By Sabah S. Themis B.S. of Political Science, J.D. in Law and LL.M. in International Law

Bigbang Photo by Mike M

On March 9th 2020, Coachella Festival announced that the postponement of the festival to October 9th and 16th weekend due to the rise of COVID-19, in California and particularly its rapid spread to Coachella Valley. Fans and festival goers had been waiting for news about the status of the festival for several weeks now. Among the many front line groups set to perform was South Korean Kings of Kpop, BigBang.

The news comes as a relief to many VIPs, Bigbang’s fandom, who were concerned about the groups safety and their ability to travel to California for the show during the growing health crisis. BigBang’s fandom known as the VIP(Very Important Person) had been anxious for any news.

This was set to be the band’s first concert after their military hiatus. VIPs who had been tracking the COVID-19 news updates took the news well. Citing “it was for the best” and “safety first”. Many proclaimed it was better for the BigBang members to not risk travel at this time. Fans are regrouping and starting to make plans for October. VIPs are willing to wait till October for a chance to enjoy Coachella and BigBang.

On March 11th 2020, just days after the festival postponement, YG Entertainment(YGE), BigBang’s music agency released news about BigBang’s contract renewal. According to the official communiqué BigBang’s members G-Dragon, T.O.P., Taeyang, and Daesung signed renewal contracts.

Seungri, the group’s maknae, is currently retired and serving in the military. He has a legal battle pending under the military jurisdiction (please see other articles by this author for news on the legal battle). Many fans are waiting patiently for him to complete serving his nation and for justice to prevail under the law.

YG Entertainment communicated to the public to remind them of just how strong a legacy BigBang has built. Since 2006 to 2020, this band has withstood turmoil and survived. They have risen up every time they were knocked down. They rose to the challenges and conquered adversities.

According to YGE, “Going beyond musical influence, BigBang has changed the course of Korean pop culture. YG will continue to support BigBang so that they can continue to make K-pop history as a representative of our label.”

The response from the Kpop community and the general public has been enormous. Previously, the fate of YGE had been precarious but after the press release YGE stocks displayed a fast rise. The rapid increase in numbers is an indicator that in spite of all the scandals of the previous year this agency and more importantly, this music group is one that is still in the game. BigBang is “Still Alive” very much like the lyrics and sentiments of their monster hit of the same title.

The Legacy of BigBang over the years is unbeatable. BigBang has earned the reputation of being South Korean Kings of Kpop. They became legends of 2nd Generation Kpop due to their unique music and presence. BigBang debuted in 2006 as a five member boy band consisting of members: T.O.P, Taeyang, G Dragon, Daesung, and Seungri. Since then, the members have created history by leading the way for artists to write, compose, arrange, and produce their own music. Every member of Bigbang has participated in the making of their music. The result is a sound unique and full of color.

BigBang has never been afraid to go against the norm. Their personal styles since the early days stood out. They set themselves apart from other clean cut boy bands who

sang and did synchronized dances. BigBang did dance but they cared little for coordination or elaborate moves, in contrast, their stage presence was larger than life.

T.O.P could simply stand in place while rapping and all eyes would be transfixed on him. His body language, his deep timber, his style, his presence were all that was necessary to win the crowds. But T.O.P did more. During their live performances he would play with the fans. Do outrages, dances and play pranks on their youngest member Seungri.

Seungri, now retired, was the maknae (youngest in the family) and that showed. He received a majority of the elder boy’s attention during live events. His natural enthusiasm, his mischief filled eyes and his amazing humor never failed to make both the audience and his Hyungs (big brothers) laugh. But he was more than comic relief. When he sang the voice was as sweet as honey.

Speaking of voices, one must acknowledge Daesung as having one of the most versatile and powerful vocal range among Kpop singers. His voice lends beautifully to a large range of music styles and genres. In fact, fans would tell you that his live performances at Musical Stages set the stage on fire. His ability to go from cute to sexy made him BigBang’s most popular member in Japan.

When it comes to power houses, Taeyang of Bigbang definitely packs a punch. When Taeyang is on stage he makes you swoon. His soulful voice and R&B influenced music have a way to make you melt and scream all at once. His talent and his charm make him one of the fan favorites of all time. He is known to give the best fanservice and his stage is one to die for!

Last but not least, G-Dragon, the leader who has one of the largest fan following for a solo artist in the history of Kpop (1st gen through current 4th gen). His musical genius is mind blowing

and his stage persona slays even the harshest of critics. G-Dragon is the artist with the most copyrighted music in South Korea. His fashion influence is so great that whatever he wears becomes a fashion style in South Korea. His music reached the hearts of many celebrities both in Korea and abroad.

BigBang as a group earned the moniker Kings of Kpop during the Rise of the Halluy wave of the 2nd gen Kpop. Groups that debuted after them were inspired and influenced by them. Other agencies planned and designed groups to follow Bigbang’s footsteps. When new deputies were asked whom they looked up to the name most often heard was BigBang. South Korea’s 3rd generation legends BTS are among the idols who name BigBang as their musical influencers.

The pairing of BigBang and Coachella is a match made in heaven. A legend in Kpop performing at a legendary music festival! The VIP fandom still has hopes to see and experience magic that this combination can bring first hand. This journalist too has plans to attend Coachella and see BigBang electrify the autumn stage at Coachella 2020.