K Watch: Taeyang (태양)

BIGBANG (빅뱅)

Fact File

Stage Name: Taeyang (양태) meaning solar, also known as Sol
Birth Name: Dong Youngbae
Family Name: Dong
Born: 18th May 1988, Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Age: 24
Role in BIGBANG: vocalist

After appearing in a music video for another artist Taeyang auditioned for YG, the result of which was to become a rapper trainee alongside G-Dragon. The two were later paired as GDYB, planning to release a mini album together, however the plan was scrapped by YG and instead the two were put into new boygroup BIGBANG. After forming BIGBANG, Taeyang turned from rapping in order to concentrate on his singing.

He released his first mini album "Hot" in May 2008, the album was different to the hip hop feeling of BIGBANG's music, it had many more R&B songs. However Taeyang was not happy with his album as he later admitted that he wrote none of the songs. Taeyang recieved two music awards for his song "Only look at me"and having the best R&B album. He was the first Korean idol group member to receive the award.

In 2009, among promoting and recording with BIGBANG, Taeyang released two solo tracks "Wedding Dress" and "Where U At". Wedding Dress was voted #3 on a poll for a Dutch radio station.