YG reveals plans for 2011 through YGLife blog

Previously, YG Entertainment revealed that they would answer burning questions from fans through their YG-LIFE blog.
The site was recently updated with detailed plans for 2011 from CEO Yang Hyun Suk.
–
Hello, this is Yang Hyun Suk.
Today is December 30th; there is only one day left in 2010.
Today I will answer some of the fan’s questions regarding YG’s plans for the first half of next year.

1. GD&TOP had three title songs for their album – What is the plan for future promotions?

To be more precise, GD&TOP had five different title songs. Aside from the “Intro” song, G-Dragon and T.O.P sang 5 songs together, and we plan to promote all 5.
This plan is similar to that of 2NE1’s. Instead of concentrating on a single song, we want to inform everyone about the entire album.
After “High High“, “Oh Yeah“, and “Knock Out“, we plan to promote “Don’t Go Home” in mid-January. Director Lee Ki Baek, who’s worked on G-Dragon’s “A Boy” MV, will direct the music video for the two new songs.
We plan on releasing the music video for “Knock Out” on January 3rd. It was directed by Seo Hyung Seung, and finished just a few days ago. It’s a little ambitious, but given the time and opportunity, we want to move ahead with GD & TOP’s solo MVs.

2. For what reason did you choose “High High”, “Oh Yeah”, and “Knock Out” for the first round of promotions?

The reason is very simple and straightforward.
To promote the five songs, each song must fit with the time and season. “High High” and “Oh Yeah” really fits with the end-of-the-year atmosphere, so we decided to promote them first.
“Knock Out” is the ‘main’ title song, and it was my favorite, but I had one concern about promoting it – I was worried about whether it would be approved for public TV broadcast.
If “Knock Out” did not get approved, we would only promote “High High” and “Oh Yeah” through public TV channels, and promote “Knock Out” on Mnet’s “M! Countdown.”

3. What is the reason for the lack of TV appearances?

This has become the biggest issue among YG fans. I understand that fans want to see more of their favorite stars, but as the individual in charge, I have to be more careful.
The reason for the reduced appearances is because we are concerned for our artists. To show up on music programs for 3 minutes, the artists will have to wake up very early in the morning to start rehearsing. For female group 2NE1, they have to prepare their hair and makeup, and start moving at 2:00 in the morning. Having schedules the night before and not getting any sleep to go to broadcasts is also very commonplace.
In a week, [artists can have] 4 nights of music programs, various CFs and photoshoots, events, oversea schedules etc… Although 2NE1 didn’t appear on variety programs or radio shows, I could feel their tiring situation. I just wish they could sleep an hour more.
Although the artists may be receiving a lot of popularity, it takes a toll on their bodies. YG’s biggest worry is that the artists don’t have any time to spare because they are preparing for their next stage.
Regarding broadcast appearances and conflicting results…
I’ll use 2NE1’s first mini-album and G-Dragon’s first solo album as examples. Both teams only had one broadcast a week, and had interesting results.
The result was better than we had expected, and [thinking about the artists also], we thought we needed to lessen the number of broadcast appearances.
Of course, the album’s success is proportional to broadcast appearances, but it’s definitely not half-and half. Let’s examine this in detail.
As a rookie group, 2NE1 had one broadcast a week. Their debut songs “Fire” and “I Don’t Care” were very well known, and their mini-album sold 165,000 copies. At the same time, Park Bom’s “You and I” was also quite popular, and she only went on broadcasts twice a week.
Last August, G-Dragon released his solo album. At the time, he broke the record on Hanteo Data System by selling 130,000 copies. Now he has sold 248,000 copies. This is also very surprising within YG, since this album did better than Big Bang’s albums.
YG does not carry our own results, so please refer to YG’s long-time sound-music distributor Mnet Media to confirm them. There are no mistakes for albums that have been on sale for a long time, and a CEO of a company has no reasons to lie.
It’s easy to ask, ‘What if there are demands for YG to conform? What if the relationship with the broadcast companies decline? Perhaps there’s an easier way?‘
However, YG considered everything and chose the more difficult way because we think that while this kind of promotion may seem frugal, it has more value and emotions attached to it.
I won’t speak further on what is the best decision or conclusion, but we do worry about our artists during their promotions.

4. On Seungri and Big Bang’s album plans:

A while ago, we revealed that Seungri will release a digital single on January 3rd, and Big Bang’s new album will follow on February 1st. There have been some changes.
We want to give all their fans even greater news!
At the time, we planned to kick off Big Bang’s Japanese tour in April of next year, so we wanted to promote Big Bang’s new album for two months, beginning February 1st. Because of this, GD&TOP and Seungri’s album promotions would have been shorter than normal.
Fortunately, we were able to delay Big Bang’s Japanese promotions by one month.
Thanks to this, GD&TOP’s second round of promotions for “Don’t Go Home” will be extended, and Seungri’s digital single will become a mini-album.
We had planned for a digital single release on January 3rd, and a mini-album 10 days later, but we decided not to do an online release, and just reveal everything at once.
While reviewing Seungri’s preparations for the mini-album, I had an idea for “Ambush” to be the mini-album’s title. Even though it’s the first time for Seungri to be co-writing and co-composing, YG has recruited new producers to elevate this product, so please look forward to it.
The new release date for his mini-album is January 13th. The dates for Big Bang’s album will be revealed at another time through the official channel.

