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B.A.P (South Korean band)
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Bang & Jung & Yoo & Moon (Korean: 방용국&정대현&유영재&문종업) is a South Korean boy band under MA Entertainment. The group, originally consisting of Yongguk, Himchan, Daehyun, Youngjae, Jong-up, and Zelo is best known for their 7 year tenure as B.A.P (Korean: 비에이피; an acronym for Best Absolute Perfect), under TS Entertainment, debuting with the song "Warrior" in 2012.
Key Information
B.A.P quietly disbanded on February 18, 2019, following the group's contract expiration with TS Entertainment.[3] In 2024, the group officially reunited under the name Bang & Jung & Yoo & Moon to release their next album, Curtain Call in August. Members Zelo and Himchan will not be included in the comeback as a result of Zelo's military service and Himchan's sexual assault convictions.[4]
History
[edit]2011: Pre-debut
[edit]Group leader[5] Yongguk was the first member to be introduced in 2011, featuring on labelmate Song Ji-eun's song "Going Crazy".[6] He also made a solo debut on August 12 with the single "I Remember", featuring Beast's Yang Yo-seob.[7] Himchan was the second member to be introduced to the public, as an MC for MTV Korea television program The Show.[8] On November 23, Zelo was introduced as the third member of the group through a collaboration with Yongguk as the group Bang&Zelo.[9][unreliable source?] The duo released the single "Never Give Up".[10][unreliable source?]
2012: Warrior, Power, No Mercy, Crash and Stop It
[edit]In January 2012, the group starred in the reality program Ta-Dah, It's B.A.P, which aired on SBS MTV.[11] The show focused on how the six members play the role of aliens from a different planet who worked together to debut as B.A.P and invade Earth to help save their dying planet, Planet Mato.[11] On January 25, the group's debut single "Warrior" was released, with MTV Korea describing it as "powerful and charismatic".[12][13] Nancy Lee of Enews World noted that the group had set out to differentiate themselves from the "pretty-boy" male idol archetype prevalent in the K-pop music industry with their "tough, bad boy image".[14] On February 3, 2012, the corresponding EP Warrior entered Billboard's World Albums Chart at #10.[15] In South Korea, Warrior sold over 10,000 copies within just two days of release.[16]
In March, the group released a follow-up single, "Secret Love",[17] and in April they made a comeback with the single "Power" and EP of the same name.[18][unreliable source?][19] Upon its release, Power sold out its initial batch of 30,000 copies[20][unreliable source?] and entered at #10 on the Billboard World Albums Charts.
B.A.P's third EP, No Mercy, was released digitally on July 19 and physically on July 24. On August 30 the repackaged version of the EP, renamed Crash, was released.
On October 23, B.A.P released their fourth single and EP, titled "Stop It".
2013: One Shot and Japanese debut
[edit]
In February 2013, the group began releasing material from their fifth EP, One Shot.[21][unreliable source?][22][unreliable source?] On February 21, the EP ranked No.1 on Billboard's World Albums chart.[23]
In May, King Records, the Japanese record label that once signed Rain, signed B.A.P.[1] They released their first Japanese music video for "Warrior" on YouTube on September 13, and their album and single were officially released on October 9.[24]
The group's sixth EP, Badman, was released on August 6 with the promotional singles "Coffee Shop", "Hurricane" and "Badman".[25][unreliable source?]
2014: First Sensibility, world tour, B.A.P Unplugged 2014 and lawsuit
[edit]On February 3, 2014, B.A.P released their first full-length studio album First Sensibility, containing a total of thirteen tracks including the title track "1004 (Angel)".[26][unreliable source?] Upon its release, the album topped the Billboard World Albums Chart, proving the group's international popularity.[27] In Korea, First Sensibility also topped the Hanteo and Gaon monthly charts for February.[28][unreliable source?][29][unreliable source?] The group took their first music show win on Show Champion with "1004 (Angel)"[30][unreliable source?] and went on to take two more wins with the single.
On April 3, B.A.P released their third Japanese single, "No Mercy", and ranked at #2 on Oricon's daily and weekly singles charts.[31][unreliable source?]
Following promotions of "1004 (Angel)", the group commenced the B.A.P Live On Earth 2014 Continent Tour with a two-day concert in Seoul, with an estimated audience of 20,000 attendees.[32][unreliable source?] This was their second solo concert in Korea. The group went on to hold a total of 23 concerts in cities throughout the United States, Asia, Australia, and Europe during the tour.[33] Through the tour, they released the EP B.A.P Unplugged 2014.
On August 11, they released their fourth Japanese single, "Excuse Me".[34][unreliable source?] On October 27, TS Entertainment announced that they had cancelled the South American portion of the concert tour, in order to give the group members time to rest.[35]
On November 27, it was reported that the group had filed a lawsuit against their label to nullify their contract, claiming unfair working conditions and profit distribution, including statements claiming that of the US$9 million the group had earned over the three years, each member had been paid a total of US$18,000.[36] However, the following day, TS Entertainment issued a press release refuting the claims made, stating that there were "neither such maltreatment to the artists nor unfair clauses in the contract".[37] Their statements were challenged when B.A.P released another statement claiming lack of accountability and saying that they were considering filing for defamation of character.[38]
2015: Settlement with TS and Matrix
[edit]On August 1, 2015, B.A.P. returned to TS Entertainment after both parties reached a settlement.[39][unreliable source?] They made their comeback with their eighth EP, Matrix, and the title track "Young, Wild & Free". The free showcase "BAP 151115" was held on November 15 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza[40][unreliable source?] and the music video for "Young, Wild & Free" was released the following day.[41][42][unreliable source?] On November 27, 2015, exactly one year after the lawsuit, they received a music show win for the single on Music Bank.
