhm Jung Hwa in her album, "Disco". Dae-Sung also released a digital single — surprisingly, it was a trot number titled, "Gwisoon, Look at Me" (a composition-gift from G-Dragon) that was rather successful. While promoting the single, he spent time on variety programs, regularly appearing in SBS Yoo Jae-Suk's "Family Outing". T.O.P, on the other hand, collaborated with several artists, being featured in several popular singles such as Gummy's "I'm Sorry" and Uhm Jung Hwa's "Disco".

On August 8, 2008, Big Bang reunited to release their 3rd mini-album, "Stand Up" — which featured collaborations with the group Daishi Dance, and Korean rock-band No-Brain in their latest punk rock single "Oh My Friend" [ [http://bigbangkorean.wordpress.com/2008/08/07/gdragon-%E2%80%9Cwe-requested-to-work-with-daishi-dance%E2%80%9D/ Big Bang requests to work with Daishi Dance] ] — promoting it with the lead song, "Day After Day" (하루하루). Like previous albums, leader G-Dragon was heavily involved with the production of the album, having compose and written a majority of the songs with the exception of "A Good Man" - which was composed by fellow group member T.O.P. The mini-album had exceeded the 100,000 mark for sales, a breakthrough for the group.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Big Bang Wins Their 12th #1| date= 2008-09-08| publisher= | url = http://sookyeong.wordpress.com/2008/09/27/big-bang-wins-their-12th-1-positions-after-their-comeback-on-music-bank/| work= | pages = | accessdate = 2008-09-23 | language = English]

"Stand Up" has so far yielded some of Big Bang's strongest singles, with the lead single "Day After Day" topping several online charts [ [http://music.mnet.com/MChart/MChart_Top300.asp Mnet Daily Music Charts Top 300] Retrieved on August 9, 2008.] and staying at the number-one spot for 6 consecutive weeks.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= Big Bang's 'Day by Day' Sweeps K-POP Charts for Four Weeks| date= 2008-09-08| publisher= KBS Global| url = http://english.kbs.co.kr/mcontents/entertainment/1546222_11692.html| work= | pages = | accessdate = 2008-09-23 | language = English] In addition, severals of their songs also made it to the Top 20 of the charts, with "Heaven" at the number two spot, "Oh My Friend" being ninth, "Nice Person" at twelfth and "Lady" being sixteenth - a total of five songs in the Top 20 for the group.

On the 6th of October 2008, Big Bang's title track "Number 1" from their album of the same name was leaked onto the internet. This is their 3rd Japanese album, and their first full one.

Artistry and influences

Musical styles

Big Bang's music style can be classified for the most part as hip pop music (as seen with the songs "La, La, La" and "Good Bye Baby"), with a little vibe of R&B (as seen with the songs "We Belong Together" and "A Fool's Only Tear"), dance ("Shake It") and mainstream ("This Love") music. Finally, becoming the greatest hit songs of 2007, (as seen with the songs "Lies", "Last Farewell", "Day By Day") electronica is seemingly becoming the new music trend in Korea. [ko iconSTAR News. [http://star.moneytoday.co.kr/view/stview.php?no=2008022809411230840&type=1 Big Bang, BEG, Jewerly... The trend of K-pop 'Electronica'] ] However, the members have branched out into different genres in their solo work, including singing ballads and mainstream pop music. Big Bang even once mentioned in an interview that if they want to, they might do trot someday. Dae Sung's new digital single, Look at Me, GwiSun (날 봐, 귀순) consists of a trot song, which has been somewhat controversial considering Big Bang's primary focus on hip-hop. cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= 빅뱅, '하고 싶어지면 트로트도 도전' (Big Bang, 'If we want to, we'll do Trot')| date= 2007-11-27| publisher= | url = http://www.cbs.co.kr/Nocut/Show.asp?IDX=677855| work= CBS Asian| pages = | accessdate = 2008-03-22 | language =ko icon]

