On March 22, the BIGBANG leader posted the below photo. In the image, a solitary figure is staring out at a lake with captions, saying, “I want to hide in a place that makes me comfortable.”
Fans are taking G-Dragon’s post to mean the idol himself wants to hide in a comfortable place. They commented, “Rest well”, “Oppa, hwaiting”, “Be strong”, and more.
Hopefully, he’s okay!
Is one of Kpop’s biggest superstars suffering from depression and burnout? That’s a serious concern after a cryptic, ‘cry for help’ Instagram post emerged from BIGBANG leader G-Dragon on Wednesday.
The post features a dark image of what appears to be the singer, with a confusing message written on top. “I want to hide in a place that makes me comfortable,” the post states, without any clarification.
The post comes against continued success for G-Dragon, as well as BIGBANG. While BIGBANG remains a top Kpop group, rapper G-Dragon has parlayed that success into successful deals with mega-brands like Nike and Airbnb.
But that success comes with a glaring spotlight and immense pressure. Kpop stardom imposes intense scheduling demands and major privacy issues, while compromising the ability conduct normal interpersonal relationships. Just recently, dating rumors surrounded 2NE1 singer Sandara Park, with massive attention focused on the potential affair.
Meanwhile, BIGBANG superfan ‘VIPs’ are speculating about a potential bout of depression. The resulting high alert is no accident, with South Korea claiming one of the highest suicide rates in the world. Only Guyana has a higher suicide rate than South Korea.
Couple that with general depression issues involving creative people, and posts like these garner attention. “Creative people and comedians both [have problems],” one VIP remarked on allkpop.com. “That’s what happened to Robin Williams. I really worry about idols who show signs of depression considering Korea’s high suicide rate.”
Several years ago, actress Lee Eun-ju offered South Korea received another reminder of a growing suicide problem. The successful actress took her own like at just 24, a result of the growing pressures and isolation of fame. “Even though I live, I’m not really alive,” Lee offered in a suicide note addressed to her mother.
“I don’t want anyone to be disappointed. It’s nice having money… I wanted to make money.”
Other high-profile suicides in South Korea include President Roh Moo-Hyun, who jump off a cliff to his death in 2009. Immediately following high-profile and celebrity suicides, officials have noticed a spike in suicides across the country.
Whether those issues are afflicting G-Dragon remain speculative. Some fans remain convinced that the rapper is merely posting random scenes and sketches, with nothing to worry about. Others are more concerned, and waiting for a sign that things are normal.
Source: DigitalMusicNews
When Kwanghee appeared as a guest on March 22’s episode of “Radio Star,” he told the story of a favor he received from his friend G-Dragon that clearly made a big impression on him!
Kwanghee befriended BIGBANG’s G-Dragon and Taeyang when the trio teamed up for the “Infinite Challenge” music festival in 2015. On the latest episode of “Radio Star,” host Kim Gura mentioned that they’d heard that Kwanghee had received a huge benefit because he’s friends with G-Dragon.
“We don’t contact each other very often, we only talk occasionally,” admitted Kwanghee. He then began to say that he frequently goes to Jeju Island, but the hosts interrupted him to clarify that Kwanghee goes on his own, without G-Dragon.
“That’s right,” replied Kwanghee. “We can’t even eat out together.” Kim Gura then asked him why he became friends with G-Dragon if the artist is so busy, and Kwanghee replied, “I didn’t know that when I became friends with him!”
Kwanghee went on to excitedly tell his story of a trip to Jeju Island, where he wanted to visit a café that’s owned by G-Dragon. “I contacted G-Dragon and told him I was going to his café on Jeju Island, and asked him to let me eat for free,” explained Kwanghee, which made the hosts and fellow guests all burst out laughing.
Kwanghee went on to say that G-Dragon said he would, and when Kwanghee got to the café, he was taken to a lounge with a great view. “Then I was going to go home afterwards, but they told me to get in a car,” he explained. “I was then taken on a tour of restaurants with great food! I didn’t even have to pay, and they were really expensive places!”