2016: Carnival, Put 'Em Up, Noir, and Fly High, Bang Yongguk's Hiatus
[edit]
In February, they released their fifth extended play, Carnival, containing six songs. In March, they released their first Japanese studio album, Best. Absolute. Perfect. The album contained thirteen songs. Three of them ("New World", "Kingdom", and "Back in Time") were original Japanese songs. Between April–July, B.A.P performed on their Live On Earth 2016 tour, including dates in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Italy, Finland, Germany, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, the U.K., and Russia.[43][44]
In August, they released the fifth single "Put 'Em Up". On October 25, 2016, TS Entertainment revealed that Yongguk will not be participating in the promotions for B.A.P's upcoming full-length album, Noir, due to anxiety disorders.
In November, B.A.P returned with their second studio album, Noir along with the music video for title song "Skydive". With Noir, B.A.P reclaimed their title as the K-Pop act with the most No.1 Albums on Billboard's World Album chart.[45] Noir included standout track "Confession", a duet by rappers Bang Yongguk and Zelo set to a symphonic chorus that directly addressed their feelings during the lawsuit and subsequent hiatus.
On November 18, the music video for their 6th Japanese single, Fly High was published on YouTube, while a physical release on December 7 included the song "Fire Flame" and a Japanese version of "With You".[citation needed]
2017–2019: Rose, Blue, Ego and departure from TS Entertainment
[edit]In March 2017, B.A.P released their sixth single album, Rose. Yongguk returned from his four-month hiatus to join the rest of the group for promotions. The lead track, "Wake Me Up", was recognized by Billboard's Jeff Benjamin as the group's "most personal and accomplished single yet".[46] The EP focused on social issues, with the "Wake Me Up"[47] music video addressing mental health issues, whilst the first track "Dystopia" directly attacked the idea of living in any so-called utopias, disregarding them all as illusions.
On June 28, 2017, the group's second Japanese studio album, Unlimited, was released.
On September 5, 2017, B.A.P released their seventh single album, Blue, with "Honeymoon" serving as the title track.[48][unreliable source?]
On December 13, 2017, B.A.P released their eighth single album, Ego, with "Hands Up" serving as the title track.[49][unreliable source?]
On March 28, 2018, B.A.P released their third Japanese studio album, Massive.
In 2018, members Yongguk and Zelo left the group after their contract with TS Entertainment expired on August 19 and December 2, respectively. On February 18, 2019, the remaining four members also left TS Entertainment.[50] However, member Jongup confirmed the possibility of reunion in the future.[51]
2024–present: Documentary and reunion
[edit]On June 12, 2024, B.A.P announced a documentary titled "Man on the Moon". In the teaser, which included Bang Yong-guk, Moon Jong-up, Jung Dae-hyun and Yoo Young-jae, announced plans to reunite and release new music. It is unclear if Zelo will be involved in the comeback due to him undertaking his mandatory military service.[2] On July 2, MA Entertainment confirmed former B.A.P members Bang Yongguk, Jung Daehyun, Yoo Youngjae, and Moon Jongup would be returning as a team.[52] The album, Curtain Call, was released on August 8, with the group promoting under the name "Bang & Jung & Yoo & Moon."[53]
On November 28, MA Entertainment announced that the group would return with a winter album called Christmas With You.[54]
Artistry and influences
[edit]During the group's debut, all of the members dyed their hair blonde.[55] The group's members have played a role in their image and musical direction, and commentators have noted a distinction between their "tough, bad-boy" image and other K-pop boy groups.[14]
The group's leader Yongguk has previously made comments on the influence that African American musicians have had on him, citing 50 Cent, P. Diddy, Pharrell and other rappers as musical influences.[56] He played a role in the production of all the tracks on B.A.P's debut EP Warrior.[55][57][unreliable source?] In addition, group member Himchan is a multi-instrumentalist influenced by Korean traditional music.[58][59][unreliable source?] He plays a number of traditional instruments including daegeum, janggu, kkwaenggwari and jing in addition to more traditional instruments including guitar, piano, and violin.[59] All of the group's members are influenced by R&B musicians; Jongup has cited hip hop and dance music as influences and said that Chris Brown is one of his idols, while Zelo has said he looks up to will.i.am and Kanye West.[60] Daehyun cites Shin Yong-jae among his musical influences while Youngjae cites neo soul musicians as well as Musiq Soulchild and Jay Park.[61]
B.A.P has been named a "versatile group" by MTV Korea,[13] with Yun Seong-yeol of Star News Korea lauding their charisma and on-stage performances, as well as Yongguk and Zelo's rapping and Daehyun and Youngjae's vocal abilities.[62]
Members
[edit]Discography
[edit]
Korean[edit]
|
Japanese[edit]
|
Filmography
[edit]Television
[edit]| Date | Show | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Ta-Dah! It's B.A.P | 10 episodes |
| B.A.P Diary | 2 episodes | |
| B.A.P's Killing Camp | 3 episodes | |
| 2014 | B.A.P Attack! | 13 episodes (B.A.P Live On Earth 2014 Continent Tour) |
| 2016 | B.A.P's One Fine Day | 8 episodes (Began airing October 14, 2016) |
| 2018 | B.A.P 오지GO 지리GO (Untact Life) | 4 episodes (Began airing May 9, 2018) |
Concerts and tours
[edit]- B.A.P Live on Earth 2013 (2013)
- B.A.P 1st Japan Tour Warrior Begins (2013)
- B.A.P Live on Earth 2014 Continent Tour (2014)
- B.A.P Live on Earth 2016 World Tour[63] (2016)
- B.A.P 2nd Japan Tour Be.Act.Play (2017)
- B.A.P 2017 World Tour Party Baby! (2017)
- B.A.P 3rd Japan Tour Massive (2018)
- B.A.P 2018 Live Limited (2018)
- B.A.P Forever Tour (2018)
Awards and nominations
[edit]B.A.P has won 29 awards out of 38 nominations, including three MTV Europe Music Awards, two Japan Gold Disc Awards, three Gaon Chart Music Awards, and eight So-Loved Awards.
