Where are the members of K-pop group BigBang now?

If you're a fan of K-pop, you've almost certainly heard of YG Entertainment's BigBang at some point. However, the group has been less active in recent years, and allegations of disbandment have circulated. What happened, and where are they now?

BigBang is one of South Korea’s most iconic K-pop boy bands and was once dubbed the ‘Kings of K-pop’ by many news outlets, such as CNN.

BigBang’s legacy and influence in the K-pop industry are unmatched, as they even inspired a multitude of other big stars to enter the K-pop scene, such as IU, BTS’s Jungkook, and GOT7’s Bam Bam, according to one Koreaboo article!

Image: YG Entertainment

Some of BigBang’s biggest hits include ‘Haru Haru’, ‘Fantastic Baby’, and ‘Bang Bang Bang’.

Image: YG Entertainment

Although now left with three members, the original lineup of Big Bang originally consisted of G-Dragon, Daesung, Taeyang, T.O.P, and Seungri who were all signed with YG Entertainment.

Image: YG Entertainment

In recent years, T.O.P and Seungri retired from activities with the group due to their own reasons, while Daesung has left YG Entertainment but still remains a part of Big Bang.

Image: YG Entertainment

Despite how the group has broken up, here’s an update on what each member of the original lineup has been up to now, in 2023.

Image: YG Entertainment

Known as the leader of BigBang, G-Dragon’s role in the boyband is rapping and singing, and he occasionally also writes songs. He has also pivoted out of the group as a solo artist while also performing together with other BigBang members in the subgroups GD X Taeyang and GD & TOP.

Image: YG Entertainment

As of 2023, G-Dragon is one of the members of BigBang still signed with YG Entertainment. From an NME report in June, he will be making his musical comeback at an unannounced time this year.

G-Dragon is the most recently scandalised member of BIGBANG, as he is currently under investigation by Korean authorities for alleged drug use as of November 2023. He is currently cooperating fully with the authorities and is not permitted to leave Korea, reports Korea JoongAng Daily.

Taeyang is known for being one of BigBang’s singers and has made a name for himself as a solo artist, especially with his hit song ‘Eyes, Nose, Lips’. According to Naver, Taeyang is also considered one of the best vocalists in the K-pop scene.

Image: YG Entertainment

Earlier this year, Taeyang made his return to the music scene after a 6-year hiatus by releasing ‘Vibe’ with Jimin of BTS, according to NME.

Image: The Black Label

In April, Taeyang also made a full musical comeback with the release of his first album in six years, ‘Down to Earth’, which also features Lisa from Blackpink.

Image: The Black Label

Next to Taeyang, Daesung is also considered one of BigBang’s major singers, and the star has made a name for himself as a trot singer alongside his usual repertoire of singing R&B and Hip Hop songs with BigBang.

Image: YG Entertainment

In 2022, Daesung confirmed his departure from YG Entertainment, according to a Naver report. However, the star has assured fans that he still remains a part of BigBang despite the change in management.

Image: YG Entertainment

Just like Taeyang, Daesung will be making his return to the live music scene after six years by going on a solo tour that will be held solely in Japan, according to Hello Kpop.

Image: YG Entertainment

T.O.P is BigBang’s key rapper and is also best known for his acting ventures outside of music.

Image: YG Entertainment

T.O.P announced in May 2023, according to The Straits Times, that he had officially withdrawn from activities with BigBang and would not be performing with the group in the future, contradicting the news from 2022.

Image: YG Entertainment

However, T.O.P will still be continuing on in the music scene as a solo artist, and he regularly shares updates of his work in progress on his Instagram.

Image: YG Entertainment

Seungri, like T.O.P, is BigBang's rapper-actor best known for his numerous business ventures outside of music, some of which, notably his dealings with the Burning Sun club, have infamously landed him in serious legal trouble, which has led to him quitting K-pop altogether.

Image: YG Entertainment

Seungri is now mostly living under the radar after being released from prison from being convicted of human trafficking, bribery, embezzlement, and illegal gambling.

According to a Mothership report, he was most recently seen attending Singaporean socialite Kim Lim's 32nd birthday party in Bangkok in July. Seungri's involvement in the Burning Sun scandal in 2019 was thought to have ended their friendship.

Image: raelineshah / Instagram

BigBang will continue with the current lineup of G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung even though T.O.P and Seungri have left the band. Though things will never be the same, we wish them the best on their new journey as a changed band, even if it may take some time due to G-Dragon's latest scandal.

Image: YG Entertainment