Host Yoon Jong Shin laughed and clarified to the cameras, “G-Dragon didn’t come though.” Kwanghee agreed that it was just him, but added that he’d heard that he was the only one that G-Dragon has ever asked to be given such treatment. The hosts then joked that G-Dragon was trying to feed Kwanghee until he was so full that he wouldn’t come back.
Watch the full episode of “Radio Star” below!
BIGBANG’s Taeyang, whose real name is Dong Young Bae, has revealed the reason behind why he no longer asks G-Dragon for relationship advice. The 28-year-old idol made the shocking revelation during the Dec. 21st episode of MBC’s “Radio Star.”
In the said episode, Taeyang opened up about receiving advice from G-Dragon about his relationship with actress Min Hyo Rin. However, after following it, the former realized it was not good advice at all.
“[G-Dragon] He’s very good at counseling you, warning you, and giving advice, but none of it is helpful at all,” KoreaBoo quoted Taeyang as saying before a predominantly Korean crowd. “If you end up doing what G-Dragon tells you to do, your relationship gets worse.”
The BIGBANG leader was unanimously branded by the members as someone who does not know how to be in a relationship. Unfortunately, the rapper seemingly sucks at dating.
Seungri, 26, then revealed the sad stories behind their songs. He said, “Do you know why BIGBANG’s songs are always so sad? It’s because G-Dragon’s relationships have all failed!”
G-Dragon has been constantly plagued by rumors that he is currently dating someone. In early January, G-Dragon and 2NE1’s Sandara Park sparked dating rumors after they were spotted leaving the BIGBANG’s afterparty together.
Back in February, G-Dragon is being romantically linked to Goo Hara. The rumors started after the two were spotted at an amusement park along with Brown Eyed Girls’ Son Ga In and former f(x) member Sulli.
What’s more, speculations arise that G-Dragon and Sulli might be dating. It started when the two Kpop idols were recently spotted wearing the same ring on their ring fingers.
Following the dating rumors, G-Dragon’s agency quickly released a statement to address the issue, according to All Kpop. The rapper simply laughed it off and denied such dating rumors, reiterating that it does not make any sense at all.
“Because of the recent rumors concerning G-Dragon and Sulli on the internet, we asked him personally,” YG Entertainment said. “G-Dragon said it was ridiculous. The rings G-Dragon and Sulli have been pictured wearing were gifted by an acquaintance they both know.”
Source: Starzpost
Part of YG Entertainment, a music powerhouse under the guidance of former singer Evan Yang, BigBang went from being a relatively unknown pop group to what both The Washington Post has called “the biggest band in Asia” and the Hollywood Reporter has hailed as “the biggest boyband in the world” . Any producer can make five teenagers famous for a few months but BigBang, with its clever mix of dance beats, Hip-Hop lyrics, ever-changing style sense, and hypnotic videos and concerts is obviously more than just eye candy for a certain age group.
By 2007, the band had released its successful extended play (EP) Always, which featured the song “Lies” that spent a record-breaking seven weeks on top of Korean music charts. For the next three years, BigBang released commercially and critically acclaimed albums and chart-topping hits, sold out arenas throughout Asia and would begin to branch out with solo projects as well as TV and film appearances.
The group – good-looking guys with bodies to match – also had talent and crowds across Asia were hooked by the time Bigbang Vol. 1 (2006) and Remember (2008) had time to sink in. Before BigBang, K-Pop was reserved for tame ballads sung by “safe” artists. BigBang members upset the norm by taking their shirts off, flashing bling-bling necklaces and fresh tattoos, dropping rap lyrics in the middle of heavy house beats and rocking the Korean music world.
Simply put, BigBang brought sex and risky behavior into the mix and it struck hormonal nerves everywhere. The boys were attractive, and when they posed and danced in videos with their six-pack abs and suggestive hip movements, teenage girls and boys across Asia were thankfully shocked. No longer did they have to wait for America or England to provide One Direction and Justin Bieber, now they had their own. No more would people hear the backhanded compliment of “he’s pretty hot, for an Asian”. Now, it is just accepted that popular members Taeyang and Daesung are universally attractive.