5. Will the “BIG SHOW” be held early next year?

Big Bang’s “BIG SHOW” concert, which was held annually on January, will be held on February 25th, 26th, and 27th next year at the Olympic Athletic Stadium.
Since the “BIG SHOW” is scheduled right alongside Big Bang’s new album, all of Big Bang’s latest music will be featured, including GD&TOP and Seungri’s mini-album. We’ll be releasing a more detailed announcement soon, so please check it out when it’s revealed.

6. What is the schedule for Big Bang’s Japanese tour?

Starting next May, Big Bang will be holding a two-month tour in Japan, which is expected to bring in a 160,000-member audience.
Up ’til now, Big Bang has only done short-term promotions during their week-long stays in Japan. Starting next year, they’ll be promoting more directly and aggressively.
The agreement between YG and our Japanese partner is to completely differentiate the group’s Korean and Japanese activities, and to focus completely on one at a time.
Again, they’ll be in Korea for March and April, in Japan for May and June (due to their Japanese concert), in Korea again from July through September for their new album, and in Japan for October and November.
Big Bang’s popularity in Japan is a lot higher than what is known in Korea, so we are hoping to garner more favorable results with more direct promotions.

7. What are the plans for 2NE1’s Japanese debut?

Honestly, proposals regarding 2NE1’s Japanese debut have been in the talks since last year. The reason for the delay was that they were a rookie group who had only just debuted, and the consensus was that they needed to focus on Korean activities first.
With their first album promotions at an end, 2NE1 will officially be debuting in Japan on February of 2011. As expected, the record company they’ll be working with is Avex.
Avex has always shown much affection for 2NE1, and the biggest owner of Avex will also be working with the girls, so we’re anticipating a lot for them.
2NE1’s first Japanese activities will be on February and March. We’ll be working hard to ensure that 2NE1 can still release a new Korean album in May or June.
Details regarding 2NE1’s activities have yet to be confirmed because Will.I.Am is currently busy promoting Black Eyed Peas‘ latest album.
On the day of the Yeonpyeong Island skirmish, Will.I.Am asked, “Is 2NE1 okay?” He’s watching 2NE1TV and revealed himself to be a bigger fan through the show. He also stated that he will be making more new tracks for 2NE1.
There are still so many things left to say, but I’ll end it here for next time.
Reflecting back on our year, there are still a lot of things we regret and lacked in. As there is Big Bang’s comeback to look forward to next year, the YG staff and I are filled with excitement and anticipation.
In addition to saying that we will be working harder than ever, we hope that all of the fans have a Happy New Year and to be healthy.

Thank you (Bow~~)
2010.12.30 From Yang Hyun Suk


Credits: supermar@allkpop

BIG BANG 2011 Calendar Making DVD

source: tesonachoachoa@yt

G-Dragon Interview on 10Asia

The reporters of 10Asia spent three days, starting December 24 till 26, working. It was the weekend that included Christmas. However, who cares about working? During those three days, we watched the performance by G-Dragon (from here on GD) and T.O.P, we interviewed them on the set of their show and took pictures of them on stage. We just feel bad for them having to spend Christmas with the two who said they feel bad for each other. Below are the excerpts from 10Asia’s interview with GD.

Big Bang member GD [Chae Ki-won, Lee Jin-hyuk/10Asia]

10: You seem to have some dark bags under your eyes. (laugh) 

GD: Yes, I performed all night yesterday as well. (laugh)

10: You have returned to living a busy life. I know that you enjoyed some free time after your solo activities.

GD: I partied hard for about a month or two after receiving permission from the CEO of YG Entertainment [Yang Hyun-suk] as soon as I finished my solo activities. (laugh)

10: Was it the first time having free time since making your debut? What kind of effect did that time have on you?

GD: It was tiring and difficult when we [Big Bang] had a busy schedule but it all disappeared when we were done. (laugh) I think it was a similar feeling to that. Everthing from the past seems like nothing. That is why I had plenty of time to prepare myself for my future activities after figuring things out. That one year, after finishing my solo activities was the first time since making my debut that I got to prepare something. Whether it was to rest or think, I was able to work on something in a leisurely manner during the past year instead of rushing through everything. That is why my confidence for the next album and meeting people grew.

10: I can’t find the appropriate word but I guess I should say your attitude has changed?

GD: Yes, my attitude has changed a lot. I became more placid and I feel that I try to understand things more. The CEO told me that I shouldn’t always think of myself and that I should try to put myself in the other person’s position as well. I began to understand most of everything much better after he said that. Before, whenever we had a busy schedule, I’d say ‘Why do we have so much on our schedule’ and get irritated about it but I know now that even the smallest things are important. One could say that I am like someone who just recovered from a serious illness. That is why I’m in such great condition and am looking forward to what I’ll get to do in the future.

10: It seems like you’ve achieved a sense of liberation. (laugh) 

GD: My mind has become a lot more at ease because I feel that this is what I am supposed to do rather than call it liberation. Others might say that I have achieved huge success but to me it became my stimulus and the process of how I developed. And now, instead of being burdened about how others see me, I want to present them with what I can give them.