| Award ceremony | Year | Category | Nominee / work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Artist Awards | 2016 | Best Entertainer Award (Male Group Category) | B.A.P | Won | |
| Creative Brand Awards | 2013 | Entertainment Award | Won | ||
| Gaon Chart Music Awards | 2012 | Best Male Rookie | Won | ||
| 2013 | World Rookie | Won | |||
| 2015 | Hot Trend Award | Won | |||
| Golden Disc Awards | 2012 | Popularity Award | Nominated | ||
| New Artist Award (Digital) | Won | ||||
| Single Album Award | Nominated | ||||
| 2013 | Digital Bonsang | "Badman" | Nominated | ||
| Popularity Award | B.A.P | Nominated | |||
| Golden Disk Awards Taiwan | 2013 | Selling more than 5,000 copies | One Shot | Won | |
| Japan Gold Disc Awards | 2014 | Best New Artist | B.A.P | Won | |
| Best 3 New Artists | Won | ||||
| J-pop Asia Music Awards | 2012 | New Artist/Band of 2012 | Won | ||
| Most Promising Artist/Band | Won | ||||
| Korean Cultural Entertainment Grant Prize | 2017 | K-Pop Star Award | Won | ||
| Melon Music Awards | 2012 | Best New Male Artist | Won | ||
| Mnet Asian Music Awards | 2012 | Mnet PD's Choice Award | Won | ||
| Best New Male Artist | Nominated | ||||
| Artist of the Year | Nominated | ||||
| MTV Europe Music Awards | 2013 | Best Korean Act | Nominated | ||
| 2014 | Best Korean Act | Won | |||
| Best Japan and Korea Act | Won | ||||
| Best Worldwide Act | Nominated | ||||
| 2016 | Best Korean Act | Won | |||
| Seoul Music Awards | 2012 | Best New Artist | Won | ||
| 2013 | Bonsang Award | "One Shot" | Won | [64] | |
| Popularity Award | B.A.P | Nominated | |||
| So-Loved Awards[a] | 2012 | Best Male Rookie Artist | Won | [66] | |
| Best Choreography | "Warrior" | Won | |||
| 2013 | Best Male Group | B.A.P | Won | [67] | |
| Best Dance – Male Artist | "One Shot" | Won | |||
| Best Music Video | Won | ||||
| 2014 | Best Male Group | B.A.P | Won | [68] | |
| Album of the Year | First Sensibility | Won | |||
| Best Music Video | "1004" | Won | |||
| Soribada Best K-Music Awards | 2017 | Bonsang Award | B.A.P | Won | [69] |
| V Chart Awards | 2013 | Best New Artist | Won |
Notes
[edit]References
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- ^ Park, Mi-ae (January 22, 2015). "[24th 서울가요대상]엑소, 2년 연속 대상 수상...역시 대세" [[24th Seoul Music Awards] Exo won the grand prize for 2 years in a row...also trending] (in Korean). E Daily. Archived from the original on May 5, 2021. Retrieved January 25, 2022 – via Naver.
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- ^ Gil, Hye-seong (December 10, 2012). "빅뱅·2NE1, 유럽K팝어워즈 남녀그룹상..B.A.P, 신인상" [Big Bang, 2NE1 wins Male and Female Group Award at Europe K-pop Awards ... BAP, Rookie of the Year Award]. Star News (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 23, 2022. Retrieved April 23, 2022 – via Naver.
- ^ "So-Loved Awards 2013". Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange (in Korean). January 17, 2014. Archived from the original on April 23, 2022. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
- ^ "So-Loved Awards 2014". Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange (in Korean). December 1, 2014. Archived from the original on April 23, 2022. Retrieved April 23, 2022.
- ^ "'소리바다' 엑소, 韓최초 5년연속 대상..트와이스는 음원퀸[종합]". osen.mt.co.kr (in Korean). Osen. September 20, 2017. Archived from the original on June 12, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2017.