No more would people hear the backhanded compliment of “he’s pretty hot, for an Asian”. Now, it is just accepted that popular members Taeyang and Daesung are universally attractive.More importantly, the members of BigBang became beacons of style. Thousands of fans looked to them for cues on how to dress, walk, dance and act. Their choreographed dances that shook hit videos became the style soon found on club dance floors. Their colorful and wild hairstyles were all the rage among young fans. Their choice of fashion, both in videos, on stage and in person was sure to be copied across Asia. Bigger than a band, BigBang was a cultural phenomenon setting the stage for a wave of K-Pop acts including iKon, EXO, BTS and Monsta X who are all patiently waiting for their turn to rule the charts. But BigBang, as the name suggests, won’t go quietly.
After a two-year hiatus, BIGBANG reunited in South Korea in 2011 with the EP Tonight. The band’s 2012 album Alive won them their second Artist of the Year Award at the 14th Mnet Asian Music Awards. Alive also became the first Korean album to chart on the Billboard 200 and helped BigBang embark on its first-ever world tour that finished in 2013. In 2016, the group made Forbes’ list of most successful entertainers grossing over $46 million for that year.
By 2016, the band released international hits “Fantastic Baby” and “Bang Bang Bang” that have eclipsed the 200 million view mark on YouTube. Both are dance-beat-driven, party anthems with accompanying videos that come alive in bursts of color, both among the group’s wardrobes and makeup. “Bang Bang Bang” gives a nod to classic Hip-Hop with the boys pumping the hydraulics on classic hood rides while “Fantastic Baby” contrasts its lively rhythm with a statement against censorship and totalitarian authority.
Noted for incorporating Hip-Hop, R&B and Electronic Dance Music into its sound, BigBang has truly become a global act. While no one is suggesting T.O.P. can win a rap battle against Nas or that G-Dragon will eclipse Zayn Malik in terms of popularity, they have cleared a path that will lead to future acts having a chance to become even more popular. YG Entertainment houses most of the top K-Pop acts and already, BigBang members are lending their songwriting and production skills to the next generation of chart-toppers. Moreover, G-Dragon and Taeyang show the most promise for enduring in the music business, both in producing albums and forging ahead with solo careers.
While the ascent of BigBang has been a welcome surprise and its longevity a previously unheard of accomplishment for a “boyband”, there will be a time when the Korean Fab Five age out. Already nearing their 30’s, K-Pop fans are starting to place bets on who becomes the next BigBang. Whoever takes over the throne, they will have a pretty high bar to scale. Owning the music game for 11 years is no easy feat. And as the group prepares for second acts, don’t be surprised if each one of them has an influential stake in the future of K-Pop style and sound.
BIGBANG "WOW, … – https://t.co/sXJl2oHGIj / @YG_GlobalVIP @IBGDRGN @Realtaeyang @ForvictoRi #style #menswear #mensfashion #styleicon pic.twitter.com/E1rSdnCtK2
— MNSWR (@MNSWRmagazine) March 17, 2017
[OSEN=정지원 기자] While BIGBANG’s G-DRAGON has emerged as a hot issue because of rumors about his relationship with Sulli, it was reported that G-DRAGON is now working on his new solo album.
YG Entertainment rather kept silent in the music scene of February and March this year unlike other music labels, but it will be all different from April. YG artists will continue to release new songs, to entertain music fans.
The first hitter will be WINNER. WINNER has confirmed their comeback on April 1 and is now giving the final touch to their new album. Fans are showing especially keen interest in WINNER’s new album to be released in April 1, as it is WINNER’s first album after the team’s restructuring into four members. It will be worthwhile to look forward to a new color of WINNER’s music, as the team is known to be coming back with a song written by KANG SUENGYOON.
Then, iKON will also come back to meet fans in Korea soon. News that iKON has kicked off music video shooting for their comeback in spring has recently been announced. Following WINNER and iKON, BLACKPINK and SECHSKIES are also preparing for comeback.
