[IS Focus] The Majesty of the 'K-pop Kings' That BIGBANG Will Prove in Their 20th Anniversary Year

‘The kings of K-pop,’ group BIGBANG, is returning.

BIGBANG will release a new digital single, ‘BIG,’ on the 19th. This will be the group’s first new release in approximately four years and four months since ‘Still Life,’ released in 2022.

The new song ‘BIG’ (BiiiG) takes its title from a variation of the English word ‘big,’ symbolizing BIGBANG’s identity and immense musical scale after changing the paradigm of the global music market over the past 20 years. YG Entertainment previewed an expanded musical spectrum, calling it “the song that most clearly showcases BIGBANG as they are today, marking their 20th debut anniversary.”

The trailer video released alongside it also fully showcases BIGBANG’s unparalleled identity. Opening with a cosmic explosion reminiscent of the group’s name, the video shows G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung walking confidently to the backdrop of their debut song ‘La La La,’ while yellow cosmos light sticks symbolizing the fandom also appear, completing the grand 20-year narrative.

True to the meaning of its name, ‘the mysterious explosion that became the starting point of the universe,’ BIGBANG changed the landscape of the Korean music industry in August 2006 and opened a new era. Every release, including ‘Lies,’ ‘Haru Haru,’ ‘Fantastic Baby,’ and ‘Bang Bang Bang,’ became a mega-hit, securing broad appeal across all generations. At the same time, led by G-Dragon, the members personally took charge of songwriting, composition, and production, pioneering the field of ‘artist-type idols’ and building a powerful global fandom. BIGBANG is an unparalleled example of possessing both mass appeal and formidable fandom power.

Their influence was not limited to music. Leading trends throughout popular culture, including fashion and choreography, they spearheaded the globalization of K-culture and are regarded as pioneers who laid the foundation for today’s K-pop industry to take root.

Although the group underwent turbulent restructuring following the departures of Seungri and T.O.P., BIGBANG’s standing remains undiminished as a trio consisting of G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung. After each member maintained a top position as a solo artist, they recently took the stage as the finale of the main program at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the largest music festival in the United States, prompting the audience to chant “the kings of K-pop.” Now, 20 years after their debut, they have once again proven the irreplaceable value of the name BIGBANG amid fierce generational change.

Attention is focused on what other milestones BIGBANG, reunited beyond the footsteps of the past 20 years, will etch into K-pop history.

Reporter Ji-hee Yoo