Big Bang often contribute to writing lyrics for their own music as well as composing [As per the Big Bang album jackets.] despite only debuting in 2006. The most notable from the group to compose and write is leader G-Dragon, as he has composed and written numerous songs for the group,cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= Big Bang 2nd Mini Album - Hot Issue| date= | publisher= | url = http://us.yesasia.com/en/artIdxDept.aspx/code-k/section-music/did-91/aid-1404354/| work= YesAsia| pages = | accessdate = 2008-02-16 | language = English] including "Lies" and "Last Farewell", which would later become the group's gateway to stardom. Aside from G-Dragon, the others members have contributed to writing lyrics as well. On a whole, Big Bang has received praises from critics, fans, and other singers alike for contributions to their own materials.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= 백지영 '아이돌가수, 빅뱅 같다면 좋아한다' (Baek Jiyoung: 'I like idol singers if they are like Big Bang')| date= 2007-11-27| publisher= | url = http://star.moneytoday.co.kr/view/star_view.php?type=1&gisano=2007112621225914936| work= Star News| pages = | accessdate = 2008-03-22 | language =ko icon]

Dance style

Big Bang often rely on free style and street dancing (as evidenced in their music video for "Good Bye Baby"). They also do break dancing as well. Like the popular boy band Shinhwa, Big Bang's own unique style of dancing is credited to a member of theirs, Seung-ri. Seung-ri has choreographed some of Big Bang's moves (such as jump rope dance from Last Farewell) and has been noted for this. [ko iconSTAR News. [http://star.moneytoday.co.kr/view/star_view.php?type=1&gisano=2007120811191544749 빅뱅, '줄넘기춤'으로 국민댄스 도전 (Big Bang, going for 'Jump Rope dance' as the all-time dance] Retrieved March 10,2008.]

Image and cultural impact

While most Korean boy bands at the time depended on the "cute" image concept to attract audience and fans, Big Bang instead adopted the "hip hop" image concept, with some of the members slanting their caps in many promotional photos and even having cornrows (most notably Tae Yang) during the early days of their career. The group continued this image concept for the rest of 2006 and into 2007 until the release of their mini-album "Always", which showcased the group in a more preppy-ish punk style, sporting modern day fashion (such as the skinny jeans with the converse as seen within the music video of their song "Lie"). Moving further away from the "thug" look, Tae Yang also cut off his cornrows into a buzz cut. Additionally, Big Bang has been noted for being a fashionable group, inspiring teenagers with street-originated flamboyant style.

Big Bang's unique and urban hip-hop sense of style has quickly become popular in Korea as a result, known as the "Big Bang fashion." Ususally, the group prefers brands such as Bape, 10 deep, Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood, Phenomenon, and others and are often seen in customized printed hoodies. The group has been noted as well to have brought back the old school fashion, high-top shoes, such as the Nike and Reebok high-top shoes. [ko iconSeoul News. [http://www.seoul.co.kr/news/newsView.php?id=20080223017004 Hot item of the trendiest Korean men] Retrieved March 10,2008]

Leader G-Dragon is consider by many to be the most fashionable one of the group,cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= Big Bang's G-Dragon: I'm interested in majoring in fashion| date= | publisher= | url = http://www.ahatv.co.kr/News/Detail.aspx?cSn=1&pSn=8445| work= Sports Seoul News| pages = | accessdate = 2008-03-10 | language =English] where he tends to wear triangular scarves (shemagh) around his neck, known as "Big Bang scarves" or "Jung Ryu Won scarves", when the actress of the same name began to sport them as well. Additionally, member T.O.P. is also seen sporting sunglasses, especially those worn by American rapper Kanye West. Big Bang's fashion trend is well known throughout the internet fashion portals, [ko iconHiphoper. [http://www.hiphoper.com/05w/doc/05w_hot_detail.asp?idx=287 Exactly what do they wear?] Retrieved March 10,2008] thus making them one of the most sought after artists for endorsement products.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= Big Bang Signs Modeling Contract with FILA Korea| date= 2008-09-16 | publisher= | url = http://english.kbs.co.kr/mcontents/entertainment/1546222_11692.html| work= KBS Global| pages = | accessdate = 2008-09-28 | language =English] The group's unique imagery and fashion has led them to release their own fragrance, entitled "BB Bud's My First Fragrance (나의 첫번째 향기)" in early 2007.

