Big Bang and 2NE1 are Oricon's "Popular Artists of the Week"

Big Bang and 2NE1 are the "Popular Artists of the Week" on Oricon Japan. After releasing their new albums on March 28, Big Bang took the 2nd place in Oricon chart for ALIVE and 2NE1 got the 4th place for SCREAM. On the 29th, their albums have seized the 1st (BIGBANG) and 2nd (2NE1) places on Japan's iTunes chart.

Both groups are going scheduled to attend the 'Spring Groove' Festival in Japan.

Big Bang's ALIVE #1 on iTunes Japan

YG Entertainment‘s Big Bang and 2NE1 have both topped the iTunes charts in Japan.

On March 29th, Big Bang and 2NE1 respectively ranked 1st and 2nd on the Japan iTunes Album chart, additionally KARA placed 4th with ‘Speed Up / Girls Power‘.

Ahead of this achievement, Big Bang secured the #2 and 2NE1 the #4 position on the Oricon Daily Album chart for March 28th.

Big Bang & Lee Seung Chul rank high on music charts despite fierce competition

It goes without saying that fierce competition exists on the Korean music charts. There is a new song seizing the #1 spot with each day, and different charts rank the same songs differently.

But of the many competitors, there are two names that continue to maintain their status on the charts, and they are none other than idol group Big Bang, and legendary singer Lee Seung Chul.

Even an entire month after releasing new albums, these two artists still rank high on the charts, and this sort of outcome was almost expected by fans and music professionals alike.

Lee Seung Chul managed to stay popular on the charts for 40 days after releasing his new ‘Feast of the Gods‘ OST, “Did You Forget“, on the 17th of last month. And as of March 27th at 6:00PM KST, “Did You Forget” ranked #5 on charts such as Melon, Mnet, and more. When it comes to the call-back ringtone download charts, he is way ahead of most of the popular idol groups out there today, and the Youtube video for the track has already passed the 750,000 hit-mark.

Park Jinyoung to Yang Hyunsuk: "Big Bang 'Bad Boy' is the best"

JYP Entertainment's president Park Jinyoung has praised Yang Hyunsuk of YG Entertainment for Big Bang's "Bad Boy"
He showed interest in idol group YG Entertainment's Big Bang's "Bad Boy" while talking in SBS' "Kpop Star."

Yang Hyunsuk told Star News that "Park Jinyoung asked me who made "Bad Boy" because he thinks its the best song from the past year. I was happy to hear this from such an influential producer."

Big Bang's Activities and Successful Chart Rankings

5 member group Big Bang has become a hot topic in both Korea and Japan recently. Big Bang is taking the concept of "from Asia to the World" and is releasing their album on the coming 28th. The album is going to have Japanese versions of the songs from the Korean fifth mini album, as well as 2 additional new songs.

Big Bang is very busy considering they are promoting in Korea while starting their Japanese promotions. It is said they will be visiting Thailand as well, amidst their programs and interviews happening in Japan.

Big Bang will be putting on an extravagant performance for the famous R&B Hip Hop Festival in Japan called the "2012 Spring Groove." This event will also feature 2NE1, LMFAO, David Guetta, and more worldwide stars.

10Asia Magazine's Editor blogs about Big Bang

Translator's Note: This is a piece of writing, or more like a series of memos, that I found in Myoungseok Kang’s blog (Kang is the editor of 10asia Magazine). I thought it was interesting so I wanted to share with other overseas fans too.

1. Blue doesn’t seem very appropriate for the streets. It is neither fast nor striking enough to overcome the noise on the street. ‘Bad Boy’ is a similar case. Nevertheless, ‘Fantastic Baby’, which has a fast tempo, will probably be the most suitable for the streets out of the tracks. In other words, the tracks are not catchy enough for everyone to sing along like IU’s ‘Good Day’. Was this risk necessary for Big Bang?

Big Bang has returned -- bigger and better

 After experiencing hardships, Big Bang has returned - bigger and better.

