“Criminal group” Big Bang to make a comeback after 4 years… The public is feeling uneasy to look forward to their return

Big Bang is making a comeback as a four-member group after 4 years.

YG Entertainment announced on February 7th that “Big Bang will release a new song this spring”. They have finished recording their new song and are about to shoot a music video. It is the first time in 4 years that Big Bang has released a new song since the single “Flower Road” in March 2018. “Flower Road” was presented by Big Bang members, who were about to enlist at the time, with their hearts for fans. It was a song with lyrics about meeting again when flowers bloom, but Big Bang‘s hiatus broke fans’ expectations as it reached 4 years.

Considering that the biggest reason for Big Bang‘s hiatus is because of crimes, it is natural that the public will pay keen attention to this comeback.

In 2011, Big Bang‘s criminal history started as G-Dragon was indicted on charges of smoking marijuana. At that time, the male singer explained, “I smoked a cigarette that was given to me at a club. It smelled kind of different from a normal cigarette, so I had a suspicion that it was marijuana, but it is still true that I did smoke it.” After this explanation, the authorities have decided to drop this case. 

T.O.P was charged with smoking marijuana several times in 2016 and was sentenced to 10 months in prison, 2 years of probation and additional fines. T.O.P, who was indicted in a criminal case, was released from the conscripted police and deployed as a social service worker. Besides, he once received criticism for his rash attitude after saying “I’m not going to make a comeback in Korea. I just don’t want to have a comeback” on a drunk live broadcast after being discharged.

Daesung was also embroiled in controversy after it was revealed that several illegal entertainment establishments operated in the building he owned. Illegal prostitution was reportedly taking place in the mentioned building. Finally, Daesung was cleared of charges because there was no evidence that he was aware of the illegal operation of such entertainment establishments.

Big Bang’s maknae Seungri, who was involved in the Burning Sun scandal, is on trial on nine charges: prostitution mediation, purchase of prostitution services, breach of the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, violation of the Food Hygiene Act, business embezzlement, violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, habitual gambling, violation of the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act, and special violence instigation. He withdrew from Big Bang, but the group’s image has been severely damaged because of him. 

Big Bang debuted in 2006 and is considered one of the legendary groups of K-pop thanks to the release of smash hits such as “Lie,” “Last Farewell,” “Haru Haru,” “FANTASTIC BABY,” and “BANG BANG BANG.” The group has established a strong fan base not only in Korea but also globally, showing great influence in various fields such as music and fashion.

Their achievements naturally make Big Bang’s comeback a hot topic that garners much interest. However, with the criminal acts that were excessive enough to cover what they have achieved, the public is feeling uneasy to look forward to their comeback. This is a natural reaction considering what happened within the past four years. 

MC The Max, who came under controversy over soliciting a minor prostitute, and MC Mong, who was suspected of evading military service, still managed to get high ranks on digital music charts and achieved remarkable results even after getting embroiled in scandals. On the other hand, public favorability is inversely proportional to this, and the range of activities is not wide. Attention is focusing on whether Big Bang will follow in the footsteps of these male stars and whether they will be able to regain their former glory.

Meanwhile, together with Big Bang’s comeback, T.O.P’s exclusive contract with YG was confirmed to have expired and he will be taking on new challenges as an artist and businessman after leaving the company.