Bi6 BAN6 ~ SU6Oii !

Subject: Bi6 BAN6 ~ SU6Oii ! Fri Jan 15, 2010 1:35 am

Bi6 BAN6

Big Bang (Korean: 빅뱅, Japanese: ビッグバン), commonly stylized as BIGBANG, is a Korean hip-hop boyband made up of five Korean singers. Although their debut was somewhat successful, it was not until the release of "거짓말" ("Lies") that the group gained mainstream success.[1][2]

History
2005—2006: Formation

Before Big Bang's major debut, each member had his own degree of success and popularity in the entertainment industry. Leader G-Dragon and lead vocalist Tae Yang had already been with YG Entertainment since they were both twelve years old, known as GD and YB back then. Member T.O.P was well known as T.E.M.P.O. when he was the well-known rapper working underground. Big Bang made their official debut at the YG Family concert, held on August 19, 2006 at the Gymnastics Arena in Seoul Olympic Park.

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. Their first EP was The First Single Album, which spawned the top-ten[citation needed] hit single "This Love", a remake of the American boy band Maroon 5's own single.[3] The single debuted with over 17,000 copies sold in the month of August[4] and later went on to sell approximately nearly 40,000 copies[5]. The second EP Big Bang is V.I.P. was released a month later, selling 21,000 copies in that month.[6] It finally netted sales of 32,000 copies.[5] Their third and last EP, B I G B A N G 0 3, followed the success of their previous EPs with final sales nearing 30,000 copies.[5]

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 (standing for Big Bang) handkerchiefs/bandannas until the First Season. After selection of Second Season V.I.P., their support items became a crown-shaped stick. At the end of December 2006, Big Bang held their very first concert titled The Real. 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.[5]

2007—2008: Breakthrough success

On February 8, 2007, Big Bang released their live concert album entitled The First / Real Live Concert, which sold almost 30,000 copies by the end of 2007.[7] From May 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.[8]

Always (2007) became the group's first mini album, and they held a fan meeting for promotional activities. Taking control over their music, group-leader G-Dragon began producing and writing some of the songs on the album. Critical reception for the album was fairly positive, most notably in regards to the song "거짓말 (Lies)".[9] The single became the group's first song to be a breakout hit, becoming their first song to reach number-one on SBS Hit Songs, followed by MBC's Music Core, KBS Music Bank, Mnet's Countdown and numerous online and offline charts for many consecutive weeks. Riding on the success of their mini-album, the group collected numerous awards towards the end of the year, including "Best Male Group" and "Song Of The Year" from the 2007 M.NET/KM Music Festival.[10] They later claimed the prestigious "Dae Sung" from the 17th Seoul Music Awards.[11]

Their second mini album, Hot Issue, was released a few months later and yielded another strong single for the group, "마지막 인사 (Last Farewell)". Mirroring its predecessor's success, the single went on to top various music charts, including Juke-On's chart for eight consecutive weeks.[12] The song also won "Song of the Month Digital Music Award" from Cyworld. Big Bang also staged their second concert, Big Bang Is Great, from the 28th of December to the 30th where tickets were reportedly sold out in 10 minutes.[13] Despite their success, however, various members were hospitalized due to sickness and injuries from over performing and exhaustion,[14] thus halting and limiting their promotional activities. 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 had been in high demand, causing the record company to reprint and repackage it for re-releases.[15]

After the success in South Korea, Big Bang ventured out overseas towards Japan. Kicking off 2008, their first Japanese mini album For the World was released, with previous Korean singles appearing on the album, in addition to a Japan-only song, "How Gee" (a new remix version from "How Gee" by the Japanese group Black Machine). For The World debuted at #14 on the Oricon chart and eventually crawled its way to #10, despite lack of promotions.[16] On the 28th and 29th of March, Big Bang held a concert in JCB Hall in Tokyo Dome City. With U (2008) was released later in May, becoming Big Bang's second Japanese mini-album. A corresponding single of the same name was also released and was met with controversy over similarity to Joe's "Ride Wit U" from his And Then...[17]

