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Big Bang (빅뱅) is a Korean hip hop & R&B group composed of five members, each contributing different vocal or rapping parts. They are considered to be the new face of the YG Family. Debuting in 2006, they quickly became popular, and experienced great success in 2007 with the release of their single "Lies", shooting the five-member boy band into super stardom as one of the biggest boy bands in Korea alongside the female group Wonder Girls. Big Bang have been noted for their music as well as their taste in fashion, becoming famous throughout the country in the process.
HistoryPre-debutBefore Big Bang debuted, each member had his own degree of success and popularity in the entertainment industry. G-Dragon and Tae Yang have been with YG Entertainment since they were both twelve years old, both known as GDYB back than (as Tae Yang's real name is Young Bae).[4] 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.[4] The only one who perhaps was not known before the debut of Big Bang was Daesung. In Summer 2006, M-net released an eleven episode documentary that showed the members in training before their debut as a 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 an entertaining television show, it was an actual elimination process of candidates unfit for debut. 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. Yet this resulted in Yang Hyun Suk (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 Hyun Suk with his dancing and singing skills; thus, making the group. This documentary made the group members even more popular before their debut in the Korean entertainment industry as Big Bang. While many boy bands at the time were typically marketed as "cute" singers, the producer of YG Entertainment wanted a band to eclipse the popularity of "cute" singers and have a boy band that could "actually sing."[5] Before debuting as "Big Bang", the members suggested various names, such as "Apex", "Stump," and "Diamond".[4]
2006: Debut and SuccessBig Bang made their debut at the YG Family concert, held on August 19, 2006 at the Gymnastics Arena in Seoul Olympic Park. The group originally consisted of six members, but one was dropped in the ninth episode of their documentary video. Originally, two were intended to be dropped, SO-1 and Seung Ri. In the end, Seung Ri was kept in the group because he chose to perform the song "Haru Haru" which managed to impress YG.[4] SO-1 was let go because he was too shy onstage.[4] To celebrate the end of the trials, Hyun Suk gave them each a custom pendant. 
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, with the song "This Love" getting high requests among radio stations.[1] and later went on to sell approximetly 39,655 copies. 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.[7] It finally netted sales of 32,503 copies.[6] 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. 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) hankerchiefs/bandanas.[citation needed] At the end of December 2006, Big Bang held their very first concert titled The Real. The concert was successful, with over 12,000 tickets sold.[citation needed] They also released a music video of their song "My Girl", which featured member Tae Yang as the soloist. The following month, their first album BIGBANG VOL.1 Since 2007, which was essentially a compilation of songs from their previous singles, was released; it has sold 48,009 by the end of February 2007.[8] 2007: "Lie" and breakthrough successOn February 8, 2007, Big Bang released their live concert album entitled 1st Concert Live Album - The Real, which sold 15,211 copies by the end of 2007.[9] From May through to July 2007, Big Bang held their first national tour concert in Korea, entitled Want You. The group successfully toured a total of five cities: Incheon, Daegu, Changwon, Jeonju and Busan. The national tour concert was considered a great success as all the concert tickets in each cities were sold out, earning an estimated total of 16 million won altogether.[citation needed] 
2007 also brought forth various solo activities for the group. Lead vocalist Tae Yang was expected to release a solo single in September of 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 Lexy’s album. However, nothing was released and there has been no further information about it since. Another member, T.O.P. (Tempo), was also cast into the drama I Am Sam. T.O.P. was also featured in Red Roc's music video for "Hello," in which he shaved his hair. Other Big bang members have featured in various songs, with Dae Sung in Nemo's digital single, "Now, Us" (이제,우리..), released on October 15. 2007. G-Dragon was featured in "So In Love Part2" and Tae Yang in "I Should've Loved You a Bit More" (조금만 사랑할걸), both songs from renowned Korean artist Kim Jo Han's new album, "Soul Family with JOHAN" released on October 25, 2007. Aside from solo activities, Big Bang released a mini album in August, entitled Always. Big Bang held a Showcase/Fanmeeting for the mini-album on August 19, 2007. The mini-album was well received by the fans and listeners, especially the song "거짓말," which group leader G-Dragon wrote and composed.[10] The song was the group's first song to be a breakout hit, hitting #1 on SBS's Popular Songs show on September 9, 2007, their first to do so. "Lie" also topped the charts on the remaining networks' respective music shows (MBC's Music Core, KBS's Music Bank and Mnet's Countdown) and numerous online and offline charts for many consecutive weeks, including Juke-on, Soompi, and Melon[citation needed]. However, despite the success, G-Dragon was accused of copying FreeTempo's "Sky High" for "Lie"; although they were stunned at first, the group did not worry because the song was not plagiarized.