Members

Current members

G-Dragon

Kwon Ji Yong (often known as G-Dragon or GD (용/yong in Korean means Dragon)) is the leader and a widely accepted singer-songwriter, winning 'Songwriter Award' in 2007 MKMF (Mnet Km Music Festival). When Ji yong was seven years old, he was chosen as one of the member in little Roora. G-dragon has been trained by the YG Family since he was 12 years old along with the fellow Big Bang member, Tae Yang. During their training, they were known as GDYB.

Although the group in general is considered fashionable, G-Dragon especially is regarded as having a great sense of fashion. He even showed his interest to major in fashion.

G-Dragon has also released his debut digital single on June 30th.

Tae Yang

Tae Yang (born Dong Young Bae) has been with G-D in YG Entertainment since he was 12. He started out as a rapper but is now one of the vocalists of Big Bang. He was known for being scared of girls, and is still known as the shy, sweet, thoughtful and sensitive one in the group. Currently, Tae Yang is working on his first solo album. Tae Yang will be the first one to release the solo album from Big Bang.cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= 빅뱅 태양, 솔로데뷔..당분간 해외활동 전념 (Big Bang’s Taeyang, solo debut…but for now devoted to overseas activities) | date= 2008-01-29 | publisher= | url = http://star.moneytoday.co.kr/view/stview.php?no=2008012908215695579&EVEC | work= StarNews | pages = | accessdate = 2008-02-21 | language = Korean] He had been working on this album for a long time so Tae Yang himself has had big expectations for it. [ [http://www.newsva.co.kr/uhtml/read.jsp?idxno=293342&section=S1N53&section2=S2N255 빅뱅, '따로 또 함께' 활동으로 2008년도 '빅뱅'] . Retrieved on March 10, 2008]

The mini-album was released on May 22 2008, entitled "HOT". Consisting solely of hip-hop and R&B songs, the first single to be released was " _ko. 나만 바라봐" ("Look Only at Me").

T.O.P

The "Big Brother" of the band is Choi Seung Hyun, also known as Tempo or T.O.P. YG staff members call him Keun Seung Hyun, meaning Big Seung Hyun, to distinguish between the fellow Big Bang member also named Seung Hyun. Before joining Big Bang, he was a star performer in underground hip-hop clubs and even won KBS Radio's "Rap Battle" in 2003. Tempo is one of the two rappers in the Big Bang and is also very talented in beat-boxing. Recently, TOP has successfully finished filming his role as the school's top fighter in a Korean drama called, I Am Sam. His character's name in the drama was Chae Mu Shin(Musin) and his talent as an actor has impressed the fans and the viewers. At the end of 2007, Big Bang was invited to SBS music award festival and performed Hot Issue songs. T.O.P, however, could not come because he collapsed. In 2008, he will star in a new drama. He starred in Red Roc's music video for the song "Hello", in which he shaved his head. TOP is in Gummy's music video, "미안해요" (I'm Sorry) along with Sandara Park. T.O.P had a kiss scene with Sandara Park because his fans expected him to have kiss scene. Although, in an interview in Thailand, he mentions that he did not actually kiss Miss Park and that it just seemed so from a camera angle. Now 2008 Bigbang had a new album called "Stand Up". . [Happy_9997. "Tell me everything about T.O.P(탑의 모든것을 알려주세요!)" 11th, March. 2007. http://kin.naver.com/detail/detail.php?d1id=13&dir_id=1313&eid=OXDVulW8RcJB3ZsjJG5PG1bafNegXGAA&qb=uvK58CDFvsDHILjwteewzQ=] It was announced that he would be starring in a drama with Lee Byung Hun in 2009. The drama would be called IRIS.