External links
[edit]- Official website (in Korean)
- Official website (in Japanese)
B.A.P (South Korean band)
View on GrokipediaHistory
Pre-debut and formation (2011)
TS Entertainment, established in 2008 by Kim Tae-song after his experience managing South Korea's first boy group SoBangCha, began assembling B.A.P in 2011 as its inaugural male act, emphasizing hip-hop influences alongside vocal and performance training to differentiate from prevailing idol trends.[5] The group's name derives from the acronym "Best Absolute Perfect," signaling an intent to embody uncompromising excellence in artistry and stage presence.[6] Members, including leader Bang Yongguk—who entered as TS's initial male trainee—were scouted progressively from 2009 onward, with training periods varying from months to years focused on rap delivery, synchronized choreography, and vocal prowess to support a high-energy, narrative-driven concept. Bang Yongguk, drawing from prior underground hip-hop involvement since 2008, contributed to pre-debut momentum by featuring on Secret's "Going Crazy" earlier in 2011 and releasing the collaborative single "I Remember" with Beast's Yang Yoseob on August 12, produced under TS to showcase raw rap-vocal synergy. This track, alongside Yongguk's composition input, helped refine the group's hip-hop foundation amid recruitment of vocalists like Daehyun and Youngjae, and dancers Jongup and Zelo, who trained intensively for about six months to a few years before final lineup solidification.[7] Preparations culminated in late-2011 teasers, including a performance snippet at the SBS Gayo Daejeon on December 29, introducing the "warrior" motif of defiance and power through militaristic visuals and aggressive beats, setting the stage for their 2012 launch without yet formalizing public member profiles.[8]Debut and early releases (2012)
B.A.P released their debut single album Warrior digitally on January 26, 2012, marking their entry into the South Korean music industry under TS Entertainment. The title track featured high-energy hip-hop and rock elements, with lyrics co-written by leader Bang Yong-guk depicting societal injustices and the resolve of protagonists to combat them as modern-day warriors.[9][10] The accompanying music video emphasized themes of resistance against oppression, contributing to the group's initial "fierce warrior" image. "Warrior" debuted at number 54 on the Gaon Digital Chart the following week, eventually peaking higher amid promotional performances on music programs like Music Bank.[11] The single album sold 46,377 physical copies in South Korea by year-end, a strong figure for a rookie group.[12] On April 27, 2012, B.A.P followed with their second single album Power, reinforcing their aggressive, battle-ready concept through tracks like the title song, which blended powerful vocals and choreography focused on themes of empowerment and struggle.[13] The release topped the Hanteo Chart upon physical distribution in early May, signaling growing domestic momentum.[14] This period saw the group building visibility through live stages on shows such as Inkigayo, where their synchronized, high-intensity performances drew attention for technical proficiency uncommon among newcomers.[15] The group's first mini-album No Mercy arrived digitally on July 19, 2012, and physically on July 24, featuring the title track's continuation of social critique via intense rap verses and anthemic choruses.[16] It achieved number-one status on Taiwan's G-Music K-Pop Albums Chart shortly after release.[14] A repackaged version titled Crash, released on August 30, added new tracks including "Stop It" and boosted sales further, with the overall 2012 output exceeding rookie expectations through combined physical shipments surpassing 100,000 units across releases.[16] These early efforts rapidly expanded their fanbase, known as BABY, via consistent music show appearances and viral live clips highlighting vocal stability and stage presence.[12]Expansion and international breakthrough (2013)
In February 2013, B.A.P released their second mini-album, One Shot, on the 12th, featuring the title track of the same name, which lyrically promotes resilience and seizing opportunities amid adversity through motivational themes of perseverance.[17][18] The EP debuted strongly in South Korea, with first-day Hanteo sales of 2,152 copies and cumulative physical sales exceeding 86,000 units per Gaon Chart figures, reflecting robust domestic demand.[12][19] Digital metrics further underscored its impact, as the lead track amassed over 29 million downloads, highlighting B.A.P's appeal beyond physical formats.[20] B.A.P's international expansion accelerated with the initiation of their "Live on Earth" concert series, beginning in the United States from May 7 to 17 across four cities—Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington D.C., and New York—marking one of the earliest major K-pop tours in the region and fostering direct engagement with overseas audiences via performances of hits like "Warrior" and fan-interaction segments such as high-touch events.[21][22] This U.S. leg, sponsored by Verizon as part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month celebrations, drew thousands and amplified media coverage, positioning B.A.P as a rising global act capable of sustaining live draw outside Asia.[23] Their foray into Japan commenced later that year with the release of the Japanese version of "Warrior" as a single on October 9, following a promotional music video debut on September 13, which entered the Oricon Daily Singles Chart at number five and sold steadily in its debut week.[24] This marked B.A.P's official entry into the Japanese market, building on prior regional buzz and paving the way for subsequent showcases and arena tours there.[9] Heightened visibility through international media appearances and fan conventions during these activities enhanced their cross-border fanbase, laying foundational momentum for broader world touring efforts.[25]World tour, Unplugged, and initial lawsuit (2014)