Big Bang marked its return after a year on February 29 with the release of its new mini album Alive. After becoming one of the leaders of the Hallyu last year, a series of setbacks from Daesung’s car accident to G-Dragon’s marijuana scandal put a halt to the group’s activities and brought the group’s existence into danger.

But returning as a much more mature group, Big Bang made all its tracks off of the new mini album title tracks and found success on the music charts and even ended up on America’s Grammy Awards homepage and on Billboard to prove it was Korea’s representative idol group.

Vote for Big Bang on MTV Italy's "2012 TRL Awards"

BIGBANG fans are nominated for "Best Fan" on MTV Italy's 2012 TRL (Total Request Live) Awards. The TRL Awards were established in 2006 to celebrate the most popular artists and music videos in Italy. Winners will be announced in Florence, Italy on May 5, Saturday.

HOW TO VOTE:

Big Bang’s music videos surpass 30 million views on YouTube

Three songs, three music videos with 30 million views- that′s Big Bang.

As of March 22 1 pm (KST), Big Bang’s three tracks Blue, Bad Boy and Fantastic Baby from its mini album Alive has been viewed more than 30 million times in total on YouTube! 

The breakdown by song reveals Blue, released on February 21, was viewed fifteen million times, Bad Boy, released on February 28, was viewed eight million times and Fantastic Baby, released on March 6, was viewed ten million times, reflecting the global popularity of not only the group’s songs but their respective videos as well.

Big Bang ALIVE Japanese Version Tracklist

Big Bang will carry out promotional activities in Japan and Korea concurrently

In the morning of 13th,a staff of YGE had made a phone call with OSEN,'when BB comeback in Japan on 28th,they will promote in Japan and Korea  at the same time. Big Bang will start their Jap promotion in the following week but they will carry out their promotional activities in Japan, Korea and several other countries at the same time.' 

Big Bang will release a Japanese album which consists of 9 songs. All the lyrics and melody are composed by G-Dragon.

G-Dragon's 2nd Solo Album scheduled to be released in August

Leader of five membered idol group, BIG BANG, is set to release a solo album this coming August.

According to news stated by the representatives of Pop of Revenge to Star News, G-Dragon has confirmed a solo album for this coming August. Back in 2009, G-Dragon had also released his first solo album ‘Heartbreaker’ on his 22nd birthday, August 18th.

A representative stated, “During the recent gap of promotions when he was taking some time off, G-Dragon had been working very hard for Big Bang’s new album, as well as his own solo album” and that “This year, G-Dragon will, once again, start promoting around the same time as his birthday.”

Soribada organizes a special event to promote Big Bang's 'Alive' album

Soribada has collaborated with YGE to help the promotion of Big Bang's new mini album.

Starting from 23^rd of February to 23^rd of this March, there are buses with the pictures of Big Bang for Soribada running in Seoul.

The first event that Soribada held is the ‘album event’. When you download ‘Big Bang 5^th Mini Album’ from the website, then you can automatically enter the event. 10 lucky fans will be able to get a signed album from this event.

Big Bang Transforms into a Hamburger in Group Selca

Big Bang members were caught playing the hamburger game?

Taeyang just tweeted “First airing celebration hamburger” and posted the above pictures. Big Bang members are building a ‘hamburger’ with their bodies at what looks like a SBS‘ Inkigayo dressing room. Seungri unfortunately got stuck at the bottom of the stack and looked a little(?) in pain. In comparison, Taeyang had a huge smile as he took his place on top.

The netizens commented things like, “Happy Taeyang and Seungri in pain“, “Even Big Bang members play hamburger“, and “They look so childish“.

Watch Your Back, Bieber: The Boy Band Is Making a Comeback

“The boys are back!” the Internet cried this week, reinstating the relevance of all-male pop groups. Women have had a strong run dominating the Top 40 pop charts, no doubt, but thanks to some international imports, we may be about to hear a lot more harmonizing than we have in the last few years.