Dae Sung

Kang Dae Sung, the "Smiling Angel", is a vocalist in Big Bang. Fans praise Dae Sung's humorous personality and astounding vocals and dedicate numerous websites to him. During the auditions, Dae Sung was called "Unpretty Boy" and "ugly", but later, the staff team confirmed that Daesung is actually the most popular member in Big Bang. Dae Sung has an obsession with "Doraemon", a Japanese animation. Dae Sung has been also been known as "Gag/Comedy Genius Dae Sung" (Gae Chun Dae Sung in Korean) with his great sense of humor and unique talent in imitating famous people and even animals. He is now also known as D-Lite. Dae Sung released a digital single, Look at Me, GwiSun (날 봐, 귀순) on June 16, 2008. It consists of a trot song, which has been the subject of some controversy among music fans. These days, Dae Sung is one of the member of a programme called 'Family Outing' in SBS. He shows his talents of gag with the best Korean MC, Yoo Jae Seok. Furthermore, he is showing his great gag reactions. [ [http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2008061656907 빅뱅 대성, `날 봐, 귀순!` 트로트 싱글 공개] . Retrieved on June 18, 2008]

eung Ri

Lee Seung Hyun, or known as "Seung Ri", is the "Little Brother" of Big Bang. His name when Big Bang debuted, was "V" which is derived from Victory. YG's staff call him "Mak-nae",which means "the youngest or baby in a family". Before joining Big Bang, Seung Ri was on "Battle Shinhwa", a show that was searching for the second Shinhwa, which was one of the most successful Korean boy bands to date, next to H.O.T. However, he was rejected in the 13th episode because even though he was a great dancer, his vocals failed to impress. However, the manager of YG recognized his talent and invited him to practice with the YG Family. Before Big Bang, he was a member of Il Hwa, a Kwangjoo dance team. Seung Ri's greatest talents are dancing and choreographing dance routines. He is very strong for the youngest member in the group. He has an outgoing personality and is well known for his unexpected and adorable behavior.Seung Ri will be debuting as a musical actor on 'So Na Gi'. Seung Ri is chosen as one of the main cast member in 'So Na Gi' which will be performed from April 12th to May 15th at Sae JongTheatre located in Seoul Sae Jong Cultural Center. Seung Ri has been showing his interest inmusical and passed the audition held by Seoul musical team. His music capability was bought very highly and they saw that his image was suitable for the role of a young boy. [ [http://www.newsva.co.kr/uhtml/read.jsp?idxno=293342&section=S1N53&section2=S2N255 빅뱅, '따로 또 함께' 활동으로 2008년도 '빅뱅'(Big Bang, 'Group and Solo' activities in 2008)] ]

Former Members

O-1

SO-1, commonly referred to as Jang Hyun Seung, was dropped from Big Bang in the ninth episode of their documentary, which was shown on GOM Television. He was considered to be a great singer and had a "pretty face".Fact|date=August 2008 Unfortunately, he did not pass the audition to become a member in Big Bang due to his shyness on stage. He is no longer with YG family.

Members' profile

Awards

Discography

Korean Albums

* Volume 1: Since 2007 (December 21, 2006)
* Volume 2: Since 2007 (December 31, 2008)

Japanese Albums

* Volume 2: Number 1 (October 22, 2008)

Korean Singles

*1st: The First Single Album (August 28 2006)
*2nd: Big Bang is V.I.P. (September 28 2006)
*3rd: B I G B A N G 0 3 (November 21 2006)

olo Singles

*1st: Tae-yang - Hot (May 22 2008) EP
*2nd: Daesung - 날 봐 귀순 (June 19 2008) Digital Single
*3rd: G-Dragon - 나만 바라봐 Part 2 (June 30 2008) Digital Single

EP(s)

*Volume 1: Always (August 16 2007)
*Volume 2: Hot Issue (November 22 2007)
*Volume 3: For The World (January 4 2008)
*Volume 4: With U (May 28 2008)
*Volume 5: Stand Up (August 8 2008)

Concert album(s)

*Volume 1: 1st Concert Live Album - The Real (February 8 2007)
*Volume 2: 2nd Live Concert Album - The Great (February 29 2008)

Concerts

*The Real Concert December 2006
*Want You (tour concert) May 2007
*Big Bang G.R.E.A.T December 2007
*Global Warning June 2008

ee also

*K-pop
*Contemporary culture of South Korea
*Korean music
*List of Korean musicians

References

External links

* [http://ygbigbang.com Official Site]
* [http://ygfamily.com/ YG Entertainment]
* [http://www.ygbigbang.jp/ Big Bang Japan Official Site]