10: So does that mean you had cared what the people thought about you? 

GD: In the past, I changed many things including the tone of my voice because I was conscious about my job when I was in front of others. Also, I had a different image in front of others versus my friends but now I feel they’re becoming similar. That’s why I’m more afaid of doing interviews now. I think that breaking that line between myself and as an entertainer and the real me is good but it can become a dangerous thing when doing interviews in Korea. (laugh) Other than that, I don’t feel that there is anything to worry about how others see me. It is who I am and I think that the people like me for it and I will continue with it in the future.

10: I think that is why the lyric “Even though I’m short, my girlfriend is tall” in the “Intro” track of the new album is quite memorable. It seems like you didn’t want to drag on about what happened in the past and just cleared everything up by saying “Ah, I’m just like that.”

GD: It cleared up many things. When I made my debut I was younger and I don’t think I thought about what kind of image I was portraying to others. And I began assessing who I was after I released my solo album. I experienced a lot of pain and it was even scary to wake up every morning. When I wake up something happened and another thing would happen. I think that’s why I was quite broken then.

10: How did you overcome that? 

GD: It takes time. As time went by I realized that I’m a pop singer so whatever my intention was, what the public perceives of it is my doing so it’s my fault if I give off the wrong intention. And I thought that it’s no use to talk about every little thing that has happened. I wanted to show it coolly through the next album or through words and I just remained quiet because the way I wanted to express my feelings, such as through writing or talking about it, wasn’t acceptable. That is why during that time I did my best in what I was doing and put in all my efforts to give a good impression. I now see more people who support me. I think that is how I should go about things from now on.

10: Have those inner changes had influence on your music? The track “Baby good night” from the new album is unlike the other style of songs from your previous work.

GD: Of course. It’s because when you break away from the mold the possibilities are endless. While, the artist will produce the same music over and over again if they decide on the style of music. You can say that is the problem of all idol stars and it will continue to become a problem if it’s not broken and worsen if they release album after album without resting.

10: That’s true. The artist will just coast along if they don’t have the time to think.

GD: Yes. I think that the right kind of music is not made once the artist feels that music is work. On the contrary, I will be able to enjoy making music if I am given a year or three months time. I feel that when one is working on music, performing or just having fun that it directly influences the music.

10: So it will be harder from now. You were busy making track after track since your debut.

GD: I lost my confidence during that time. I thought to myself that I can always do my best and I was in a slump once I locked myself into trying to form my own style of music. I heard that rocker Seotaiji and other singers said that they go through torment thinking about their next album. I haven’t gone through that phase yet and it may seem pretty cocky to say this at a young age but there was a time where I thought to myself, thinking that there is no guarantee for the next five to ten years if I thought I have come with everything that I can.

10: That was why I felt bad about “Heartbreaker.” While you did a thorough job on perfecting a single idea with “Lies,” that same process was missing in “Heartbreaker” giving a likely reason to doubt even if it wasn’t a plagery. I wonder if things could’ve turned out different if you had more time. 

GD: That’s when I realized that I will always need much time for preparation. I used to compose songs on the spot, as if pulling things out of a vending machine but now I can’t bear to stand before my fans with music made in such a way, and it also affects my attitude on stage as well.

10: That’s what I thought as I listened to “Heartbreaker Part II” participated by Flo Rida. Part II was created with more understanding toward music than the earlier version, analyzed and re-combined to give a new flow and rhyme. It would have been awesome if the earlier version had come out like Part II.

GD: Most people turns the conversation to Flo Rida whenever that song is mentioned together with the issue of plagiarism but that wasn’t my intention to begin with. What I had in mind was to show local musicians can stand equal to musicians from abroad just like I was doing rap alongside with Flor Rida in the same track. It’s like what I wrote in the lyrics “I shall not kneel anywhere.” But because of what happened beforehand, the reviews I received at the time, both good or bad, weren’t properly focused solely on music which is quite a pity.

10: The rap at Part II was very interesting, the way you divided its flow in short units and confronted each sound with rap. You created a perfect beginning to end flow within your given part.

GD: I did the rap as fast as I could (Laugh) When I did solo album I took my time deciding on arrangements that fit the role of title track. But this second time, where my part came before the Flo Rida’s part, I decided that I got to show everything within the short time frame so I filled it with strong, diverse elements.

“I wish lyrics alone can sound like a good writing”

10: I believe all those thinking to compose that single piece have helped to widen your horizon for both understanding and composing music.

GD: I gained more freedom in some aspect. But each feeling is different: the times I work as a member of Big Bang and the times I do my solo album. But the more I work, the more I feel like I’m learning and maturing at the same time. I wouldn’t know the consequences of album I produce now but the feelings I gained from this present experience will be reflected on future albums of Big Bang. Because both other Big Bang members and I will notice the way the music matures, this will again be a great help down the road.

10: Your lyrics seem to have changed in part, too. In the recent album I got the impression that you went deeper into yourself rather than expressing yourself aloud to the public.