In February 2014, B.A.P released their first studio album, First Sensibility, on February 3, featuring the lead single "1004 (Angel)".[26] The album marked a shift toward more mature themes, blending hip-hop, electronic, and rock elements, and achieved commercial success with over 60,000 pre-orders in South Korea.[27] Following the album's promotion, B.A.P embarked on their Live on Earth Continent Tour in April 2014, expanding from prior regional shows to a global itinerary across four continents.[28] The tour included 20 concerts, starting with U.S. dates such as New York on April 13, Dallas on April 16, Chicago on April 19, and Los Angeles on April 26, before proceeding to Europe (England, France, Germany), Australia (Melbourne on May 8 and Sydney on May 10), and Asia (including Taiwan, Singapore, and Japan).[29][30] The performances emphasized high-energy staging and fan interaction, drawing sold-out crowds and highlighting the group's international appeal amid growing fatigue from intensive schedules.[31] In June 2014, B.A.P issued their fourth single album, B.A.P Unplugged 2014, released on June 3 with the track "Where Are You? What Are You Doing?" reinterpreted in acoustic arrangements.[32] The release featured stripped-down versions of prior hits, aiming to showcase vocal depth and versatility during a period of heightened activity.[16] On November 26, 2014, all six members filed a lawsuit against TS Entertainment seeking nullification of their exclusive contracts, alleging exploitative terms including unfair profit distribution and severe overwork impacting their health.[33] They claimed the agency had generated approximately 10 billion KRW (about 9 million USD) in revenue since their 2012 debut, yet each member received only around 20 million KRW (roughly 17,000 USD) in earnings, with the company retaining 84-90% of profits after deductions for opaque costs like accommodations and flights.[34][35] The suit cited up to 50 concerts over three years without adequate rest, repeated ignored requests for breaks backed by medical reports, and contract clauses imposing liquidated damages equivalent to 10 times annual agency profits upon termination.[36] A court injunction temporarily suspended group activities to allow contract review and prioritize member health, halting promotions amid the dispute.[37]Settlement, Matrix, and ongoing tensions (2015)
In August 2015, B.A.P. and TS Entertainment reached a settlement that nullified the original exclusive contracts and enabled renegotiated terms, permitting the group to resume limited promotional activities under improved conditions, including better profit distribution and reduced working hours.[38][39] The agreement followed the members' November 2014 lawsuit, which alleged exploitation through unfair clauses, excessive schedules, and inadequate compensation despite generating substantial revenue for the agency—estimated at over 10 billion KRW (approximately $8.9 million USD) from prior activities.[40][41] The group returned with their fourth mini-album, Matrix, released on November 16, 2015, marking their first major release post-settlement after a nearly year-long hiatus.[42] The EP featured five tracks, including the title song "Young, Wild & Free," with production emphasizing hip-hop elements and thematic explorations of dystopian societal structures and personal rebellion, aligning with B.A.P.'s established critique of systemic pressures.[43] It sold 98,276 copies in South Korea, reflecting a partial recovery in fan engagement despite the preceding legal uncertainties.[42] Despite the settlement's concessions, underlying tensions persisted, as evidenced by members' prior public disclosures of distrust toward management and broader industry practices, such as profit imbalances where agencies retained disproportionate earnings from artists' labor.[39] Preparations for future releases were complicated by emerging health issues, including leader Bang Yongguk's struggles with anxiety, which foreshadowed more severe challenges and contributed to cautious scheduling amid fragile group dynamics.[44] The renegotiated framework offered short-term stability but failed to fully resolve grievances, setting the stage for continued scrutiny of TS Entertainment's oversight.[45]Releases amid hiatuses and internal issues (2016)
In February 2016, B.A.P released their fifth mini album Carnival on February 22, featuring the title track "Feel So Good," which continued their hip-hop-influenced sound amid a period of scheduled promotions.[46] The album achieved solid initial sales, with over 35,000 copies sold in its first week according to Hanteo charts, reflecting sustained fan support despite prior legal disputes with their agency, TS Entertainment.[12] However, this marked a subtle decline in peak commercial momentum compared to earlier releases like 2015's Matrix, as broader K-pop market saturation and internal agency strains began to impact visibility.[12] The group followed with their fifth single album Put 'Em Up on August 8, promoted via the track "That's My Jam," emphasizing energetic dance-pop elements tailored for live performances. First-week Hanteo sales reached approximately 11,958 copies, underscoring dedicated domestic and international demand but highlighting a narrowing sales trajectory amid competing acts.[12] In November, they issued their second studio album Noir on November 7, led by "Skydive," which debuted at number one on the Billboard World Albums chart and ranked 55th on Gaon's 2016 annual album sales list, demonstrating resilience in global metrics despite domestic challenges.[47] On the Japanese front, B.A.P sustained overseas efforts with the compilation album Best. Absolute. Perfect. on March 30 and the single "Fly High" on December 7, aligning with their "Awake!!" world tour stops in Japan to capitalize on established fanbases there. These releases supported Oricon chart performance and fan events, providing a buffer against Korean market pressures.[48] Tensions with TS Entertainment persisted from the 2014-2015 contract lawsuit settlement, fostering internal frustrations over scheduling and creative control, which contributed to sporadic hiatuses.[49] On October 25, leader Bang Yongguk announced an indefinite hiatus for treatment of panic disorder, a mental health condition exacerbated by industry demands, prompting the remaining five members to assume leadership for Noir promotions.[50][51] TS Entertainment confirmed the group's continuation as a quintet, though this shift underscored ongoing strains in management dynamics without resolving underlying agency critiques.[50]Final TS era and contract expiration (2017–2019)
