BigBang’s Comeback Draws Mixed Reactions From China’s K-pop Fans

After nearly four years of radio silence, the iconic South Korean boy band BigBang is making a long-awaited comeback.

According to the group’s agency YG Entertainment, their new drop is scheduled for April 5. The last thing released by BigBang was “Flower Road” in 2018.

Several reasons have been given for the group’s hiatus, including South Korea’s mandatory military service and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

#BIGBANG RELEASE POSTER

✅2022.04.05 0AM#빅뱅 #RELEASE #20220405_0AM #YG pic.twitter.com/EIatpPWvbV

— YG FAMILY (@ygent_official) March 20, 2022

Consisting of G-Dragon, T.O.P, Taeyang, and Daesung, BigBang is known for its record-breaking music videos in the K-pop industry.

Despite their long absence, the band’s dominance in the entertainment sector is undeniable, as demonstrated by their fans’ excitement in all corners of the globe, including China.

On March 21, the hashtag for BigBang’s return was trending on Weibo and accumulated more than 150 million views.

“The kings of K-pop return,” reads one succinct comment.

“I have started to play their old songs to prepare for the new release!” enthused another netizen before complaining, “Why do I still have to wait for 15 days?”

Even so, many are critical of BigBang, especially since some members were previously embroiled in a marijuana controversy.

“Doesn’t anyone remember that G-Dragon used drugs before?” complained one commenter.

K-Pop has long been embraced in China. But given the country’s crackdown on fan culture and ongoing geopolitical tensions between China and South Korea, the genre has frequently come under fire.

Furthermore, the Chinese government has emphasized punishing celebrities for ‘bad behavior,’ which includes breaking the law and having a harmful impact on society.

Therefore, it remains to be seen how BigBang’s comeback will be perceived in the country in the long run.

Cover image: Screengrab via YouTube