GD: Just like movies that contain various stories in genres of comedy, thriller, horror and more, I concentrated on the aspect of story-telling for lyrics. I wanted them to sound like an actual story with or without music. I wanted a clear plot for them. I guess it’s the influence of all the foreign raps with stories that I grew up listening to.

10: The track “Nightmare” in the latest album seems to best reflect your point. Just by closing my eyes I can actually visualize a person who runs and then flies during the early part of the song. It has that flow of rise from beginning to end.

GD: That’s right. That’s the kind of impression I was hoping to give to those who listen to “Nightmare” with their eyes closed. I wish to compose a kind of music like shown in the film “Inception (2010)” in which the final part turns out to be either a horror or fantasy depending on the individual. I put particular effort there so the ending could be anybody’s guess.

10: I’m not sure if it’s because this is solo track but “Nightmare” seems to be the piece that makes the most obvious display of your characteristics, the sharp changes between parts. I could detect almost four different levels of changes. The style is similar to that found in “Lies” and “Heartbreaker” whose music both has beginning and end marked by sudden of sound in between. Is there a reason you prefer this style? 

GD: It’s one way of showing what my music is like, wholesomely, to the public. These days people can make ring tones out of certain parts of the song they like. Melodies of such ring tones are usually chosen among the song parts that have the strongest impact, which usually happens to be chorus part of the song. And because people these days decide on music just with few listening, the chorus part with strong impact became even more important. Of course, you could say a song is already a hit if many people remember it by its ending chorus alone. But I want all parts of my song to be remembered. This is my way of composing a song that can be remembered wholly, by giving twist and turn at every corner and evoking different story.

“Now is the real beginning.”

10: It seems like you have just gotten over a certain stage in your life.

GD: Entertainers should come forth to address the public. In my case I had to both create and sing the song on the stage. I came this far thinking this is probably the only thing I can do but I guess I was burdened by the fact that everything went public.

10: Last year in particular, no doubt, as everything linked to GD became an issue.

GD: Yes. Under such circumstances I became more wary and lonelier. But after going through all that, doing my music and waking up to new things I believe I can now take things with more ease. I think I can show 100-percent real me through this latest album.

10: It seems like this is the real start.

GD: It is. It also seems like I have been building up on my experience all along and this feels like my true beginning. It is same for Big Bang.

10: So what would you like to do at this point? From the track “High High” you wrote that life is about one lucky shot but in reality it was your consistent effort in music industry that got you this far. 

GD: Wait, I don’t think I’ve come across my lucky shot yet (Laugh)

10: Really? (Laugh)

GD: This may sound a bit snobbish but I don’t think I’ve achieved anything yet. It’s still a long way ahead and I don’t think I’ve shown anything of a lasting impact – still in the process of building it up step by step. I’m sure this is what all the other members of Big Bang are dreaming of, too, the opportunity to strike something really big someday. (Laugh).


Source: 10 아시아
Taken from: TeamBigBang
(via bigbangupdates)

YG Entertainment to release detailed news for 2011 on their blog

Fans of Big Bang are patiently waiting for their comeback in Korea and YG Entertainment has been a bit vague stating that Big Bang will make a comeback in February 2011. Well, it seems more detailed information may be coming our way as a teaser was recently posted on the YG Life Blog.

Loosely translated as, “Tomorrow morning at 9AM, YG Entertainment will release information for 2011 that fans have been curious about.” – Yang Hyun Suk (YG Entertainment CEO)
The message itself is also a bit vague, but fans should be excited as they’ll learn more about YG Entertainment’s 2011 plans.


Source: YG-Life blog + ALLKPOP

G-Dragon and TOP’s Album quickly rising in Japanese charts!

GD & TOP’s new album is gaining popularity in Japan even before it’s release.
On the 28th, according to Japanese music site HMV, GD & TOP’s new album ranked high on the CD and overall week and daily categories.

GD & TOP’s Volume 1 album ranked at #3 in both weekly and daily overall CD charts and at #3 in both weekly and daily pre-order charts. While at #4 in all rankings daily.

Even before GD & TOP’s duo album went into sale, the volume of the orders for it is quickly rising in Japanese music charts, proving their power.

(Source: dcinside + hmv | Translated: alee@ibigbang)

Teen Top, following after Big Bang’s TOP Silver Terminator Hair?

Rookie group TEEN TOP who has been assigned the opening stage of SBS’s Gayo Daejun, revealed their shocking concept photos that are reminiscent of “Cyborgs” and have attracted the attention from the public.
The six members with the same Cyborg inspired outfits, make-up, silver hair, and closed eyes, are reminiscent of a futuristic fantasy movie.
Moreover, Teen Top’s new hairstyles were compared amongst the public to TOP’s recent silver hairstyle for the G-Dragon and TOP unit activities.
Netizens left reactions such as, “Lady Gaga shocked me”, “What kind of song will come out of something like this”, “It’s the complete transformation”, “Looks like TOP”.