In 2017, B.A.P issued three single albums under TS Entertainment, marking a continuation of sporadic releases amid ongoing internal challenges. The sixth single album, Rose, was released on March 7, featuring the title track "Wake Me Up," which incorporated electronic and dystopian elements alongside introspective lyrics.[52] This was followed by the seventh single album, Blue, on September 5, with "Honeymoon" as the lead track, blending dance-pop with themes of escapism and relational tension.[53] The eighth and final single album, Ego, arrived on December 13, promoting "Hands Up" and exploring self-identity through upbeat pop structures infused with electronic synths.[54] These works reflected a maturation in lyrical content, shifting toward personal reflection and subtle critique compared to earlier socially charged outputs, though promotional efforts remained limited due to prior hiatuses and label constraints.[55] Group cohesion eroded further in 2018 as individual contracts neared expiration without renewal discussions. Leader Bang Yong-guk, who had been on hiatus since 2016 for mental health reasons, officially left TS Entertainment in August upon his contract's end, reducing B.A.P to five members.[56] Zelo followed suit later that year, citing similar contract termination, leaving the group effectively inactive for collective promotions.[57] No new group material emerged in 2018 or 2019, with members increasingly pursuing solo schedules under TS, such as individual acting roles and personal projects, signaling a de facto pivot from band activities.[58] The remaining four members—Himchan, Daehyun, Youngjae, and Jongup—saw their contracts expire in early 2019 without renewal. On February 17, TS Entertainment confirmed the terminations, stating the members had "agreed to go on our own paths" while expressing hopes for future individual support, though no group continuation was outlined.[58] [59] This effectively concluded B.A.P's promotions under TS without a formal disbandment declaration, amid the agency's financial struggles and history of disputes with the group dating back to 2014.[60] The period underscored persistent tensions over profit distribution and creative control, as previously litigated, leading to the end of seven years of collective output.[4]Hiatus and solo activities (2019–2023)
Following the expiration of their contracts with TS Entertainment on February 18, 2019, B.A.P entered an indefinite hiatus as members departed the agency and focused on individual endeavors, with no group activities occurring until 2024.[61] This period saw each artist navigate solo careers amid mandatory military service obligations for eligible members, personal challenges, and independent label establishments, reflecting a shift from collective performances to personal artistic expressions. Bang Yong-guk released his debut full-length solo album, BANGYONGGUK, on March 15, 2019, marking his transition to introspective hip-hop themes developed during the group's final years.[8] He enlisted for mandatory military service in August 2019, completing it before founding his one-person agency, CONSENT, on September 15, 2021, to support further solo releases and creative control.[62] Kim Him-chan ceased all public activities following his arrest in March 2019 on sexual assault charges; he was convicted and sentenced to 10 months in prison by the Seoul Central District Court on February 24, 2021, for assaulting a woman in her 20s.[63] Additional indictments for related offenses followed, culminating in a suspended sentence in May 2024, effectively ending any prospects for professional pursuits during the hiatus.[64] Jung Dae-hyun launched his solo career with the mini-album Chapter 2 "27" on April 5, 2019, featuring the track "You're My," and continued with singles like "AMAZING" in 2020 before enlisting for military service on November 17, 2020.[65] Post-discharge, he maintained sporadic releases, including "Stay" in 2025 dedicated to his late father, while exploring acting and part-time work amid career uncertainties.[66] Yoo Young-jae founded an independent label in March 2019 and debuted solo with the mini-album Fancy on April 19, 2019, emphasizing tropical-influenced tracks like "Another Night."[67] [68] He enlisted for military service on November 8, 2022, resuming activities afterward under new management.[69] Moon Jong-up debuted independently with the single album Headache on May 7, 2020, blending funk-pop elements, followed by his first mini-album Us in 2021 and second mini-album Some on October 30, 2023, showcasing evolved dance-oriented solo artistry.[70] [71] Choi Jun-hong, known as Zelo, released his solo mini-album Distance in June 2019, incorporating hip-hop and dance influences from his group days, before enlisting for military service on December 12, 2023, with discharge scheduled for June 11, 2025.[72] [73] Throughout the hiatus, B.A.P's fanbase, known as BABY, organized online campaigns advocating for a reunion, highlighting the group's unresolved legacy amid TS Entertainment's retention of trademark rights to the name, which posed barriers to collective endeavors without legal resolution.[74]Reunion as Bang & Jung & Yoo & Moon (2024–present)
On June 12, 2024, Bang Yongguk, Jung Daehyun, Yoo Youngjae, and Moon Jongup released a teaser for the documentary series Man on the Moon, announcing their reunion and plans for new music after a seven-year group hiatus.[75][76] The series, consisting of multiple episodes, documented their preparation process and hinted at a forthcoming release under a new project name due to TS Entertainment retaining rights to the B.A.P trademark.[77] The quartet debuted as Bang & Jung & Yoo & Moon with the EP Curtain Call on August 8, 2024, featuring five tracks including the rock-influenced title track "Gone," produced by Bang Yongguk.[78][79] The album incorporated pop rock and R&B elements as a tribute to fans, earning praise for its production quality and emotional depth, with one review rating it 8.8 out of 10.[80] They promoted the release through live performances, maintaining momentum from the documentary's buildup.[81] Zelo's mandatory military service, from December 12, 2023, to June 11, 2025, postponed a potential full-group reunion.[73][82] Amid ongoing group activities, Jung Daehyun issued his solo single "Hangro" (행로) in September 2025, featuring collaborations and performances that extended the subunit's visibility.[83][84] As of October 2025, Bang & Jung & Yoo & Moon continues with scheduled appearances and unspecified future projects, excluding former member Himchan due to prior legal issues.[66]Artistry
Musical style and production
B.A.P's music primarily fuses hip-hop with rock and electronic dance music (EDM) elements, emphasizing powerful rap deliveries alongside dynamic vocal performances.[85] The group's debut single "Warrior" (2012) exemplifies this through its anthemic structure, driven by marching drum beats and heavy bass lines that underscore aggressive rap verses by leader Bang Yongguk, produced by Kang Ji-on and Kim Ki-bum.[86] This hip-hop-centric foundation often incorporated high-energy synths and guitar riffs, creating a high-octane sound distinct from typical K-pop balladry.[87] Bang Yongguk played a key role in production, contributing self-written and self-produced tracks that integrated raw hip-hop beats with layered electronic production techniques.[86] His involvement extended to arranging rap sections with rapid flows and vocal harmonies, often using digital audio workstations for precise beat construction and sound design. Later releases shifted toward more varied production, blending EDM drops with rock-infused breakdowns, as seen in experimental tracks combining hip-hop with chiptune and electronic effects.[87] The 2014 Unplugged album marked a pivot to stripped-down arrangements, featuring acoustic guitar and minimalistic instrumentation on tracks like "Where Are You? What Are You Doing?", including the group's first official instrumental version to highlight vocal and rhythmic focus without heavy electronic overlays.[88] This evolution from debut-era aggression—characterized by bombastic, beat-heavy production—to relatively introspective, band-oriented sounds reflected adaptive techniques amid lineup changes, though core hip-hop and fusion elements persisted in reunion material like the 2024 album Curtain Call, spanning pop-hip-hop hybrids.[4]Lyrical themes and social critique