[11]. YG then contacted Free Tempo, who then confirmed that, "although the chords sound similar, it [had] a different feel to it and was therefore not plagiarizing."[citation needed] 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. 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.[12] Later in 2008, Big Bang collected the prestigous "Daesang" from the 17th Seoul Music Awards.[13] 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. Promotions for "마지막 인사" (which translates to "Last Farewell"), the lead song from the single, started early and the group appeared on various music and variety shows. They also held their second round of concerts on December 28, 29 and 30, 2007, which had the title BIGBANG is GREAT; tickets being sold out in 10 minutes.[14] However, due to over performing and exhaustion, various members were hospitalized due to sickness and injuries.[15] Because of this, a representative for YG Entertainment stated that though the group would perform at the MBC Music Festival on the 31st but would cancel everything on their schedule for the first week of next year. Despite this, "마지막 인사 (Last Farewell)" mirrored the success of "거짓말 (Lies)", topping various music charts and winning "Song of the Month Digital Music Award" from Cyworld yet again, beating strong competitors Girls' Generation, Wonder Girls and F.T. Island. It also topped Juke-On's chart for eight consecutive weeks.[16] Their albums and singles have been in high demand, causing the record company to reprint and repackage it.[17] 2008: Expanding overseaKicking off 2008, Big Bang's 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.[18] For The World debuted at #14 on the Oricon World chart and eventually crawled its way to #10, despite lack of promotions.Big Bang will be holding their own concert in JCB hall in Tokyo Dorn City on upcoming 28th and 29th of March. They are also planning to release their second Japanese single album in April. After the release, the group will be coming back to Korea to hold a national tour, titled "Global Warning Tour" hosted by YG Entertainment. The tour will headstart from Pusan on April 15th to Kwang Ju (April 27th) to Won Ju (May 11th) to Dae Ku (May 24th) and ending in Seoul (June 21-22th).
ArtistryMusical stylesBig 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" and "Last Farewell") electronica is seemingly becoming the new music trend in Korea.[21] However, the members have branched out into different genres in their solo work, including singing ballads and mainstream pop music. Big Bang even once mention in an interview that if they want to, they might do trot someday. Lyrics and compositionBig Bang often contribute to writing lyrics for their own music as well as composing despite only debuting in 2006. The most notable from the group to compose and write is G-Dragon, as he has composed and written numerous songs for the group, 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. The group's ability to compose and write music has receive praises from critics, fans, and other singers alike. Dance styleBig 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.
Image and cultural impactWhile most boy bands at the time depended on the "cute" image concept to attract audience and fans, Big Bang instead adopted the "thug" image concept, with some of the members slanting their caps in many promotional photos and even having cornrows (most notably Tae Yang). 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 style, sporting modern day fashion (such as skinny jeans 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. Big Bang has been noted for being a fashionable group,[3] inspiring teenagers with street-originated flamboyant style.[5] 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." They prefer brands such as Bape, 10 deep, Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood, Phenomenon and others. They are often seen in customized printed hoodies. Big Bang also brought back the old school fashion, high-top shoes. Nike and Reebok high-top shoes became very popular among the young generations. [27]G Dragon 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. T.O.P. is usually seen wearing sunglasses, especially those worn by Kanye West. Big Bang's fashion trend is well known throughout the internet fashion portals. [28] 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.[4]
Members
Current membersG-DragonKwon Ji Yong (often known as G-Dragon or GD (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 Roo'ra, aka 꼬마룰라. 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. Tae YangTae Yang 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 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. Tae Yang is planning to release his solo album in April. His solo album will consist of Hip Hop and R&B songs which will appeal his voice greatly. He has been working on this album for a long time so Tae Yang himself has a big expectations and is anticipating for it to be released. T.O.PThe "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 and his talent as an actor has impressed the fans and the viewers. In 2008, he will star in a new drama. TOP will be in Gummy's new music video, "미안해요" (I'm Sorry) along with Sandara Park.[32] Dae SungKang 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", 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. Seung RiLee 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 "Mag-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. 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 Jong Theatre located in Seoul Sae Jong Cultural Center. Seung Ri has been showing his interest in musical 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 an young boy.[33] Former Member
SO-1Jang Hyun Seung, nicknamed SO-1, 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". 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
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