In what looks like the second coming of Westlife and Boyzone, two bands in particular have been leading a boy-band comeback and dominating the discussion: The Wanted and One Direction—each consisting of four Brits and one Irishman. Rolling Stone declared that after months and months of Adele ruling the charts, The Wanted has made significant headway on the Billboard digital-songs chart, jumping to No. 2 with their clubby, Ibiza-appropriate “Glad You Came.”

One Direction born on last season’s UK show X-Factor thanks to the suggestion of Nicole Scherzinger, has been enjoying success overseas. Their debut album, Up All Night, made waves with its UK release last November, and the group beat out Adele (Adele!) and others at the 2012 BRIT Awards to win Best British Single with their song “What Makes You Beautiful.” They’re performing on the Today show next week, Jezebel notes, and touring the U.S. this summer with Nickelodeon spinoff boy-band Big Time Rush.

Gaon Chart releases chart rankings for the end of February

The Gaon Chart is the national chart of South Korea and is intended to be the equivalent of Oricon in Japan and Billboard in the United States.

Check out the chart rankings for the week of February 26th to March 3rd below!

< Gaon Chart National Digital Singles Ranking >

Big Bang takes over Billboard charts

After achieving a Perfect All-Kill in Korea, Big Bang almost repeated this same feat on this week’s Billboard ‘K-Pop Hot 100‘ chart.

Of the top 10, Big Bang took a whopping 5 spots! “Blue” came in at #1 followed by “Love Dust” at #2, “Bad Boy” at #3, “Fantastic Baby” at #5, and “Ain’t No Fun” at #8. Other notables on the list include miss A‘s “Touch” at #4, Ailee with “Heaven” at #6, Lyn‘s “To Turn Back Hands of Time” at #7, and K.Will‘s “I Need You” at #9.

Big Bang’s 5th mini album ‘ALIVE’ ranks #1 in Taiwan

It has been revealed that Big Bang‘s new album is enjoying explosive popularity in Taiwan and is #1 on Taiwan’s album charts.

According to Taiwan’s online music sales site books.com, Big Bang’s mini album ‘ALIVE‘ is #1 on the Asia album sales chart.

On Taiwan’s online chart rankings, it seems that ‘ALIVE,’ released in 6 different versions, is doing extremely well. The #1 spot is taken by the “Big Bang version,” followed by “T.O.P. version” at #2, “G-Dragon version” and “Seungri version” at #5 and #7, respectively, and “Taeyang version” and “Daesung version” coming in at #11 and #13, respectively. With four versions in the top 10 and all six versions in the top 20, the group’s international popularity is evidenced once again.

Billboard K-Pop 100: Bigbang & Miss A Unseat Lyn

As predicted last week, BIGBANG and miss A were the two acts to watch as both their new singles made big strides up the K-Pop Hot 100 at the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, pushing four-week chart topper Lyn and her soundtrack single, "To Turn Back Hands of Time," to No. 3. 

The eclectic boy group BIGBANG (who beat Britney Spears for the MTV European Music Award for "Worldwide Act" last year ) released their long anticipated 5th mini-album, "Alive," recently with the first track from the project, "Blue," immediately jumping to the top spot on the chart, beating Lyn's quest to stay atop for her fifth week and tie IU's chart record set in January. After staying away from the spotlight for a year, and going through some controversies with the law, the group has returned stronger and more mature. "Blue" is a collaborative effort of YG Entertainment producer Teddy and the group's flamboyant leader G-dragon. The electronic ballad's (which sees a departure from their usual poppy club bangers) NYC-based music video has garnered over 11 million views since its release on February 21st. With six unique title tracks that they will be promoting from the mini-album, one can expect to see more of their singles to chart in weeks to come.

Alive" Album Ranks #2 in About.com's TOP 10 Pop Albums Chart

2. BIGBANG - Alive

 BIGBANG, a boy band from South Korea formed in 2006, are leaders of K-Pop. They have landed #1 albums both at home in South Korea and in Japan. Alive brings the group to the US. 