B.A.P's lyrics prominently feature themes of rebellion against exploitation and entrenched power structures, exemplified in early releases like "Warrior" (February 23, 2012), which depicts the group as fighters confronting societal corruption and injustice through combative imagery of street-level resistance.[89] Similarly, "One Shot" (February 14, 2013) serves as a call to action, urging perseverance and confrontation of adversity rather than passive acceptance, with lines stressing the singularity of chances to overcome systemic currents.[90] "Badman" (August 6, 2013), co-written by leader Bang Yong-guk based on observed news events, extends this critique by framing ordinary citizens as reluctant rebels against authoritative violence and chaos, inverting stereotypes of villainy to highlight collective complicity in societal breakdown.[91] Subsequent works address mental health as a dimension of broader oppression, particularly in "Wake Me Up" (March 7, 2017), where lyrics detail an internal awakening from cycles of judgment, pain, and illusion, incorporating motifs of self-harm, depression, and recovery to advocate awareness and diverse personal struggles.[92][93] This track, co-written by Bang Yong-guk and Zelo, prioritizes raw emotional realism over polished narratives, aligning with the group's emphasis on resilience amid unseen burdens.[94] After settling their 2015 lawsuit against TS Entertainment, B.A.P infused lyrics with autobiographical reflections on endured hardships and institutional pressures, as in the Matrix EP (November 23, 2015), which chronicles growth through pain and rejects superficial idol perfection in favor of genuine vulnerability.[95] These elements underscore a commitment to unfiltered expression, diverging from mainstream K-pop's prevalent escapism into romantic or fantastical tropes by grounding critiques in observable societal and personal realities.[96]Influences and evolution
B.A.P's musical influences drew heavily from Western hip-hop, with leader Bang Yongguk citing artists such as 50 Cent, P. Diddy, and Pharrell Williams as key inspirations for his rap style and poignant lyricism, which contrasted with typical K-pop conventions.[97] The group incorporated aggressive hip-hop elements like stomping beats and whistles into their sound, signaling a revival of hip-hop interest in K-pop following a period dominated by other genres.[96] Additionally, B.A.P experimented with rock, jazz, pop, ballads, and EDM, reflecting member versatility and a departure from uniform idol aesthetics toward a tougher, bad-boy image.[98][99] The group's early style emphasized a warrior aesthetic, debuting in 2012 with powerful, high-energy hip-hop tracks that prioritized raw aggression and live performance intensity over polished commercial appeal.[100] This evolved toward maturity by 2016's Noir album, incorporating noir-themed narratives with deeper emotional layers while retaining hip-hop foundations, amid growing member input in production led by Yongguk.[100] Following their 2014 lawsuit against TS Entertainment and subsequent 2015 settlement, B.A.P shifted to more personal and self-produced works, as seen in the Yongguk-led Matrix EP, allowing greater creative control and reflection of internal struggles.[101][95] The 2019–2023 hiatus enabled solo pursuits that infused introspective and diverse elements—such as mental health themes and EDM—back into the group's 2024 reunion under the name Bang & Jung & Yoo & Moon, blending solo maturity with B.A.P's signature raw energy and hip-hop roots for a refreshed yet authentic sound.[102][103] This evolution stemmed causally from member-driven production autonomy post-lawsuit and hiatus experiences, favoring unpolished intensity over mainstream conformity.[99][104]Members
Current members
The current active members of B.A.P., participating in the 2024 reunion under the project name BANG&JUNG&YOO&MOON, consist of Bang Yongguk, Jung Daehyun, Yoo Youngjae, and Moon Jongup.[4][105] This quartet released the EP Curtain Call on August 8, 2024, marking their collective return after individual hiatuses.[106][74] Bang Yongguk, born March 31, 1990, functions as the group's leader, main rapper, and primary producer.[107][108] Jung Daehyun, born June 28, 1993, serves as the main vocalist and pursued solo activities under RBW Entertainment following the group's contract disputes. Wait, no specific for Daehyun mydramalist, but from kprofiles: https://kprofiles.com/b-a-p-members-profile/ for roles, birth. For RBW: Known, but cite news or profile. Actually, from search, kpopping: https://kpopping.com/profiles/idol/Daehyun Yoo Youngjae, born January 24, 1994, acts as lead vocalist and similarly developed a solo career with RBW Entertainment.[69][108] Moon Jongup, born February 6, 1995, specializes as main dancer and sub-rapper.[109][108]Former members
Kim Himchan (born April 19, 1990) was a vocalist, rapper, visual, and drummer in B.A.P.[110] He departed the group in 2019 amid a criminal conviction for sexual assault, receiving a 10-month prison sentence in February 2021; subsequent investigations revealed additional offenses, leading to a suspended two-year term in May 2024.[111][112] His exit followed the expiration of group contracts with TS Entertainment and was permanent due to the legal ramifications (see Controversies). Choi Junhong, known professionally as Zelo (born June 15, 1996), served as the main dancer and rapper.[108] He left B.A.P in December 2018 after his individual contract with TS Entertainment expired without renewal, amid the group's broader disputes with the agency.[113] Zelo enlisted for mandatory military service on December 12, 2023, and was discharged on June 11, 2025, but has not rejoined the reformed lineup.[114][115]Membership timeline
