BIGBANG Biography: Members, Net Worth, Age, Breakup, Hits, Albums, Songs, Movies

BIGBANG, often stylized as BIG BANG or 1D in fan circles, is a groundbreaking South Korean boy band formed by YG Entertainment in 2006.

Originally consisting of G-Dragon, Taeyang, T.O.P, Daesung, and Seungri, the group revolutionized K-pop with their fusion of hip-hop, R&B, EDM, and pop, earning the title “Kings of K-pop.” Their debut single album BIGBANG (2006) set the stage, but it was the EP Always (2007) and its smash hit “Lies” that propelled them to global stardom, influencing generations of artists.

Profile

• Members’ Real Names: Kwon Ji-yong (G-Dragon), Dong Young-bae (Taeyang), Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P, former), Kang Dae-sung (Daesung), Lee Seung-hyun (Seungri, former)
• Stage Name: BIGBANG
• Active From: 2006
• Origin: Seoul, South Korea
• Active Until: 2023
• Nationality: South Korean
• Occupation: Musicians, Songwriters, Producers, Actors
• Net Worth: $200 million USD

Early Life and Members

BIGBANG was formed in Seoul in 2006 through YG Entertainment’s rigorous trainee system, blending raw talent with innovative production.

The group’s diverse influences—from hip-hop and R&B to global pop—shaped their edgy, self-produced sound.

G-Dragon

• Name: G-Dragon
• Date of Birth: August 18, 1988
• Age: 37 years old
• Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
• Ethnicity: Korean
• Religion: Unknown
• Parents: Kwon Hyuk-soo (father)
• Siblings: Kwon Da-mi
• Education: Seoul Korean Performing Arts High School; attended Seoul Hankuk University of Foreign Studies briefly
• Early Life: Joined YG at age 6 as part of Little Roo’ra, then trained for 11 years. Influenced by Wu-Tang Clan and Pharrell Williams, he wrote and produced from a young age, auditioning with freestyle raps. Debuted as BIGBANG’s leader at 18.

Taeyang

• Name: Taeyang
• Date of Birth: May 18, 1988
• Age: 37 years old
• Place of Birth: Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea
• Ethnicity: Korean
• Religion: Christian (attends church regularly)
• Parents: Not publicly detailed
• Siblings: Unknown
• Education: Seoul Arts High School
• Early Life: Trained at YG from age 12, initially planning a duo with G-Dragon (GDYB). Excelled in dance and vocals, influenced by Michael Jackson. Debuted with BIGBANG at 18 after intense training.

T.O.P (Former)

• Name: T.O.P
• Date of Birth: November 4, 1987
• Age: 37 years old
• Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
• Ethnicity: Korean
• Religion: Unknown
• Parents: Unknown
• Siblings: Choi Hye-yoon
• Education: Seoul Art High School; Korea National University of Arts (dropped out)
• Early Life: Childhood friend of G-Dragon, rapped underground as Tempo. Joined YG at 17 after audition, influenced by hip-hop. Debuted with BIGBANG at 18, balancing music and art collecting.

Daesung

• Name: Daesung
• Date of Birth: April 26, 1989
• Age: 36 years old
• Place of Birth: Incheon, South Korea
• Ethnicity: Korean
• Religion: Christian
• Parents: Unknown
• Siblings: Kang Bo-ra
• Education: Gyeongin High School
• Early Life: Auditioned for YG after singing in school; trained for two years. Known for bright personality, influenced by ballads and R&B. Debuted as BIGBANG’s lead vocalist at 17.

Seungri (Former)

• Name: Seungri
• Date of Birth: December 12, 1990
• Age: 35 years old
• Place of Birth: Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
• Ethnicity: Korean
• Religion: Unknown
• Parents: Unknown
• Siblings: Hanna
• Education: Chung-Ang University (dropped out); Gukje Digital University (online)
• Early Life: Auditioned for JYP but joined YG after failing Shinhwa’s boy band tryout. Trained for three years, multilingual (English, Japanese, Chinese). Debuted as BIGBANG’s maknae at 15.

Formation

BIGBANG formed in 2006 under YG Entertainment, chronicled in the documentary Big Bang Documentary.

Trainees G-Dragon and Taeyang, originally a duo (GDYB), were joined by T.O.P, Daesung, and Seungri after auditions; Jang Hyun-seung was dropped pre-debut.

They debuted on August 19, 2006, at YG Family’s 10th Anniversary concert with the single We Belong Together. Their self-produced style and bold image—contrasting polished K-pop—differentiated them, leading to a signing with YG and international deals.