The group returned to Korea mid-2008 after their activities in Japan ended. Despite their activities being delayed several time due to solo activities, Big Bang eventually released their third mini-album Stand Up (2008) — which featured collaborations with the group Daishi Dance, and the Korean rock-band No Brain for their single Oh My Friend. Like previous albums, leader G-Dragon was heavily involved with the production of the album, having composed and written a majority of the songs. The mini-album went on to exceed the 100,000 mark in sales and also yielded some of the group's strongest singles, with the lead single "하루하루 (Day By Day)" topping several online charts and staying at the number-one spot for 6 consecutive weeks.[18] In addition, several 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, "A Good Man" at twelfth and "Lady" being sixteenth — a total of five songs in the Top 20 for the group.[citation needed]

At the same time, Big Bang released the Japanese song "Number 1" from their album of the same name and introduced the song through Japanese radio programs and TV shows; the album peaked at #3 on the Japan's Oricon daily album chart.[19] Their Korean follow-up album, Remember (2008) was released several months afterward, yielding the number-one hit single "붉은노을 (Sunset Glow)". The group also collected their second "Artist of the Year" from the 2008 M.NET KM Music Festival award ceremony.[20] At the end of 2008, it was reported that Big Bang earned a total of ₩36 billion (USD$ 24.5 million).[21]

2009—present: Branching Out

With the group on break in early 2009, the members took the time to pursue solo activities. They later reunited to collaborate with their entertainment's new girl group 2NE1, who has been dubbed "The Female Big Bang",[22] for the song "Lollipop". A music video was also filmed for promotion. Initially used to promote a cell phone, "Lollipop" has since reached the number-one spot on various online charts.[23]

After activities for "Lollipop" ended, the group flew to Japan to record and release their first Japanese single "My Heaven" in May 2009, their first major debut in Japan. A Japanese translation of their Korean single "Heaven" from their EP Stand Up, the music was composed by acclaimed Japanese composer Daishi Dance. To promote the single, the group performed on several Morning News programs, which lead to their single debuting at the number three spot on the Oricon Charts.[24] Their second Japanese single, "ｶﾞﾗｶﾞﾗ GO! (Gara Gara Go!)," was released on July 8, 2009 and reached number 5 on the Oricon charts.[24] "Gara Gara Go!!" marked the group's first performances on some of Japan's major music shows, such as Hey!Hey!Hey! Music Champ and Music Station. Following the release of their Japanese singles, Big Bang released their self-titled first full-length Japanese album under Universal Music which charted in at number three.[24]

After their Japanese promotional activities ended, Big Bang returned to Korea, where the members dissolved into solo activities. On August 18, G-Dragon released his controversial debut album Heartbreaker, which spawned several hit singles including its titled song.[25] Taeyang released two digital singes ("Where U At?" and "Wedding Dress") to promote his second album, which has an expectant release day of early 2010.[26] Additionally, T.O.P. also joined the cast of the Korean thriller drama Iris.

The group later extended their Japanese activities by providing the theme song for the Japanese TBS's Friday night drama Ohitorisama starring Alisa Mizuki and Teppei Koike.[27][28] The song was later released as a single (titled "声をきかせて (Let Me Hear Your Voice)") on November 4, 2009, peaking at the number 4 spot on the Oricon charts.[29]

Big Bang will kick off the year with their annual concert, "2010 Big Bang Concert Big Show,"[30] which will be held from the 29th to 31st of January 2010 in Seoul Olympic Stadium.[31] The following month, Big Bang is expected to hold their Electric Love Tour 2010 in Japan, performing on three different stage: the first one will be at the Yokohama Arena from February 10th to the 11th, the Kobe World Kinen Hall for the 13th, and Budokan on the 16th.[32] YG's Yang Hyun Suk also revealed that Big Bang will return with an album in Korea this Summer.[32] T.O.P, Daesung and Seungri will be working on solo projects this year and Taeyang will be continuing his promotions for his album.[33]

Artistry and influences

Throughout their career, Big Bang has been met with praise and criticism alike. Time magazine have described the group has one of South Korea's "most promising" South Korean act to venture into Japan.[8] Additionally, their contribution to their own materials early in their career, most notably by G-Dragon, have met with praise from critics, fans, and other singers alike.[34] Despite this, the group have underwent criticism for plagiarism: their song "With U" was deemed to sound similiar to Joe's "Ride Wit U" from his And Then...[35]
[edit] Musical styles

