BIGBANG, one of the most influential K-pop boy groups of all time, started their journey at the top. However, after several rocky phases, the members have focused on their solo careers.
YG Entertainment’s boy group BIGBANG debuted in 2006. The group’s popularity was at its peak right from the beginning. The five band members held their debut showcase at Seoul’s Olympic Gymnastic Arena, one of the most coveted stadiums in South Korea.
The initial five members of BIGBANG were G-Dragon, Taeyang, Daesung, Seungri, and T.O.P. However, the group now has only three members—G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung. The group’s youngest, Seungri, had to leave the band after his involvement in the Burning Sun scandal. Moreover, singer and rapper T.O.P. exited the group in May 2023.
Where are BIGBANG Members now in 2024?
BIGBANG members have left YG Entertainment and started new chapters of their careers in 2024. After their first hiatus in 2018, the group returned with the single “Still Life,” which made history in 2022. Followed by Seungri’s departure, “Still Life” marked the first official comeback of the boy group as a quartet.
The single made history, reaching number 1 on the Gaon Digital Chart (later named Circle Digital Chart), making it the group’s 11th number-one song in the country. The track debuted on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart at number 1 and ranked 9th on Billboard’s Global 200 chart.
While fans hoped BIGBANG would continue their group journey with four members, T.O.P revealed that he had left the group in May 2023. So, here we explore what BIGBANG members have been doing since they exited from YG and started afresh as talented solo singers.
G-Dragon
After proving his endless charisma on stage, BIGBANG’s G-Dragon got the name “King of K-pop” from fans and Korean media. Despite several taboos in the K-pop industry, Kwon Ji-Yong, aka G-Dragon, has always been a rebel at heart.
From showing up with his tattoos to criticizing one of the biggest awards shows, MAMA, at the very stage of the same award show, G-Dragon earned his fandom’s respect by being straightforward and brave with his choices. After leaving YG Entertainment, the rapper has started a new chapter of his life.
Along with his several brand endorsements, G-Dragon has taken up a new role that very few expected him to have. The singer is the new visiting professor at the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and he will be teaching there for two years from June 2024 onwards.
Taeyang
Dong Young-Bae, aka Taeyang, has carved a space for himself as one of the musical legends whose solo career has been thriving. He left YG Entertainment officially in December 2022 but signed a contract with one of the YG affiliate agencies, The Black Label. He also signed up with Interscope Records for overseas promotions.
Since his move to The Black Label, the singer has released several hit singles, including his collaborative feature with BTS Jimin, “Vibe.” His collaboration list did not end at Jimin. The singer’s second extended play, Down to Earth, featured Blackpink’s Lisa in the B-side track “Shoong!”
In 2024, Taeyang became one of the special judges of Mnet’s reality show, I-Land 2: N/A. The singer’s helpful tips to the rookie members impressed fans, who praised his unbiased opinions on social media. In the finale, Taeyang also received an award from the contestants for being the ‘Always Charismatic’ one.
Daesung
Kang Daesung also ended his contract with YG Entertainment in December 2022. He joined the RND Company’s sub-agency D-Label in 2023. Since then, Daesung has performed at various music festivals, including the Waterbomb Japan festival in Nagoya and Osaka. He also held his solo tour last year, which included four Japanese cities.
In 2024, Daesung released his single album, “Falling Slowly,” with the title track of the same name. The music video for the song featured famous K-drama stars Kim Seon-Ho, Moon Ga-Young, and Park Sun-Woo. Since its release, the video has garnered over 5.1 million views. Ardent Daesung followers hailed the singer’s impeccable ability to emote difficult emotions through his stellar vocals.
T.O.P., the former member of BIGBANG, will continue his solo career without being involved with the group. Meanwhile, Seungri was released from prison after his involvement with Burning Sun was proven in a South Korean court. However, he is staying away from the limelight in 2024.