Career

From 2006 to 2023, BIGBANG sold over 150 million records, topping charts in Asia and breaking into the West.

Early hits like “Lies” (2007) dominated Melon for 51 weeks; Alive (2012) and Made (2016) spawned global anthems “Fantastic Baby” and “Bang Bang Bang.” Tours like Made World Tour (1.5 million attendees) set records.

Awards include 11 Billboard Music Awards nods and MTV EMA wins. Post-2019 scandals (Seungri‘s exit, T.O.P‘s in 2023), the trio reunited at 2024 MAMA Awards and announced a 2026 Coachella set for their 20th anniversary.

Solo ventures thrive: G-Dragon‘s Übermensch (2025), Taeyang‘s Down to Earth tour, Daesung‘s Japanese success.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @bigbang_official
• YouTube Channel: ibighit

Personal Life

G-Dragon

• Height: 5’10″ (177 cm)
• Marriages: None
• Children: None
• Dating History: Rumored with Kiko Mizuhara (2011–2016, on/off; photos leaked), Nana Komatsu (2016), Jung Ho-yeon (2021), BLACKPINK’s Jennie (2021–2022, confirmed by sightings but denied), Han So-hee (2023, unconfirmed), Kim Go-eun (rumored). Keeps relationships private; advocates for LGBTQ+ rights.

Taeyang

• Height: 5’10″ (178 cm)
• Marriages: Married to actress Min Hyo-rin (2013–present; met on “1AM” MV set, engaged 2017)
• Children: One son
• Dating History: Dated Min Hyo-rin since 2013; public in 2015. G-Dragon played cupid; no prior confirmed relationships.

T.O.P (Former)

• Height: 5’11″ (181 cm)
• Marriages: None
• Children: None
• Dating History: Rumored with Shin Min-ah (early 2000s, pre-fame), f(x)’s Krystal Jung (2014–2015, sightings), Kim Ga-bin (2020, photos of couple items). Private; focuses on art and solitude post-scandal.

Daesung

• Height: 5’10″ (178 cm)
• Marriages: None
• Children: None
• Dating History: No confirmed relationships; expressed desire to marry before 40. Ideal type: Park Bo-young. Keeps life private, emphasizing family happiness.

Seungri (Former)

• Height: 5’10″ (177 cm)
• Marriages: None
• Children: None
• Dating History: Dated Yoo Hye-won (2018, confirmed by Dispatch; ended amid scandal). Private post-2019 retirement; focused on business before Burning Sun.

Net Worth

BIGBANG‘s collective net worth exceeds $200 million, amassed from 150 million+ record sales, record-breaking tours (e.g., Made Tour: $44 million in 2015 earnings), and endorsements (Pepsi, Samsung).

Post-hiatus solos boosted fortunes: G-Dragon ($60–65 million) via fashion lines (PEACEMINUSONE) and Übermensch (2025); Taeyang ($40–50 million) from R&B albums and Givenchy ambassadorship; Daesung ($10 million) via Japanese tours and variety shows; T.O.P ($12 million) from acting (Squid Game 2) and art investments; Seungri (minimal post-scandal, once $10 million from clubs/business).

Royalties from hits like “Fantastic Baby” (1B+ YouTube views) ensure ongoing income.

Discography

Studio Albums

• BigBang Vol. 1 (2008) – 2× Platinum (Korea)
• Tonight (2011) – Platinum (Korea)
• Alive (2012) – 2× Platinum (Korea)
• Made (2016) – 3× Platinum (Korea)

Japanese Studio Albums

• Number 1 (2008) – Gold (Japan)
• Big Bang (2009) – Platinum (Japan)
• Big Bang 2 (2011) – Gold (Japan)
• Alive (2012) – Platinum (Japan)
• Made Series (2016) – Gold (Japan)

EPs

• BIGBANG (2006)
• Stand Up (2008) – Platinum (Korea)
• Hot Issue (2007)
• Always (2007) – 2× Platinum (Korea)
• Still Life (2022) – Platinum (Korea)

Key Singles

• “Lies” (2007) – No. 1 (Korea, 6 weeks)
• “Last Farewell” (2007) – No. 1 (Korea)
• “Haru Haru” (2008) – No. 1 (Korea)
• “Fantastic Baby” (2012) – No. 1 (Korea, Japan, US World)
• “Bang Bang Bang” (2015) – No. 1 (Korea)
• “Still Life” (2022) – No. 1 (Korea)