Taeyang – “Wedding Dress”

Often touted as being the “Korean Chris Brown,” Taeyang (born Dong Young-Bae) is a main vocalist of K-pop (and J-pop crossover) hip-hop band Big Bang. Big Bang is under the management of YG Entertainment, one of the ‘big three’ management companies on the Korean pop scene. As a music production company, YG Entertainment emphasizes the individuality of its artists. In 2009, Big Bang leader G-Dragon released his solo album Heartbreaker, which subsequently won him praise and awards for his impressive creative solo work.

The other Big Bang members–Taeyang, Daesung, T.O.P., and Seungri–are expected to pursue their own solo activites as well. Taeyang was the second member to release his solo piece, entitled “Wedding Dress.” The overtly angsty song instantly won over the hearts of fangirls, as it amply displayed Taeyang’s impressive vocal and dance abilities while still maintaining a R&B ballad nature.

To be honest, I’ve never really caught up with the Taeyang hype, just like how I’ve never really found Chris Brown to be that impressive of a musician. But his abilities are pretty impressive. In my opinion, I don’t think that “Wedding Dress” does his abilities justice, and his live performances of the piece often fall flat. I’m more impressed with his performances with the rest of Big Bang, but T.O.P (the Romulan-esque fellow) and G-Dragon (the intense-looking one with the pointy mohawk) are just such stage hogs that it’s hard for him to really shine.

Big Bang at Best Hits Festival 2009 (Japan)

-Patty