Big Bang ‘Fantastic’ Drove 40,000 Fans Wild

“Big Bang has its unique and special charm. The show from the beginning till the end will be a highlight.”
Ahead of Big Bang’s Korea concert shared world renowned stage director Laurieann Gibson, the main director for Big Bang’s world tour.

Knowing Gibson’s experience of leading famous American pop star Lady Gaga’s ‘The Monster Ball Tour’ expected her words just to be a mere formality. However it was a rant not false word. At least true for the ‘2012 Big Show Big Bang Alive Tour’ concert in Seoul.
‘Exceed Korea idol group level’

Big Bang’s first button of their world tour and comeback stage after year and half held at Seoul Olympic Park Gymnastics Stadium during three days from March 2-4 concluded successfully. Total of three shows with over 40,000 audiences went wild with excitement. Despite the eventful past year Big Bang showed that they still can deliver.

Big Bang was relentless. The concert proved why Big Bang is ‘Big Bang.’ Several music representatives have praised them stating, “The level was beyond the idol group of Korea.”

SBS Inkigayo Big Bang Comeback Teaser

LaurieAnn: "BigBang Has No Difference Compared to World Superstars."

"Big Bang has no wall in music to world super stars," producer Laurieann Gibson says.

Laurieann Gibson, main director for Big Bang's world tour, said that the group "has no difference compared to world super stars."

At the press conference ahead of the first world tour '2012 Big Show Alive,' Gibson spoke about working with Big Bang. The press conference was held on March 2, at 5pm in Seoul Olympic Park Gymnastic Stadium where Big Bang will open their world tour.

"Although there were difficulties in language, but there was no wall in terms of music," Gibson said. "I've worked with many super stars, but I felt no difference. Big Bang has its unique and special charm."

"I am touched by how hard they work at young age. They are the best of the best. Because they are so special, I didn't need to change anything," she added.

"Personally, G-Dragon and Top are outstanding on stage. Seung Ri is young but has a strong attraction. Dae Sung is passionate. TaeYang reminded me of Michael Jackson. I was touched by they didn't get upset even once when they were made to work hard."

Big Bang officially kicks off their ’2012 BIG SHOW / BIG BANG ALIVE TOUR’

Idol group Big Bang officially kicked off promotions for their fifth mini-album, ‘ALIVE‘.

The boys held a press conference ahead of their first ‘2012 BIG SHOW / BIG BANG ALIVE TOUR‘ performance that took place on March 2nd.

When asked how this performance would differ from the rest, leader G-Dragon answered, “Our new performances will be more musical-like, with a solid story behind it. It will be a show you can easily enjoy.” 

Big Bang: "We Know a Lot of People Are Upset about Our Comeback”

On March 2, BIGBANG held a press conference prior to their first concert in nearly a year. They will hold their Seoul concert for three consecutive days before embarking on the first-ever world tour across 25 cities in 16 countries.

BIGBANG started off their statement with, “We’ll work hard to become a proud group. The only way to give back is through our music.” They explained the reason for naming their comeback album, “Alive,” by saying, “Our feelings and thoughts are thoroughly expressed in our new album. That’s why we named it ‘Alive.’”

G-Dragon said, “We know there are a lot of people who welcome our comeback, but at the same time, many people are upset about it. It’s all our fault. Because of the ‘incident,’ I caused a lot of disappointment. I think it’s our job now to turn BIGBANG back into a group with a lot of hope.”

Big Bang makes a grand entrance on "Running Man"

It seems Big Bang will be making a grand entrance on the much anticipated episode of ‘Running Man’ on March 4th!

The cast of ‘Running Man’, who had arrived earlier dressed in black leather, looked up as they heard the sounds of a helicopter fill the air. They remarked, “No way, are the guests arriving on an helicopter this time?”

It seems they were right, as an helicopter landed, and out hopped all five Big Bang members dressed in orange leather jackets.

Big Bang Tops Billboard 's K-Pop Chart