B.I.G

B.I.G
From left to right: Benji (former), Gunmin, J-Hoon, Heedo, Minpyo (former).
From left to right: Benji (former), Gunmin, J-Hoon, Heedo, Minpyo (former).
Background information
Also known asBoys In Groove
OriginSeoul, South Korea
Genres
Years active2014 (2014)–present
Labels
  • GH Entertainment
  • HY Entertainment
Members
  • J-Hoon
  • Gunmin
  • Heedo
  • Jinseok
Past members
  • Benji
  • Minpyo
Websitegh-ent.co.kr

B.I.G (Korean: 비아이지; also known as Boys In Groove), is a four member South Korean boy band formed by GH Entertainment in Seoul, South Korea.[1] They debuted on July 9, 2014, with their first digital single "Hello".[2]

History

Pre-debut

All five members of B.I.G were trainees before becoming members of the group and have an average of three years training between them. Three of the group's members: Gunmin, Minpyo and Heedo, trained at the Plug In Music Academy.[3] Benji had previously been a student at Cleveland Institute of Music and Heifetz International Music Institute,[4] and later attended Juilliard School, before dropping out in 2011 to pursue a music career in South Korea.[5] He has been playing violin since he was four years of age and was a member of the Seattle Youth Symphony. Before joining GH Entertainment, Minpyo had been a Stardom Entertainment trainee and member of Topp Dogg's trainee group, Underdogg. Before debuting the members practiced together as a group for one and a half years.

2014: Debut with "Hello" and "Are You Ready?"

On July 5, just days before B.I.G's debut, the group took to the streets of Myeongdong to perform.[6] B.I.G's debut single, "Hello", and accompanying music video were released on July 9.[7] The song garnered attention because of its high praising lyrics in regards to South Korea which highlight the culture and promote the country.[8] The group performed their debut stage on SBS MTV's The Show on the day of their debut.

On October 16, B.I.G confirmed their second single, "Are You Ready?"'s upcoming release.[9] The single was released on October 21.[10] The group began promotions from October 22, with their comeback stage on MBC Music's Show Champion.[11]

On December 12, B.I.G released their rendition of Wham!'s "Last Christmas" to thank their fans and celebrate their first Christmas as a group.[12]

2015: "Between Night n Music" and "Taola"

B.I.G announced their third single, "Between Night n Music", on March 3, accompanied by a selection of individual and group teasers images.[13] The new single and accompanying music video were released on March 6.[14]

On November 4, GH Entertainment announced that B.I.G would be joining the long list of November comebacks.[15] The single, Big Transformer, including the title track "Taola" was released on November 19.[16]

2016: Japanese debut and Aphrodite

GH Entertainment confirmed in late January that B.I.G were preparing for their upcoming Japanese debut, with management from HY Entertainment.[17] The group began promoting in Japan by holding showcases in Tokyo before their debut to help them become known.[18] They officially debuted on March 23, with the Japanese version of "Taola", which peaked at number 15 on the Oricon weekly singles chart.[19]

On May 10, B.I.G announced that their first mini-album, Aphrodite, would be released later that month.[20] The mini-album and accompanying music video for title track of the same name, were released on May 17.[21] Promotions for the album began on release day with a showcase on SBS MTV's The Show.

B.I.G held their first Japanese concerts, B.I.G Japan First Live, on June 17 and 18 at Harajuku's Astro Hall in Tokyo.[22]

2017: "1.2.3" and Hello Hello

On February 3, 2017, B.I.G announced their return with the fifth single, "1.2.3".[23] The single entitled "B.I.G Rebirth" was released on February 13.[24] The group promoted the single without rapper Minpyo, who was taking a break due to health problems.[25]

On May 15, B.I.G announced their sixth single, Hello Hello, would be released of May 23.[26] B.I.G held their first concert in South Korea entitled B.I.G Asia Tour in Seoul, on June 24, at the KBS Arena in Seoul.[27] On July 5, B.I.G introduced a campaign song entitled "Remember", they released the digital single on July 7.[28] In September B.I.G embarked or their first tour of Asia named The B.I.Ginning in which they played venues in Manila and Yokohama.[29] Later that month they conducted their first overseas tour, the B.I.G Special Latin Tour, in Brazil, Chile and Mexico.[30]

2018–present: Addition of new member, Illusion, member departures and Mr. Big: Flashback

On November 15, 2018, the group's leader J-Hoon enlisted in the military.[31]

On January 19, 2019, Jinseok was added to the group.[31]

On November 4, 2019, the group released their seventh single, Illusion, in both Korean and Arabic, making them the first K-pop group to release a song in the language.[32]

On September 30, 2020, Benji's contract with GH Entertainment ended and it was later announced that he had left the group.[33]

On March 31, 2021, Minpyo's contract with GH Entertainment came to an end and it was later announced that he had left the group after choosing not to renew.[34]

On August 10, 2021 B.I.G. and 3YE had a collaboration song titled "Presente." This group is known as Triple7.

