Debuting in 2006, BIGBANG quickly became one of the most highly influential K-pop groups in the world and has greatly influenced the direction K-pop would take, as well as its popularity in the West. Despite BIGBANG’s success, in 2019 they sadly entered a period of hiatus largely due to the actions of their former member, Seungri. Seungri took part in the Burning Sun Scandal and, following his conviction of sexual bribery and embezzlement, quickly left the group. Seungri’s actions, combined with the mandatory military service which the remaining members had to partake in, led to the group entering a long, seven year hiatus. Another factor in this hiatus were the actions of Choi Seung-hyun, also known as T.O.P, the lead rapper of BIGBANG, who was involved in a marijuana scandal. He was convicted of marijuana use in 2017, and was sentenced to ten months in prison. Following this scandal, Choi Seung-hyun faced extreme hate from Korean netizens, even receiving death threats from former fans. A couple of days after his use of marijuana came to light, Choi Seung-hyun was found unconscious from a suspected overdose of anti-anxiety medication. Choi Seung-hyun left the public light after this scandal, and officially left BIGBANG in 2023, leaving BIGBANG with solely three members: Kwon Ji-yong (G-Dragon), Dong Young-bae (Taeyang), and Kang Dae-sung (Daesung). However, despite the groups long hiatus and assumed disbandment, BIGBANG shocked fans by performing together once again at the Mnet Asian Music Awards. They performed some of their most popular hits such as “Bang Bang Bang” and “Fantastic Baby,” as well as their new single, “Home Sweet Home.” This recent performance, combined with their newest single “Home Sweet Home,” which is suspected to be a message to Choi Seung-hyun letting him know the remaining members still want him in the group, has caused fans to question if the group is truly returning. Furthermore, Choi Seung-hyun and Kwon Ji-yong have both, albeit separately, teased that they will be releasing new music. Sadly, no one truly knows if the group will actually return, and only time will tell if they return or not.
