9-Year Old Big Bang's Strategy to Build Korean Fanbase

It’s been 9 years since their debut already. In 2006 they made a debut as an idol group, and now they grew to be Korean wave stars that dominate the Asian music market. They rose to global stardom with their solo and group musical careers. They spend a lot of times a lot overseas, but their South Korean fan base grows bigger every year. They must have a real solid strategy behind their success in Korea.

The 2014 BIGBANG +α IN SEOUL held their exclusive concert at Seoul Olympic Gymnastics Arena on Jan 26. The concerts were held for 3 days from Jan 24, which attracted 36,000 fans for each (12,000 a day). Along with huge screens, moving stages, BIGBANG made it more dynamic with T-shaped protruding stage and lifting equipment.

From ‘Haru Haru’, BIGBANG showcased ‘Blue,’ ‘Bad Boy,’ ‘Gara Gara Go’ and ‘Hands Up.’ The five of them stood before their Korean fans for the first time in a year, while each of them prepared solo stages as well. SEUNGRI, DAESUNG, TAEYANG, G-DRAGON and T.O.P revealed their true color at the big concert.

◆ BIGBANG is always BIGANG as a group, or as a solo

It’s been 9 years since their debut, but their different and unique charms helped them continue to show the fans new performances all the time. Apart from the group songs, they each have solo songs of their own. All those songs ranked #1 on music programs and positioned themselves as mainstream.

SEUNGRI was the first to go in solo stages. He showcased ‘Let’s Talk About Love,’ ‘Gotta Talk To You,’ and ‘What Can I Do,’ setting a familiar atmosphere. DAESUNG continued on with ‘Joyful’ and ‘Wings’ to fire up the audience.

TAEYANG performed the power dance with ‘Wedding Dress,’ ‘Look At Me Only,’ and ‘Ringa Linga,’ while G-DRAGON showed his exclusive songs ‘Crayon,’ and ‘Crooked.’ The last solo stage was T.O.P’s, which was filled with ‘Turn It Up’ and ‘Doom Dada.’
◆ 9-year-old global star born in South Korea

BIGBANG seemed excited to be holding a concert in South Korea again. They were exhilarated to be seeing the Korean fans once more. They kept repeating they are “back in Korea.” Fans cheered enthusiastically. Fans used colloquial language, while bonding with the fans by telling them what they are up to in terms of TV programs.

It was especially meaningful as the group performed a series of their first songs, which were released soon after they made a debut. They joked, “Some of you who just started liking us might not know these songs,” and performed ‘A Fool of Tears,’ ‘La La La,’ ‘BIGBANG,’ and ‘Shake It’ in a row. They played a video of their musical activities since 2006 in a chronological order, which entertained the fans even more.

They wanted to repay the Korean fans who helped them build their current status. The five members together delivered a parade of their hit songs. ‘Tonight,’ ‘Feeling,’ ‘Last Farewell’ and ‘Fantastic Baby’ heated up the Arena.

BIGBANG commented, “This concert was for Japan’s Dome Tour. But after seeing many Japanese fans, we were reminded of someone, and it was the Korean fans. Foreign fans are our new family. But Korean fans are the ones who helped us branch out to the world. We will make you proud!”

BIGBANG gave a big bow to the fans, announcing their new debut album coming this summer. Additional encore performances followed, building more enthusiasm in the entire Arena.