(Source: morningnews | Translated: alee@ibigbang.wordpress.com)

YGE’s Yang Hyun Suk speaks out on KBS “Gayo Festival” non-attendance

A controversy arose earlier this month when YG Entertainment announced that their artists would not be participating in KBS’s “Gayo Festival“. In response to the flurry of questions over his decision, YGE’s CEO, Yang Hyun Suk, recently spoke out to clarify on the issue.
He expressed, “I believe that there is a difference in thought between KBS and YGE. We’ve decided not to have our artists attend the ceremony because we simply do not agree with the awards’ standards. We are adverse with relying on ARS texting votes, broadcast points, and live votes to determine results. Unfortunately, since KBS will utilize those methods, it led us to decide not to attend.”
He continued, “Just like how all broadcast programs only invite artists that they want on the show, decisions made by entertainment companies are autonomous as well. We hope that people don’t exaggerate a program appearance decision between two companies to be indicative of a conflict.”
Unlike MBC and SBS, who both got rid of the awards component of their ceremonies due to controversies on standards, KBS will be awarding one artist/team a popularity award.

Source: OSEN via Nate
(via allkpop)

Seungri joins me2day

http://me2day.net/viofbb

Se7en, G-Dragon and TOP will joint stages as a trio for SBS’s Gayo Daejun

2NE1 and veteran singer Kim Gun Mo will be holding an epic joint performance on SBS’s “2010 Gayo Daejun“.
GD&TOP will also have a joint stage with fellow YG artist Se7en. The trio are currently preparing to show a never-before-seen performance that everyone will be able to enjoy.
SBS’s Gayo Daejun will air through SBS on December 29th.

(via allkpop)

YG Entertainment donates $160,000 USD to charityYG Entertainment donates $160,000 USD to charity

YG Entertainment have decided to repeat their services of donating the love they’ve received from fans to society.
YG Entertainment developed an official campaign called ‘WITH‘ and raised a total of about $141,000 USD in 2009. This year, they’ve succeeded in surpassing their record by raising a total of $160,000 USD.
By collecting 100 won for every album, 1% of all merchandise sales, and 1,000 won for every concert ticket, the active promotions of YG’s 2NE1, Se7en, Gummy, Taeyang, Goo Hye Sun, Jung Hye Young, Yoo In Na, and Kang Hye Jung in 2010 helped YG earn approximately $20,000 USD more than last year.
It was reported that they donated $87,000 USD towards a scholarship for Holt Children’s Services and gave $69,000 USD toward children with rare diseases. They also contributed and directly delivered $4,400 USD worth of charcoal to families in need.

Source: Newsen via Nate
(via allkpop)

High High: A Hip Album Made By Trend-Setters

The last MAMA stage. G-Dragon, T.O.P. and Taeyang all stood on stage together and when it was done, a strange card appeared. GD&TOP. Everyone thought it would happen someday and finally that day has arrived. No words are necessary for these two members are the core of Big Bang and their unit is expected highly by many.

Just by listening to a couple of their songs, one can already assume that their album is different others but before the other songs were released, many assumed it was going to be the same as “High High” but they decided to wait it out. Truthfully, as Big Bang, “High High” doesn’t have much of a different from their other songs so it was hard to pick out a uniqueness. But after they made their debut on stage with a big stage, my mouth started widening up a big. They are definitely trend-setters. Rather than filling the stage with props, there was this atmosphere that felt like the stage was over-filled. Not only in music but the aurora around them. So this was the culture shock that YG is presenting.

From their debut, Big Bang was presented as a singer/songwriter group, so follow up on that, GD&TOP’s album is filled with songs all made by GD&TOP. Through the solo album, GD was thought of plagiarizing. Because that was a painful time, through GD&TOP, he seemed to be as energetic as ever. Some can see it as being out of control and wild but it looked like he was saying that he’s going to find his own way and going to stick with it. That confidence can be heard on the “Intro” and throughout the whole song. Their roots are hip-hop and it shows that in the “Intro,” but in “High High” and “Oh Yeah,” the beats invites the listeners to a club-like atmosphere that makes one’s heart pound hard. But, with “Don’t Go Home,” a fun, disco song can be heard. It seemed like I was going back in time from all the trends today.

The most charming thing was GD and TOP showed a different sound than when they were in Big Bang through this album. There were a lot of projects within Big Bang. And a new one has started with GD&TOP and I don’t want to assume anything just yet because their synergy seems to have an affect. But, there was a surprise and that surprise was better than what I had expected in the beginning. The important thing is that GD&TOP are trying new things and are finding their way in the music industry.

Source: 100beat.hani.co.kr
Translated By: solshin3 @ 21BANGS.com

5 of GD&TOP’s Songs Are Ranked High

Big Bang’s G-Dragon and T.O.P. have formed a unit and have kept their place in the music industry as male idols.

On the 24th, they released their first full-length album as a special unit as GD&TOP and they have brought some fresh music to the table.

With G-Dragon and T.O.P.’s sick rapping skills and 2NE1′s Park Bom’s cute voice, “Oh Yeah” is a song that anyone can get addicted to, especially in the chorus. This song has been placed 2nd on Soribada for 2 weeks.

Also, the song, “High High” has an electronica hip-hop mix, and it’s a song that both male and female can enjoy. The song has taken its place in 4th and they have once again proved themselves as trend-setters. Also on the full-length album, the songs, “Don’t Go Home” and “Knock Out” have been the songs that many people have been downloading and are earning some good reviews for the songs.

