BigBang Daesung Profile: Unveiling the Journey

Who is Daesung?

• Real name: Kang Dae-sung
• Stage name: Daesung
• Also known as: D-Lite
• Date of birth: 26/04/1989
• Age: 34 (as of 2023)
• Hometown: Incheon, South Korea
• Profession: Singer, actor
• Collaborations with: Big Bang

Daesung, whose real name is Kang Dae-sung, is known as one of the five members of the famous boy band Big Bang. The success of Big Bang has created an empire that is difficult to topple during the golden age of K-pop.

Before rising to fame with the name Big Bang, Daesung went through a difficult period facing intense opposition from his family. During the early days, when the music group debuted, he faced numerous heavy criticisms and ridicule about his appearance.

However, based on his talent and personal abilities, he shattered the previous prejudices of the audience and rose to become a famous star throughout Asia.

Daesung’s Career Path

Closely Associated with Big Bang’s Name

Since high school, Daesung has had an endless passion for music. He determinedly auditioned for YG Entertainment despite his family’s opposition. Fortunately, he passed the audition to become a trainee for the Big Bang boy band project.

On August 19, 2006, during YG Family’s 10th-anniversary celebration program, he, along with G-Dragon, TOP, Taeyang, and Seungri, had the opportunity to debut as the Big Bang boy band.

The group had an extremely successful debut to the audience. Their first album, Big Bang Vol.1, sold over 100,000 copies. It included Daesung’s first solo song titled “Try Smiling.” However, it wasn’t until the release of the single “Lies” that the group’s fame truly soared.

Despite achieving certain accomplishments in music, Daesung was haunted by a painful past. He couldn’t forget the times when his father opposed and didn’t trust his decisions.

Persistent pressure, difficulties, and heavy burdens always weighed on him. Daesung was diagnosed with vocal issues and suffered from anxiety disorders leading to stage fright. With the help of his fellow members and friends, he was able to recover.

Daesung’s Solo Career Journey

After successfully treating his anxiety disorder and stage fright, he decided to develop his solo career. In 2008, he released his first single titled “Look at Me, Gwisoon.”

When releasing this album, he worried that his traditional music style would clash with the genre that Big Bang was pursuing, potentially damaging the image the group had built. However, his album was warmly received by young audiences.

Subsequently, he became a regular member on the popular reality show SBS Family Outing. It was the highest-rated television program at that time. Later, he also tried his hand as an MC for the music program MBC Show! Music Core.

Before the start of the second Big Hit album project, he was suddenly involved in a car accident. Though luckily not severely injured, he had to cancel all prior engagements to recuperate. He returned to the stage in October 2009 with Big Bang at the Dream Concert.

In 2010, he returned to the music scene with the sweet and cheerful single “Cotton Candy.” That same year, he also engaged in acting in the music project “What’s Up.”

Music Activities in Japan

Few Korean idols have achieved the level of success in Japan that Daesung has. He began his music activities in the land of the rising sun in 2013. Here, he adopted the new stage name D-Lite.

He released a total of 3 Japanese albums: “D’scover,” “D-Day,” and “Delight 2.” He also released 3 mini-albums: “Rainy Rainy,” “D’slove,” and “Delight.” His albums received warm reception from audiences and achieved significant success on the Japanese music charts. Notable achievements include:

• “D’scover” ranked second on the Oricon Weekly Chart and the Oricon Album Chart.
• The mini-album “Rainy Rainy” topped the Japanese iTunes chart.
• The mini-album “D’slove” led the Oricon Daily Album Chart.
• The mini-album “Delight” topped the Oricon Daily Album Chart.
• The album “D-Day” reached number one on both the Oricon Album Chart and the Billboard Japan chart.

In addition to releasing albums, he also organized numerous concert tours across cities in Japan. All four of his tours received enthusiastic support from the audience. He is also the first Korean artist to have over 100,000 fans participate in his concert tour for two consecutive years.

Daesung’s Current Career

Similar to many other Korean artists, Daesung temporarily set aside his career to fulfill his mandatory military service. In November 2019, he and Taeyang officially completed their military service after two years.

After discharge, he prepared for a comeback performance at the Coachella Music Festival in 2020. However, the festival was canceled due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Daesung left YG in 2023.

Daesung surprised fans by creating a YouTube channel without any prior announcement. He also doesn’t use any social media accounts. Netizens are eagerly awaiting the latest news and updates from Daesung.

Additionally, Daesung participated in movies and television dramas in 2010 – 2011. Most fans are eagerly anticipating any announcements regarding his rumored romantic relationships.

Daesung’s Car Accident Scandal

Throughout his career development journey, Daesung has faced various controversies. One notable incident was a car accident in May 2011, where he was suspected of causing a fatal accident near the Yanghwa Bridge area.

He had to suspend his activities for six months to assist with the investigation. In August 2011, the Seoul prosecutor’s office dismissed the allegations against Daesung as there was no evidence proving him to be the perpetrator of the fatal accident.

Daesung admitted to feeling desperate about the public pressure. He even contemplated suicide after the accident in May 2011.

In July 2019, some businesses in a building owned by him were arrested for involvement in tax evasion, drugs, and prostitution. Daesung was suspected of aiding and abetting these businesses.

When summoned as a witness, he asserted that he had no involvement and no knowledge of the illegal activities of these businesses. In early 2020, he was declared innocent by the court.

After these tumultuous scandals, he was criticized for having an unsavory personal life. Up to the present, he and the other members of Big Bang have not expressed any intention to resume activities.