Big Bang's musical style can be classified for the most part as hip-hop (as seen with the songs "La, La, La" and "Goodbye Baby"), with a little vibe of R&B (as seen with the songs "We Belong Together" and "Forever With You"), mainstream ("This Love") music, and rock with "Oh My Friend". They also began experimenting with electronic with the release of "Lies", "Last Farewell", and "Haru Haru (Day By Day)," setting it as a new music trend in Korea.[36] 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.[37] Daesung's first digital single, "Look at Me, GwiSun" ("날 봐, 귀순"), was a trot song, which had been somewhat controversial considering Big Bang's primary focus on hip-hop.

The members of Big Bang often contribute to writing lyrics for their own music as well as composing.[38] The most notable from the group to compose and write is leader G-Dragon, who wrote a majority of the group's songs including "Lies" and "Last Farewell." G-Dragon has described the group as "an idol group not born of talent but through effort."[39]. Aside from G-Dragon, the others members have contributed to writing lyrics as well: T.O.P wrote the song "Good Man" for their EP Stand up while Taeyang wrote the song "Goodbye Baby".

Dance style

Big Bang often rely on free style and street dancing (as evidenced in their music video for "Good Bye Baby"). They are choreographed by world-class choreographer Shaun Evaristo, (as seen in "Number 1" and "With U" music videos) who also choreographs their concerts and Taeyang's solo projects. Like the popular boy band Shinhwa, Big Bang's own unique style of dancing is credited to a member of theirs, Seungri. Seungri has choreographed some of Big Bang's moves (such as the jump rope dance from "Last Farewell") and has been noted for this.[40]

Image and cultural impact

Although initially a singing group, Big Bang has have major influences in the fashion industry, inspiring teenagers with street-originated flamboyant style.[2] During their early days, the group adopted the "hip hop" image concept, where some of the members slanted their caps in many promotional photos, live performances, and music video. Member Taeyang even sported cornrows. 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 Converse or high-top sneakers as seen within the music video of their song "Lies"). Taeyang also traded his cornrows for a faux hawk for this new concept.

Big Bang's unique and urban hip-up sense of style has quickly become popular in Korea as a result, known as the "Big Bang fashion". Usually, the group prefers brands such as Bape, 10 deep, Louis Vuitton, 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.[41]

Leader G-Dragon is consider by many to be the most fashionable one of the group,[42] where he tends to wear triangular scarves (shemagh/keffiyeh) around his neck, known as "Big Bang scarves". Additionally, member T.O.P. is also seen sporting sunglasses, most notably shutter shades, which are worn by American rapper Kanye West. Big Bang's fashion trends are well known throughout the internet fashion portals,[43] thus making them one of the most sought after artists for endorsement products.[44] 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.[45]

Big Bang endorsed a Korean online FPS titled Sudden Attack. All 5 members will have their own characters with special dialogue and sound effects. They also authored their first book, Shouting to the World, where they wrote about the difficulties in their career. The book became a best-seller in South Korea.[39]

Awards

Years Awards
2006

* November 10th - Cyworld Digital Music Awards - 'Rookie Of The Month (October)' / "La La La"

2007

* September 12th - Cyworld Digital Music Awards - 'Song Of The Month (August)' / "Lie"
* October 18th - Cyworld Digital Music Awards - 'Song of the Month (September)' / "Lie"
* November 17th - MKMF (Mnet KM Music Festival) - 'Music Arrangement' / G-Dragon "Lie"
* November 17th - MKMF (Mnet KM Music Festival) - 'Best Male Group' / Big Bang "Lie"
* November 17th - MKMF (Mnet KM Music Festival) - 'Song Of The Year' / Big Bang "Lie"
* December 7th - MBC 8th Korean Visual Arts Festival - 'Male Singer Photogenic Award'
* December 14th -The 22nd M.net Golden Disk Awards - Disk Bonsang