G-Dragon and T.O.P’s unit is just like YG Entertainment’s 2NE1 with 3 titles in one album and they’re not only getting love for only those songs but all the other songs on their album as well. One can see their names on the charts with 5 of their songs on the top 10 list of popular songs. Rather than showing their musical talents, they have showed their synergy with each other and the outcome of it and through this unit album, fans can see how talented and how diverse Big Bang can be.

On the 28th, on Melon’s music chart, G-Dragon and T.O.P.’s name were on the list with “Oh Yeah” and “High High” at 3rd and 5th place.

At Dosirak, “Knock Out,” “Don’t Go Home,” “Oh Yeah,” “High High” have been placed 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th place. Although “Don’t Go Home” isn’t one of the title songs, it’s earning a lot of love from the fans and is getting well-known amongst the fans.

On Mnet.com, “Oh Yeah,” “Knock Out,” “Don’t Go Home,” “High High” have been placed at 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 7th place. On Bugs, “Knock Out,” “Don’t Go Home,” “Oh Yeah,” “High High” have been placed at 2nd, 5th, 6th, and 7th place and “Baby Good Night,” have been placed at 9th place. A total of 5 songs have taken over the music charts.

Source: news.nate.com
Translated By: solshin3 @ 21BANGS.com

BIGBANG VS DBSK?

Although it is unplanned, TVXQ and BIGBANG will encounter with each other early next year. Yunho and Changmin of DBSK will leave their other 3 members and produce a new album on 5th January.

TOP and G-Dragon of BIGBANG have also formed a Duet earlier. Debuted in 2004 and 2006 respectively, both DBSK and BIGBANG have risen to top positions in the showbiz but they have never competed with each other until now. That's why such a 2 to 2 encounter sparks interest among people.

(information about DBSK skipped)

G-dragon and Top released their 1st Duet Album on 24th, December and 'High, High'. 'Knock out' and 'Oh yeah' will be their triple title songs. The staff of YGE said ,' Both of them are rappers and they are also the producers of their album this time. It is hoped that the potential of both of them can be witnessed in this album.'

The Duets comeback of DBSK in early next year after resting a long time will definitely arouse rivalry between the two groups. The Korean showbiz said the encounter of these two groups as ' the huge effects brought by the comeback of these two groups will definitely worth paying attention in 2011' . They said they will not only exert influence on Korean music industry but also that of the whole Asia market.

Let's see what the results will be with both groups whose colours are different yet distinct and whose fan bases are both large.

Source: Donga News
Edit, translate and share: Rice@BigbangWorld
(via bigbangupdates)

YAY, this would be a tough fight...and don't forget that Seungri's gonna promote on the 3rd of Jan too. But let us not be CHILDISH. THIS IS NOT TO PROMOTE A FANWAR so let us, VIPs and Cassies, behave and just support our idols okay? ^^

G-DRAGON x TOP to release first album in Japan!

G-DRAGON and TOP, famed members of the hugely successful K-pop group BIGBANG, are set to debut their special unit in Japan early next year. The two just released their 1st album together recently in South Korea, and are looking to do the same in Japan on February 23rd.
The two appeared at the 2010 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) just last month and unveiled a track from the new album called “KNOCK OUT”.
In similar fashion, the duo are looking to now knock out Japan by releasing a special version of the album, “GD & TOP Vol. 1″. It will include a DVD with the music videos for “HIGH HIGH” and “TURN IT UP” as well as another song for a total of three. First shipment will include a poster as well. The Japanese edition will also have the benefit of unpublished, full shots in the booklet.

(source: tokyohive via ibigbang)

GD&TOP’s headphones are not authorized products in the Dr. Dre line?

Hardcore fans and fashionistas alike have dented their wallets in order to purchase the ‘GD&TOPedition’ of “Beats by Dre“ headphones. Many were prepared to pay extravagantly for the product, unfortunately, the ‘GD&TOP’ edition of “Beats” may not be the real thing.

We were recently contacted by a representative from Monster Cable (the manufacturer of “Beats”), notifying us that GD&TOP’s headphones are “not authorized products in the Dr. Dre line.” Our contact further clarifies, “It is unclear at this time if they are authentic Beats headphones that have been customized with GD&TOP artwork, or if they are counterfeit products making unauthorized use of Beats logos and design.”

The staff on the “Beats By Dre” official Twitter account have further asserted that GD&TOP’s headphones “are NOT an authorized product and does not come with our warranty or support.”

EDIT: beatsbydre twitted “They have customized the headphones which voids the original warranty when they resell them [TS]“
Basically these headphones might be original or customized beat headphones, they’re not sure yet, but what they know is that since YG customized them that voids the warranty contract of the product with Beats so you don’t have warranty with Beats if they get ruined.

(source: allkpop)

Big Bang & 2ne1 in MTV ASIA 2010 TOP 10 Korean Idols

MTV Asia 2010 Top 10 Korean Idols! Who’s Your Personal Number One? The Korean wave took Southeast Asia by storm in 2010. Here’s a countdown of the Top 10 biggest Korean artists of the year from #10 to #1!

