KB News Desk
Big Bang, now a 3-member act, promises ‘more music and performances’ ahead
GOYANG, Gyeonggi Province — Big Bang kicked off its 20th anniversary world tour over the weekend with its first full-group concert in nearly nine years, signaling that the group’s next chapter has only just begun.
“XX: Cosmos,” held from Friday to Sunday at Goyang Stadium, drew more than 100,000 fans over three days. Toward the end of Sunday’s show, the members hinted that more music would be on the way after “Biiig,” the digital single released on the group’s anniversary, Aug. 19.
Daesung raised the question first, asking whether ending the group’s 20th-anniversary festivities with just one song felt “a little disappointing.”
Taeyang quickly agreed. “If we end with just one song called ‘Biiig,’ that’s not really big,” he joked. “That’s extra small.”
G-Dragon, who composed “Biiig,” joined in, saying that once he starts working on music, “it comes quickly,” suggesting that more releases may be on the horizon.
Before looking ahead, however, the members spent much of the nearly 2 1/2-hour show revisiting music that made Big Bang one of K-pop’s defining acts.
As the members rose onto the stage, they powered through a medley of their hits: “Fantastic Baby,” “Hands Up” and “Tonight.” The crowd erupted into chants of “Big Bang” as fans waved the group’s crown-shaped light sticks across the stands.
“Big Bang is back,” G-Dragon declared, reviving one of the group’s best-known slogans associated with its biggest comebacks and reunions. “Let’s have fun tonight.”
The first act moved through some of the group’s most recognizable emotional hits, including “Blue,” “Loser,” “If You” and “Bad Boy,” before shifting into the playful “Bae Bae.” “Haru Haru” and “Lies” followed, turning the stadium into a mass singalong as songs released well over a decade ago were met with fans shouting back the lyrics almost word for word.
The concert then moved into individual performances that highlighted how much the three members have developed their own musical identities during Big Bang’s long hiatus.
Daesung opened the solo section with “Universe,” the lead track of his 2025 solo LP “D’s Wave,” before leaning into the trot-heavy energy of “Hando Chogua” and “Look At Me, Gwisun,” continuing the playful, experimental style he showcased during Big Bang’s Coachella stage in April.
Taeyang performed “Bad” and “Live Fast Die Slow” from his latest solo album, “Quintessence,” and “Ringa Linga,” one of his most famous solo tracks from 2014.
Big Bang’s fashionista G-Dragon, sporting a black Chanel cashmere hat paired with a striking red Chrome Hearts jacket, wrapped up the solos with “Power” from his 2025 album “Ubermensch,” as well as fan favorites “Crayon” and “Crooked.”
The trio reunited for another explosive run of hits with “Bang Bang Bang,” “Stupid Liar” and “Sober” before launching into the first live performance of “Biiig.” Backed by a live band, towering moving LED structures, pyrotechnics and synchronized lasers, the performance served as one of the night’s defining moments.
Impressive production aside, some of the concert’s most memorable moments came when the members reflected on the years that brought them back to the stage.
“We’ve finally performed together again after eight years and eight months. At this rate, maybe we’ll still be performing when we’re 88,” said Taeyang. “The last few years we spent with fans passed in the blink of an eye because they had been filled with precious memories. We promise to repay your support with more music and performances throughout the anniversary year and many more years to come.”
Daesung echoed that statement, saying he had come to realize “how important it was to appreciate moments like these while living them rather than only recognizing their value after they had passed.”
G-Dragon grew visibly emotional during his closing remarks.
“When I began preparations for my solo comeback, it was my goal to finish my solo tour and wrap up Big Bang’s concert with today’s show,” he said, pausing to collect himself. “I was happy when I finished my solo tour, but today, I’m even happier. Thank you all so much.”
The concert closed with an encore featuring “My Heaven,” “Sunset Glow,” “Last Farewell,” “Feeling,” “Flower Road” and “Still Life.” While many older songs had been rearranged for the current three-member lineup, T.O.P’s original vocals remained in “Still Life” — the final song Big Bang recorded together as four — providing one final emotional moment before the lights came up.
Big Bang will continue its “XX: Cosmos” world tour through February 2027. Following North American and European stops beginning in September, the trio will head to Asia and Oceania from October as part of the 19-city tour.
