'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
BIGBANG's Taeyang has been receiving hate on social media for his recent comments on the group's impact on the K-pop entertainment industry globally, in an interview with CNN for New Year's Eve. In the interview, Taeyang was asked about the global popularity of K-pop music and how his group, BIGBANG, has contributed to it.
In response, he stated,
“Thank you for saying that... Thankfully, we were able to open doors to global markets for many K-pop bands that came after us, and they can perform on world stages. I wouldn't say we presented that, but it feels great to see that our efforts have played a part in that.”
Trending
However, Taeyang's reply was perceived to disdain BTS’ influence on the global spread of K-pop. Certain ARMYs (BTS fans) reacted negatively to his response and allegedly made hateful comments under the VIBE singer's Instagram posts.
Meanwhile, on January 7, 2025, CNN reuploaded the full interview clip of Taeyang, wherein he expressed his gratitude to the senior K-pop artists for their contribution.
He said,
“I believe we were able to receive the level of love we did because of the many senior artists who worked hard before us; the senior singers who worked really hard for the K-pop scene before it was even widely recognized are the ones who made things possible for us. So, it's a very natural thing. I feel very fortunate and am really grateful for it.”
More about BIGBANG’s Taeyang’s ‘open doors’ comment leading to K-pop fan wars online
On December 31, 2024, Taeyang joined CNN's Hanako Montgomery for the New Year's Eve live interview, talking about his solo music career and being a part of BIGBANG. The 2nd generation boy group is widely known for its contribution to K-wave, and the interviewer asked him how he felt about being a contributing artist to the popularity of K-pop music worldwide.
Taeyang responded that he was grateful that his music has partly helped to open the doors for his junior K-pop artists and groups to a global market. However, the singer’s remarks were criticized by a part of the BTS ARMY. The fans of the BIGHIT MUSIC boy group believed that the singer attempted to downplay the success and impact of BTS.
They allegedly spread hateful comments under his Instagram posts, while BIGBANG fans came to the defense of the idol and criticized the alleged BTS fans who spammed phrases like, ‘BTS paved the way,’ on his Instagram.
Furthermore, on January 6, 2025, Taeyang shared the interview link on his social media, urging his followers to watch the full segment. Subsequently, many fans believed that the Shoong! singer has subtly responded to the backlash by sharing the interview through his Instagram Stories.
BIGBANG’s Taeyang's 2025 [The Light Year] Encore concert in Incheon and other cities
On August 31, 2024, BIGBANG member Taeyang embarked on his first solo Asia tour, titled 2024 Tour [The Light Year], in Seoul, South Korea. He further held shows in Asian cities like Osaka, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Taipei.
Besides Asia, he performed in two Australian cities: Melbourne and Sydney. Meanwhile, on December 20, 2024, the I Need a Girl singer announced the 2025 encore concert in Incheon through his official social media account.
He is set to perform at the Inspire Arena in Incheon, South Korea, on February 1, 2025. The K-pop idol will also be holding concerts in other Asian cities following his Incheon show.
[The Light Year] Encore 2025 tour dates outside South Korea:
- January 25, 2025, at Beach City International Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia
- February 8, 2025, at Impact Arena, Bangkok, Thailand
- February 15 and 16, 2025, at Galaxy Arena, Macau, China
- February 22, 2025, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Manila, Philippines
In other news, BIGBANG will mark its 20th debut anniversary in 2026, and it has been confirmed that the current members of the group are preparing for a special event in celebration. The Shoong! singer, during his interview with CNN, revealed that the boy group has an exciting surprise for the fans to commemorate their 20th anniversary next year.