10. After School – Because of You
9. SS501 – Love Ya
8. Rain – Love Song
7. FT Island – Love Love Love
6. 2NE1 – Go away
5. SHINee – Lucifer
4. 2PM – Without You
3. Big Bang – Tell Me Goodbye
2. Girls’ Generation (SNSD) – Run Devil Run
1. Super Junior – Bonamana

Credits: UniversalRecordPhilippines@facebook
(via 21bangs)

G-Dragon to appear on Night after Night?

A tweet from the writer of Night after Night (show where Daesung MCs) last December 22:

In a moment, I'll be interviewing G-Dragon! Since I've always treated stars as just business, I don't really feel anything. I'm wondering what sorts of questions I should ask that could best summarize the short life of YG's brain. I'm looking forward to what sorts of feelings he'll give me and I think I might have pig's skin for dinner. Like Gil Raim zz

Credits: Kwonjak + Flibbertigibbet @ 6theory

(via bigbangupdates)

G-Dragon and T.O.P "High High" Album Philippine Release

Pinoy VIPs, this is now the answer to all our prayers (or at least for me ^^). Universal Records Philippines has already confirmed via Twitter that they would be releasing GD&TOP's High High Album. If I were you I will start saving.

pic credit: zai@ibigbang

Big Bang and Sean make a special holiday visit to Eun

Last week, a desperate father posted his plea for a miracle – his daughter is an incredibly ill patient diagnosed with Leukemia, and it was her last wish to meet Big Bang’s Daesung. Word spread quickly, since the father submitted his request through DCDS (a message board for Daesung fans).
To his surprise, both Daesung and Jinusean’s Sean rushed to the hospital where the patient, Jung Eun, was confined.
The father wrote a touching thank you letter immediately afterwards, and said that his daughter was so revitalized by Daesung’s visit that she scolded her father for using the words, “final wish“.
On December 24th, the family experienced a Christmas that they’re sure to never forget. Jung Eun’s father wrote an update through DC inside, and his story has warmed hearts all over the world.
–

It’s the night before Christmas.
The news warned of a Christmas cold front and the weather was indeed very cold, but for Jung Eun, it was a very warm day.
On the day before yesterday at 8PM, Jung Eun had to receive chemotherapy because her white blood cell count was too high.
Her liver and spleen was swollen, and a cyst had popped, so it was very hard on her to go through chemo in that condition.
Jung Eun had a nightmare.

Jung Eun: Mom~ I had a dream again
Mom: What sort of dream?
Jung Eun: Someone in black clothes on a boat was staring at me
Mom: Was he just staring at you?
Jung Eun: Yeah
Mom: So what did you do?
Jung Eun: I told him to go away
Mom: You did well. You don’t need to go
She had another dream.
Jung Eun: Mom, I had a dream
Mom: What sort of dream?
Jung Eun: It was a funeral. Dad, Mom, Oppa, and the whole family was there.
Mom: Weren’t you there?
Jung Eun: No
Mom: What were Dad, Mom, and the family doing?
Jung Eun: They were just crying
Mom: You should have looked closer. It’s because you’re so tired, you need to be strong.
Jung Eun: Yeah

It was difficult for Jung Eun to even speak.
Watching her like this broke my heart.
But it seems like Jung Eun is still a happy child.

Yesterday, an angel (who is a Big Bang fan) visited the hospital to support Jung Eun. They weren’t able to meet Jung Eun, but they left a fan with Daesung’s picture on it, as well as a lot of other cute presents for her.
Jung Eun wasn’t able to hide her happiness, and she wanted to leave a post here with pictures of the presents. But as she was writing the post, she had to lie down because of how tired she was.
My wife asked “Should I get Dad to write it for you?”, and Jung Eun said in a weak breathy voice, “No, I’ll write it myself later”.
Jinusean’s Sean played the role of Santa and came again.
Yesterday, Sean phoned the hospital to tell us that all the Big Bang members would come on the 24th to cheer on Jung Eun.
For a heavy and gloomy heart, this was like a beam of light coming through the dark clouds.
This was because Big Bang’s visit gave Jung Eun a hundred thousand times more strength than we could have given her alone.
Jung Eun received a huge present.
I wasn’t able to meet them because I had to go down to the country early in the morning, but today at around 3PM, Sean, Daesung, and Taeyang visited Jung Eun’s hospital room.
According to Jung Eun’s mother, they encouraged a lot of sick children and took photos with them, and the children were very happy.
They played with Jung Eun for an hour, and Taeyang especially joked with Jung Eun a lot, so she had a lot of fun.
6 hours later, Seungri, T.O.P, and G-Dragon visited Jung Eun and played with her for 30 minutes. After hearing that Jung Eun was a fan of Seungri’s, he had a lot of sympathy for her.
Seungri told her a lot of funny stories, and promised to invite her on stage at Big Bang’s concert in February.
In the short phone call I had with Jung Eun, she said “This was the best present in my life”, but she must have been tired today because our phone call wasn’t very long.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Without the wings of the many angels who are Big Bang fans, Jung Eun wouldn’t have been able to receive the huge presents from last time and today.
With the collective love of everyone here, the sick Jung Eun who was unable to fly was able to flap her wings.
Jung Eun promised that she would watch Big Bang’s concert in February no matter what.
To Jinusean’s Sean,
I heard that you do many good deeds with your wife.
If you would give my wife and I the chance, we’d also like to help with doing good deeds. Since we received so much, we would like to forward it to someone else.
To Big Bang,
For coming to see Jung Eun so cheerfully to support her, you don’t know how much comfort and strength you gave her.
Jung Eun has gained the strength of a thousand armies.
Your visit has given her more strength than you could possibly imagine.
To my lovely Jung Eun,
Don’t forget that your dad, mom, and your family is doing everything in their power for you.
Beating your illness is the best way that you can repay all the many faceless people who are cheering for you and praying for you.
Let’s beat your illness together so that you can fulfill your promise to Big Bang and repay all the love you’ve received from the many people out there to someone else.
Today, at a rest stop on the motorway, there was a man playing a guitar and singing despite the freezing weather to help people suffering from Leukemia. When I saw this, I gave him a warm coffee and a small donation. As he thanked me, I thought to myself that it was nothing. There are a lot of kind people in the world……”

