Being a dedicated KPOP and VIP fan since 2006, I knew there was more behind the spotlight than what it seems to the naked eye. It comes to no surprise that our beloved idols do participate in what we consider as “indecencies”, but those mistakes are what makes them unique and undeniably, human.
Popular boy group, Big Bang has been one of the fiercest groups within the KPOP industry ever since debut, winning a mammoth collection of awards. With their growing popularity, they expanded into the Japanese market where they also acquired much success. However, as they grew in popularity, adversities inevitably came running their way. Just this year alone, controversies have been coming one after another for the 5 membered group and the feedback hasn’t always been supportive either.
Big Bang’s future was at risk, when fellow member Daesung was involved in a fatal motor accident that killed a motorcyclist. Mixed reviews came about from all spheres of the globe, speculating whether Daesung was truly at fault or it was at the motorcyclist’s responsibility. This event unfortunately forced the idol to temporarily leave the music industry, provoking the group to take a huge step back on their impending schedules planned for the following weeks and even months. This issue left fans in fear for their bands future, but this thought was dispersed when the band’s agency, YG Entertainment, confirmed that Big Bang’s legacy would continue to live on while Daesung took an indefinite withdrawal from the industry.
Being wrapped up in yet another legal issue, fellow member, G-Dragon took over the spotlight when recent news broke out in relation to his arrestment on the charges of smoking marijuana. The breaking news took the music industry by storm and relit the fears that VIPs had lingering. Although they boys had built such a strong fan base and support over the years, the question remains a mystery, “What does this mean for Big Bang?”
Even after 5 months, Daesung whereabouts remains silent and as foretold by Industry Analyst, G-Dragon will also follow his band mate’s path. This has flushed most of Big Bang’s oncoming plans, whether it be the group’s comeback or solo comebacks. Just earlier this month, it was announced that GD&TOP would enlarge their fan base into the Japanese market by releasing a new single, but this plan seems close to impossible due to the recent allegation. Furthermore, G-Dragon’s solo comeback is envisioned to be dismissed until further notice.
Although they have come a long way, these adversities had imposed more than consequences for their prosperity. Due to this unideal image that corresponded to the unplanned events, this has evoked a downfall in profits for boys agency, as concerts must be cancelled and large brand names that Big Bang promotes for, will lose hope for the band’s endorsements which further diminishes the revenue for the agency.
With that said, the cancellation of concerts and promotions will also encourage a decrease in popularity. By prolonging the hiatus period of Big Bang, this will take its toll and this can inevitably be seen during the band’s one year break back in 2008-9. Prior to their hiatus, the band’s titles remained strong on the Korean music boards however, after their comeback in 2009 their songs, did not impact the industry as much. Likewise, this break also allows bands to overtake Big Bang’s legacy and popularity which has been apparent in the evidence provided in the past. In a past survey, it was ignited that Big Bang’s popularity has also depreciated over time which has been reflected their sales.
With that said, participating in such incidents also inflicts a memorable perception on behalf of society. G-Dragon will always be seen as the member that took marijuana despite it being his first offense and it only being small amount. Similarly, this will be the case with Daesung, where his trademark will be a haunting memory of that event. Like what people say, society only remembers your mistakes, they never commend you for your good deeds. (I do feel for these guys, but it is true people only remember you for the bad things you commit)
And this leaves me, a worried fan contemplating what will be of Big Bang in a year’s time and even each individual’s future? Disbandment? Or even a longer break? A thought I don’t even want to go near visualizing. I honestly was so excited for their comeback, I could see myself reliving the days where Big Bang was once active, somewhere near their Lies and Haru Haru promotions.
I saw a glimpse of opportunity that held the potential to bring Big Bang down under and the possibility of a concert, but it seems all these illustrations that I had, can now be trashed. Knowing that the possession and consumption of illegal substances is a huge offense in Korea, this leaves G-Dragon on the hotspot. Ultimately, that can proibit G-Dragon from appearing on any of Korea’s Television stations – which will conflict with the band’s promotions and result in a decrease of YG Ent. overall revenue.
This can be said as Big Bang’s worst year yet and without a doubt, the hardest moment in all of the boy’s careers. There are only two golden roads the band will take, either to disband otherwise continue to rise to stardom and if they were to select the second option, I can only foretell the difficulty. I sympathize for these boys as these mistakes a common faults many people make but I ensure you, many people think otherwise. But perhaps thing like this, if your beloved icon was condemned with these incidents, how would you react?
So that concludes this post and leaves this question open, Could this be the end of Big Bang?
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