On July 14th, we’ll uncover the “Colors of Bang Yongguk” and before that happens, we’ll take a glimpse of how the K-pop multi-hyphenate continues to prosper in the music scene – from being B.A.P’s leader to a solo singer-songwriter who also produced for other groups.
Bang Yong-guk first released music as part of rap group Soul Connection, under the alias, Jepp Blackman, while attending middle school. They debuted with “Cherry Flower” before appearing on the group’s 2009 album Rapsody. Through this, his former agency took notice of his talents then scouted him to sign a contract with the company in 2010.
Yongguk first debuted in K-pop with his husky voice and fierce flow that helped Song Ji-eun’s “Going Crazy” hit the number one spot on the Streaming charts during its release. From then, he was able to establish his name and it was soon announced that he would be the leader and main rapper of the new boy group, B.A.P that stands for Best, Absolute, Perfect. The group debuted in early 2012 with the gritty single “Warrior” that is part of their first EP which landed at number ten on Billboard’s World Albums chart. They consistently showcased the power of their music and performance with more self-produced singles such as Power, Stop It, No Mercy and One Shot that topped the Billboard World Albums chart in early 2013. Yongguk did not fail to demonstrate his raw talent and charisma when the group released their debut album, First Sensibility, which landed at number one on the Gaon albums chart.
During a brief hiatus in 2014 and 2015, Yongguk released the solo single “AM 4:44”. In spite of the break, B.A.P still find success through the end of the 2010s with their second Korean studio album, Noir (2016), and three Japanese-language LPs, Best.Absolute.Perfect (2016), Unlimited (2017), and Massive (2018).
Yongguk began his solo career when he decided not to renew his contract with his former agency, along with his members. He released “Hikikomori,” a compelling reflection of his fears and anxiety, followed by the second single “Journey” and a film (A Short Film About Bang Yongguk) in early 2019.
BANGYONGGUK, his debut album that displays his versatility and poignance was released on March 15, 2019 with 13-tracks lead by “Ya”.
He officially completed his military service on May 18, 2021 and established his own label, Consent which released his second album, 2, on March 22, 2022 with the title track, “Up”
Proving his musicality; unstoppable that he is, this year, he released “The Colors of Love” in May. Straightforward to its theme, he has the people he loves in mind as he write the songs for this album. The brightest one is “Green” which was inspired by movies and dramas, and of course, his dog.
Catch live on his first ever solo concert! Watch him live as he shares his various shared deep emotions through his music performances.
THE COLORS OF BANG YONGGUK in MANILA is happening THIS WEEK on July 14, 2023 at the Music Museum!
Tickets are available here: bit.ly/434NSS8
Presented by KEvents and Root Company