2008

* January 8th - Cyworld Digital Music Awards - 'Song Of The Month (December)' / "Last Farewell"
* January 31st - 17th Hiwon Seoul Music Awards - 'Digital Music Award'
* January 31st - 17th Hiwon Seoul Music Awards - 'Top Artist Award' (Bonsang)
* January 31st - 17th Hiwon Seoul Music Awards - 'Artist Of The Year (DAESANG)'
* March 5th - 5th Annual Korean People's Music Choice Award. Netizen Award - 'Dance & Electronic Section Prize'
* April 18th - 2008 Nick Korea Kids Choice Awards - 'Best Male Singer'
* September 3rd - 35th Korea Broadcast Award - Newcomer Award
* September 23rd - Mnet 20's Choice - 'HOT Trend Musician Award'
* September 29th - Cyworld Digital Music Awards - 'Song Of The Month (September)' / "Day By Day"
* November 15th - 10th MKMF (Mnet KM Music Festival) - 'Digital Music Award'
* November 15th - 10th MKMF (Mnet KM Music Festival) - 'Mnet Music Portal Award'
* November 15th - 10th MKMF (Mnet KM Music Festival) - 'Best Male Group' / Big Bang "Day By Day"
* November 15th - 10th MKMF (Mnet KM Music Festival) - 'Artist Of the Year' / Big Bang "Day By Day"
* December 8th - Cyworld Digital Music Awards - 'Song Of The Month (November)' / "Sunset Glow"

2009

* February 12th - 18th Hiwon Seoul Music Awards - 'Top Artist Award' (Bonsang)
* February 12th - 18th Hiwon Seoul Music Awards - 'Best Album'
* February 12th - 18th Hiwon Seoul Music Awards - 'Popular Mobile Award' (tie with DBSK)
* February 12th - 18th Hiwon Seoul Music Awards - 'Hiwon Award'
* March 6th - 21st Korea PD Awards - 'Best Singer Award'
* April 21st - 2009 Nick Korea Kids' Choice Awards - 'Best Male Artists'
* May 18th - appointed Goodwill Ambassadors for Ministry of Justice: Law & Order (certificate)
* May - Cyworld Digital Music Awards: Song of the month (April) "Lollipop"[46]
* 3rd MNet 20's Choice Awards: Hot CF Star "Lollipop"[47]
* Best Hits Song Festival 2009: Gold Artist Award
* 42nd Japan Cable DaeSang: Best Newcomer Award
* Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism: Artist of the Year
* 51st Japan Record Awards: Rookie Newcomer Award [48]

Discography

Studio albums

Korean

* Since 2007 (2006)
* Remember (2008)
* TBD (2010)

Japanese

* Number 1 (2008)
* Big Bang (2009)

Singles

Korean

* The First Single (2006)
* Big Bang is V.I.P (2006)
* Bigbang 03 (2006)

Japanese

* "My Heaven" (2009)
* "ガラガラ Go!!" (2009)
* "声をきかせて (Let me hear your voice)" (2009)

EP(s)

Korean

* Always (2007)
* Hot Issue (2007)
* Stand Up (2008)

Japanese

* For the World (2008)
* With U (2008)

Solo singles/albums

* Taeyang - Hot (2008)
* Daesung - "날 봐 귀순 (Look At Me Gwisoon)" (2008)
* G-Dragon - "나만 바라봐 Part 2 (Look only at Me)" (2008)
* Daesung - "대박이야!! (It's a Big Hit!!)" (2009)
* Seungri - "Strong Baby"
* Taeyang & T.O.P - "Friend, Our Legend (친구)" (2009)
* G-Dragon - Heartbreaker (2009)
* G-Dragon - "Heartbreaker" (2009)
* Taeyang - "Where U At" (2009)
* Taeyang - "Wedding Dress" (2009)
* Taeyang - "리얼 (Real)" (2010)

Concerts

* The Real Concert (2006)
* Want You (Tour Concert) (2007)
* Big Bang is G.R.E.A.T. (2007)
* Global Warning (Tour Concert) (2008)
* Stand Up (Tour Concert) (2008)
* Big Show (2009)
* Big Show (2010)
* Electric Love (Tour Concert) (2010)