BigBang concert comes alive on screen

BigBang in a scene from “BIGBANG MADE” / Courtesy of YG Entertainment

By Yun Suh-young

BigBang is back.

The hugely popular boy band is marking the 10th anniversary of its debut with a series of events, including "BIGBANG MADE," a documentary film of its recent world tour.

"BIGBANG MADE," released on June 30, follows the band on its 10th anniversary world tour ― a 340-day trip to 32 cities in 13 countries ― from April last year to March this year.

In the film, the five members ― G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-yong), Taeyang (Dong Young-bae), T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun), Daesung (Kang Dae-sung) and Seungri (Lee Seung-hyun) ― are not just superstars but young men in their late 20s making fun of each other and fooling around. But when it comes to preparing for the stage, they become superstars, transforming themselves into extremely dedicated professionals, checking the set, the sequence, the lighting and the sound to create a perfect show.

The film shows the band members as they naturally are, without a set script or plot. From lying down and relaxing behind the stage to making jokes, dressing up and even collapsing backstage due to dehydration, these are all real situations. Occasionally, they share their personal opinions on certain topics, such as how it felt when re-signing the contract with YG Entertainment or how they feel about the group’s future.

A scene from “BIGBANG MADE” / Courtesy of YG Entertainment

"We tried to put in the film the reality behind the stage, our real selves,” said T.O.P, before the press screening on Thursday. “We filmed our year-long tour around the world to make something special out of our 10-year anniversary. I hope audiences enjoy it."

The world tour was especially meaningful because it will be difficult for the band to perform after T.O.P goes to his military service next year, with other members possibly following.

"I think the five of us were born to become BigBang," T.O.P says in the film, showing his affection for the group.

Group leader G-Dragon said: "I wish we could become like the Rolling Stones. I want to keep going when we are 50 and 60 years old. If there's a will and if we follow our dreams, I think it will come true."

BigBang has a lot of energy and affection for their work. The members are perfectionists but also collaborators showing great team work. After watching the film, audiences will understand why they became BigBang.

Explaining the group’s striving for perfection, Taeyang says: "It’s because we want to provide high-quality performances."

G-Dragon said: "It’s also because we want to give the best to our fans who pay high prices for the tickets and even fly to different cities just to see us. We think it is natural for us to show courtesy."

In the film, G-Dragon becomes dehydrated during one of the concerts and is near to passing out but still keeps performing.

The heart-throb doesn’t just come from watching attractive young men perform, it also comes from the movie’s format. The film is available not only in 2D but also in a Screen X version at CGV theaters, which gives a realistic 270-degree view via three screens ― front, left and right.

The Screen X technology was specially created by CGV and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), and funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning.

BigBang also has a concert scheduled in Seoul on Aug. 20, at World Cup Stadium, to celebrate its 10th anniversary.