YG also recently announced the launching of the label’s youngest boy group led by Bang Yedam, the runner-up of SBS “I Love Sunday – K-Pop Star” show, to complete a new lineup of “YG boy groups”.
Because of the rumors of romance, what G-DRAGON has been doing recently was unveiled. Early this year, G-DRAGON already announced his solo comeback. The fact that G-DRAGON is now concentrating on writing his new songs to create another solo G-DRAGON syndrome in the music scene is now officially confirmed.
As YG Entertainment is to create sensation with many of its artists attacking the music scene from April 2017, music fans are now paying keen attention to what kind of “YG style” music they will present.
2017. 3. 17.
YG Entertainment has denied the rumors that Sulli and BIGBANG’s G-Dragon are dating.
On March 13, a netizen uploaded a picture claiming that G-Dragon and Sulli were dating based on the same heart-shaped ring on their fingers. The pictures were from their respective Instagram accounts.
Others backed up their claims saying that they both uploaded pictures of themselves riding in first class seats from the same airline.
Soon after, new rumors circulated claiming that G-Dragon had made his Instagram account private in light of the dating rumors, but it was revealed that the account was a personal account that had been private from the beginning.
Finally, on March 16, YG Entertainment clarified, “We personally asked G-Dragon, and he said the rumors are false. The rings were given to them by a mutual friend of theirs,” and added, “G-Dragon is currently busily preparing for his solo album and barely goes outside. He has not seen Sulli since he went to the amusement park with their group of friends.”
Sulli’s agency SM Entertainment also stated that the rumors are false.
BIGBANG’s Daesung, who is soon to release his Japanese solo album, recently sat down for an interview with a local media outlet and relayed his honest thoughts about BIGBANG’s 10-year anniversary, his solo activities, and T.O.P’s enlistment.
Daesung said about BIGBANG’s 10-year anniversary project, “It was very enjoyable and I’m very grateful.” He added, “I realized how much love I got from my fans over the last 10 years, and I am grateful towards all the staff and everyone else as well.”
The interview took a funny turn when he was asked, “What do you think you would be doing now if you weren’t a BIGBANG member?” To this, Daesung replied, “I would probably be gaming while being hit by my mom.”
He also said, “My life completely changed after I became a BIGBANG member. I was working towards becoming a singer, but I never thought that I would become someone who would be loved for 10 years and do concert tours around the world.”
Daesung is currently promoting solo in Japan with the name D-LITE. When asked about his solo, he said, “I had no plans to be a solo artist at all. Even in BIGBANG, I was just a member who was supporting the other members from behind, but my Japanese company CEO suggested a solo, so that’s how I got started.”
He also spoke about fellow BIGBANG member T.O.P’s enlistment. He said, “I called him the day before the enlistment and told him, ‘Be safe.’ He said, ‘I’m cheering on your solo.'” He clarified, “It wasn’t a sad atmosphere at all. It’s a given that every Korean man needs to enlist.”
When he was asked about his role in BIGBANG, he said that he was the member to balance out the team. He expanded, “I balance out the team so that G-Dragon, T.O.P, Taeyang, and Seungri don’t fight.”
Meanwhile, Daesung will be releasing his new mini album “D-Day” on April 12 and will embark on his first solo dome tour on April 15.
Source (1)
VICTON transformed into cool skaters for their recent shoot for CeCi magazine.
Their recent pictorial was released on March 6 with members Byungchan and Sejun as the main characters. The pictorial’s concept was “Skater Boys On A Street in the Spring” and they pull it off perfectly.
When they were asked who their role models in the industry were, Byungchan named BIGBANG’s Seungri, explaining, “I want to model after his incredible voice as a singer and his wittiness in variety shows.” Sejun named Jimin of BTS, saying, “When I was going through a hard time, I thought of him and practiced harder.”
They were asked where they thought they would be after 10 years, and they answered, “Wouldn’t we be doing VICTON? We want to be longstanding national idols like Shinhwa and BIGBANG.”
Meanwhile, VICTON returned recently with “Eyez Eyez.”
Source (1)