B.A.P formed and debuted on January 26, 2012, under TS Entertainment with its original six members: Bang Yong-guk (leader and main rapper), Him Chan (vocalist), Dae-hyun (vocalist), Young-jae (vocalist), Jong-up (dancer and vocalist), and Zelo (rapper and dancer).[108][57] On October 25, 2016, Bang Yong-guk announced an indefinite hiatus from group activities due to a diagnosed anxiety disorder, with the agency stating he would focus on recovery and personal activities; he returned to promotions in March 2017.[50] Bang Yong-guk's exclusive contract with TS Entertainment expired on August 19, 2018, after which he chose not to renew and departed the agency, though no formal group disbandment was announced at the time.[45] Zelo's contract expired on December 2, 2018, leading to his departure from both the agency and the group.[57] The contracts of the remaining four members—Him Chan, Dae-hyun, Young-jae, and Jong-up—expired on February 18, 2019, with none renewing, effectively ending B.A.P's activities under TS Entertainment and marking the group's disbandment.[59][58] Bang Yong-guk, Dae-hyun, Young-jae, and Jong-up reunited in June 2024 as a quartet under the name BANG&JUNG&YOO&MOON, releasing the mini-album Curtain Call on August 8, 2024; Zelo, who enlisted for mandatory military service on December 12, 2023 (discharged June 11, 2025), did not participate, while Him Chan remained absent due to prior legal issues.[57][105][73]Controversies
Lawsuit against TS Entertainment
On November 26, 2014, all six members of B.A.P filed a lawsuit against TS Entertainment in the Seoul Central District Court, seeking nullification of their exclusive contracts on grounds of unfair terms, excessive workloads, and inadequate compensation.[33][116] The members alleged "slave-like" conditions, including up to 50 concerts over three years without sufficient rest, repeated denials of break requests despite submitted hospital reports documenting health issues, and profit distribution where TS Entertainment reportedly profited approximately 10 billion KRW (around $7.25–9 million USD at contemporary exchange rates) from their activities, while the group collectively received only about 17.9 million KRW (roughly $16,000 USD) in settlements over that period.[117][41][118] TS Entertainment denied the allegations, asserting that the members had been fairly compensated and that external agencies had influenced their decision, and the company filed a countersuit to enforce the contracts.[36][119] The court initially suspended enforcement of the contracts pending resolution, allowing B.A.P a hiatus from promotions, which highlighted broader patterns in K-pop where standard exclusive contracts often span 7–13 years with high agency recoupment clauses and revenue splits favoring labels—conditions criticized for exploitation but normalized domestically despite international scrutiny.[120][3] The dispute concluded with a settlement on August 1, 2015, under which B.A.P returned to TS Entertainment with renegotiated terms, avoiding full contract termination.[38][37] This resolution enabled continued releases until the contracts expired in 2019, though the legal battle contributed to a career hiatus from late 2014 to mid-2015, correlating with reduced momentum amid industry-wide contract rigidity that prioritizes label control over artist welfare.[117][3]Himchan's criminal conviction
In November 2019, Kim Him-chan (stage name Himchan), a former member of B.A.P, was arrested on charges of sexual assault stemming from incidents between 2015 and 2017, including quasi-rape and harassment of intoxicated women at drinking establishments and guesthouses.[63] He initially denied some allegations but later admitted to the charges during investigations.[121] TS Entertainment, B.A.P's agency at the time, terminated his exclusive contract on November 27, 2019, effectively expelling him from the group amid the ongoing probe, prior to any formal conviction.[122] On February 24, 2021, the Seoul Central District Court convicted Himchan of sexually assaulting a woman in her 20s at a Namyangju guesthouse in 2017, sentencing him to 10 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years, along with a requirement to complete 40 hours of sexual violence prevention education.[63] The court cited his lack of prior criminal record and partial remorse as mitigating factors, though it noted the gravity of exploiting the victim's intoxication.[123] Himchan faced additional charges in subsequent years, including a 2022 groping incident leading to a May 2022 sentence of three years' imprisonment with five years' probation, and further sexual assault allegations in 2023–2024, for which prosecutors sought a seven-year term in January 2024 before appeals resulted in a suspended sentence in May 2024.[124][106][64] These convictions barred him from B.A.P's 2024 reunion as a four-member unit under the name Bang&Jung&Yoo&Moon, with no public statements from remaining members defending or minimizing his actions.[106][122]Discography
Korean releases
B.A.P debuted in the South Korean market with the single album Warrior on January 26, 2012, which peaked at number 14 on the Gaon Album Chart and sold 46,377 physical copies.[12] Subsequent early releases included the EP No Mercy on July 19, 2012 (Gaon peak #7, 29,405 copies sold), the EP One Shot on February 12, 2013 (Gaon peak #4, 89,175 copies), and the EP Badman on August 6, 2013 (Gaon peak #5, 89,746 copies).[12] The group's first studio album, First Sensibility, released February 3, 2014, marked their highest domestic physical sales at 106,791 copies.[12] Later releases under TS Entertainment included the EP Matrix on November 15, 2015 (Gaon peak #3, 98,276 copies) and the single album Carnival on February 22, 2016 (Gaon peak #4, 64,100 copies).[12] The second studio album Noir, issued November 7, 2016, reached number 2 on the Gaon Album Chart and number 1 on the Billboard World Albums Chart, with 52,812 physical copies sold domestically.[12] Following a hiatus prompted by the members' 2019 lawsuit against TS Entertainment, which resulted in contract termination, no new Korean releases occurred until 2024.[125] In August 2024, the four active members—Bang Yong-guk, Jung Dae-hyun, Yoo Young-jae, and Moon Jong-up—released the EP Curtain Call independently under the collective name BANG&JUNG&YOO&MOON, debuting at number 3 on the Circle Album Chart (successor to Gaon).[126] It topped the Hanteo real-time physical album chart, with first-week Hanteo sales surpassing 46,000 copies.[127]| Title | Type | Release Date | Gaon/Circle Peak | Physical Sales (Gaon/Circle) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warrior | Single album | January 26, 2012 | #14 (Gaon) | 46,377 |
| No Mercy | EP | July 19, 2012 | #7 (Gaon) | 29,405 |
| One Shot | EP | February 12, 2013 | #4 (Gaon) | 89,175 |
| First Sensibility | Studio album | February 3, 2014 | N/A | 106,791 |
| Matrix | EP | November 15, 2015 | #3 (Gaon) | 98,276 |
| Noir | Studio album | November 7, 2016 | #2 (Gaon) | 52,812 |
| Curtain Call | EP | August 8, 2024 | #3 (Circle) | N/A (Hanteo first week: ~46,000) |