–
While we read a lot of heartwarming stories, there are few that would bring tears to our jaded eyes. Much respect to Big Bang and Sean for delivering such an outstanding gift from your hearts.

Credits to Flibbertigibbet via allkpop

G-Dragon and T.O.P 1st Album Event for YG Family Card Holders

This is for those who bought the GD&T.O.P's "High High" album and registered the YG Family Card # included in the CD pack:

Hello, this is YG Entertainment. Thank you so much for giving GD&TOP's 1st album so much love. And to show you our gratitude we're holding a YG Family Number Confirmation - GD&TOP's first album event and through this event you can get many prizes! You can read the details below.

GD&T.O.P 1st Album Event One!
Confirm your YG Family Card on GD&T.O.P's official homepage then you can download GD&TOP's 1st Album Thank You Box.

+) How to download Thank You Box:
After you bought GD&T.O.P 1st Album, verify your YG Family Number.

+) Thank You Box contents:
1. GD&T.O.P 1st Album cover image
2. The title song's lyrics file
3. GD&T.O.P's HD jacket pic
4. Wallpaper
5. The GD&T.O.P's special video for fans that shows up after family card confirmation

GD&T.O.P 1st Album Event Two!
After confirming your YG Family Number, enjoy the benefits! We're giving out prizes for members who verifying their YG Family Card through GD&T.O.P's official homepage!

+) How to participate in the event:
After you bought GD&TOP's 1st Album, confirm your YG Family Number.

+) Participating time:
4th December 2010 ~ Sunday, 9th January 2011

+) Winner announcement
Monday, 17th January 2011 7PM KST on GD&TOP's Official Homepage Bulletin Board

+) Prizes:
- Beats by Dr.Dre GD&T.O.P SPECIAL EDITION (1 person)
- GD&T.O.P's signed CD (3 persons)
- GD&T.O.P's 1st Album application free download coupon (for 3 persons)

Once again we're saying thank you so much for showing so much love to GD&T.O.P's 1st Album. We're going to continue giving out good services for all members who have confirmed their YG Family Number.

Thank you.

Source: gdtop 공홈 @ bbvipz.com
Translation credit: Winalicious@BBVIP.net

Taeyang "2010 SOL Live Concert" DVD Cover

YG and Universal Japan will be releasing a special Japanese edition DVD (with photo book) of Taeyang's 1st and 2nd live concerts. This 3-disc edition (Disc 1: HOT, Disc 2: SOLAR, Disc 3: The Making) will be released on January 26. Here's an update on the cover as posted on Amazon Japan:

Source: Amazon JP + also available on YesAsia

(via ibigbang)

GD&TOP ranking on various music charts

On December 24, 2010, the album of GD&TOP was released.

Some of their songs skyrocketed already on various music website charts after its released.

Melon
#2 Oh Yeah
#3 High High
#6 Knock Out
#23 Don’t Go Home
#39 Baby Good Night
#49 Obsession
#53 What Do You Want?
#54 Of All Days
#56 Oh Mom
#59 Intro
#75 Turn It Up

Mnet
#1 Knock Out
#2 Don’t Go Home
#4 Baby Good Night
#5 Oh Yeah
#7 Obsession
#8 High High
#9 Of All Days
#10 What Do You Want?
#11 Oh Mom
#12 Intro

Daum
#1 Don’t Go Home
#2 Knock Out
#3 Baby Good Night
#4 What Do You Want?
#5 Obsession
#6 Of All Days
#7 Oh Mom
#9 Intro
#11 Oh Yeah
#13 Turn It Up
#14 High High

Cyworld
#1 Don’t Go Home
#2 Knock Out
#3 Baby Good Night
#5 Obsession
#6 What Do You Want?
#9 Oh Yeah
#12 High High
#14 Of All Days
#15 Oh Mom
#17 Intro

Naver
#1 Don’t Go Home
#2 Knock Out
#3 Baby Good Night
#4 Obsession
#5 What Do You Want?
#6 Of All Days
#7 Oh Mom
#8 Intro
#9 Turn It Up
#11 Oh Yeah
#12 High High


Source: Mnet, Cyworld, Daum, Naver, Melon
Credits: zai@ibigbang