Big Bang , commonly stylized as BIGBANG, is a South Korean pop boy band. The group's formation was chronicled on the television series Big Bang Documentary, from July to August 2006. The show was also aired online on GomTV and on MTV Korea. Initially a six-member group, one member got eliminated out during the airing of the show before the official debut leading to their current line-up of G-Dragon, Taeyang, T.O.P, Daesung and Seungri.

Signed to YG Entertainment, Big Bang went on to release successful singles and EPs. Their first release, the EP Always (2007), spawned the number-one single "Lies" . Their follow-up EPs Hot Issue and Stand Up were similarly successful. After they received the "Artist of the Year" award from the M.net KM Music Festival and the Seoul Gayo Daesang Award, the group expanded their activities into Japan, releasing mini-albums and airplay singles. Their material would not receive major promotion until the following year with the release of their first physical Japanese single, "My Heaven".

By the end of 2009, Big Bang became the most searched artist in South Korea. They also became the first foreign group in Japan to receive the Japan Cable Broadcasting Award for "Best Newcomer", and the first from Korea to receive the Japan Records award. In recent years, the members have branched out to do solo activities: Taeyang and G-Dragon have released solo materials while T.O.P, Daesung and Seungri have started acting.

Members:

G-Dragon

G-Dragon: real name Kwon Ji-Yong, born August 18, 1988, is the leader of Big Bang. He has been with YG Entertainment since he was 12. He composes and produces many of the group's songs. He is also known as a fashion trend setter in Korea.

Taeyang

Taeyang: real name Dong Young-Bae, born May 18, 1988, is one of the members of Big Bang. He, like G-Dragon, has been with YG since he was little. He was a rapper when young, but changed to singing. He was the first member to release a solo mini-album, Hot(2008). He is also known for his hairstyles, having had conrnrows and a faux mohawk.

T.O.P

T.O.P: real name Choi Seung-Hyun, born November 4, 1987, is the rapper of Big Bang. He is the oldest member. Before joining Big Bang, he performed in the underground as "Tempo". He has performed as an actor in the Korean drama series "I Am Sam" and "Iris".

Daesung

Daesung: real name Kang Dae-Sung, born April 26, 1989, is known for his powerful voice. He has released two Trot singles, "Look At Me GwiSun(날봐귀순)" and "Daebakiya(대박이야)". He was a member of the SBS weekend variety program "Family Outing".

Seungri

Seungri: real name Lee Seung-hyun, born December 12, 1990, is the youngest member of Big Bang, and is known for his dancing skills. He has promoted his solo career, performing his solo track "Strong Baby" from the group's 3rd album.