On November 23, 2021, the group released their eighth single, Mr. Big: Flashback, which includes the single "Flashback".[35]

Members

Current

  • J-Hoon (제이훈) – leader, vocalist[36]
  • Gunmin (건민) – vocalist, dancer[36]
  • Heedo (희도) – rapper[36]
  • Jinseok (진석) – vocalist[36]

Former

  • Benji (벤지) – vocalist[36]
  • Minpyo (민표) – rapper[36]

Discography

Extended plays

Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
[37]
Aphrodite
Track listing
  1. Big Transformer
  2. Aphrodite (아프로디테)
  3. Taola (타올라)
  4. Right Now
  5. U Hear Me (듣고 있니)
  6. Take You Home (데려다 줄게)
  7. Aphrodite (아프로디테) (Inst.)
 29
  • KOR: 795[38]

Single albums

Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
KOR
[37]
Hello Hello
  • Released: May 23, 2017
  • Label: GH Entertainment, CJ E&M
  • Formats: CD, digital download
Track listing
  1. Hello Hello
  2. Strange (낯설어)
  3. 1.2.3
  4. Duet (듀엣) (Benji & Heyne)
  5. Hello Hello (Inst.)
  6. Strange (낯설어) (Inst.)
 25 —
Illusion
  • Released: November 4, 2019
  • Label: GH Entertainment, Sony Music
  • Formats: CD, digital download
Track listing
  1. Illusion
  2. Illusion (Arabic Version)
  3. Illusion (Inst.)
 60
  • KOR: 611[39]

Singles

Title Year Peak chart
positions 		Album
KOR
[40] 		JPN
[41]
"Hello" (안녕하세요) 2014 — — Non-album singles
"Are You Ready?" (준비됐나요) — —
"Between Night n Music" (밤과 음악 사이) 2015 — —
"Taola" (타올라) — 15 Aphrodite
"Aphrodite" (아프로디테) 2016 — —
"1.2.3" 2017 — — Hello Hello
"Hello Hello" — —
"Illusion" 2019 — — Illusion
"Flashback" 2021 — — Mr. Big: Flashback
"Presente" with 3YE (as Triple7) 2021 — — Digital single
"Want" 2023 — — Non-album singles
"—" denotes releases that did not chart.

Promotional singles

Year Title
2014 "Last Christmas"
2017 "Remember" (기억할게요)

Soundtrack appearances

Year Title Drama
2016 "Hey Girl" Moorim School OST

Filmography

Reality shows

Year Network Title Note(s)
2017 MBC Music B.I.G Project 4 Episodes.[42]

Videography

Music videos

Year Title Director(s)
2014 "Hello" Un­known
"Are You Ready?"
2015 "Between Night n Music"
"Taola" Digipedi[43]
2016 "Aphrodite" Vikings League[44]
"Take You Home" Un­known
2017 "1.2.3" Vikings League
"Hello Hello" Un­known
2019 "Illusion"
2021 "Presente" with 3YE (as Triple7) ZanyBros

Endorsements

In 2014, B.I.G were appointed ambassadors of the 2014 "Love Life while Walking Overnight" campaign and the 2014 Lifeline campaign.[45][46] On March 15, 2016, the group became ambassadors for the National Unification Advisory Council.[47] In 2017, the group was appointed ambassadors for the Korea Youth Association, the Seoul VA Regional Office and the Hope Apple Tree Youth Project.[48][49][28]

Awards and nominations

Award ceremony Year Category Nominee/work Result Ref.
Korean Culture & Entertainment Awards 2014 New Artist Award B.I.G Won [50]

References

  1. ^ 비아이지 프로필 (in Korean). Naver.
  2. ^ ‘인가가요’ 신예 비아이지, ‘안녕하세요’로 차세대 아이돌 ‘눈도장’ (in Korean). Herald K. Archived from the original on 2017-04-25. Retrieved 2017-04-24.
  3. ^ 현재 공식적으로 아이돌 최다 배출 학원 (in Korean). Instiz. 3 December 2021.
  4. ^ "B.I.G's Benji Shows Off Juilliard-Trained Violin Skills". Kpop Starz.
  5. ^ "Kids' Strings Sing At The Heifetz Institute". NPR.org. NPR.
  6. ^ 신인그룹 비아이지, 길거리 홍보+랩핑 버스+지하철 광고로 이색 마케팅 돌입 (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-04. Retrieved 2017-04-24.
  7. ^ "신인그룹 비아이지(B.I.G), 데뷔곡 '안녕하세요' 공개" (in Korean). Ten Asia. 9 July 2014. Archived from the original on 31 August 2017. Retrieved 8 January 2017.
  8. ^ "신인그룹 비아이지 '안녕하세요' MV 뜨거운 반응" (in Korean). Ten Asia. 10 July 2014. Archived from the original on 3 November 2018. Retrieved 24 April 2017.
  9. ^ 비아이지, ‘준비됐나요’ 5인 5색 멤버별 매력 포인트 파헤치기 (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2017-04-24.
  10. ^ 비아이지, ‘준비됐나요’ 티저 영상 공개..상남자표 저돌적 사랑고백 (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2017-04-24.
  11. ^ 비아이지 ‘준비됐나요’, 준비된 상남자돌의 당찬 세레나데 (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-04. Retrieved 2017-04-24.
  12. ^ "비아이지, 캐롤 'Last Christmas' 음원 12일 정오 공개" (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2017-04-24.
  13. ^ 비아이지, 멤버별 티저 공개..다섯 남자의 몽환적 매력 발산 (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-04. Retrieved 2017-04-24.
  14. ^ "비아이지(B.I.G), '밤과 음악 사이'로 컴백..몽환적 매력" (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2017-04-24.
  15. ^ 비아이지, 11월 보이그룹 컴백 대열 동참 (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2017-04-24.
  16. ^ "비아이지, 신곡 '타올라' MV 선공개..11월 가요대전 합류" (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-04. Retrieved 2017-04-24.
  17. ^ 비아이지, 日 진출 신호탄 쐈다!..첫 단독 공연 ‘성료’ (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-04. Retrieved 2017-04-24.
  18. ^ 비아이지, 23일 일본 데뷔 싱글 발매 "예약 쇄도" (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2017-08-31. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  19. ^ 비아이지, 日 타워레코드 1위·오리콘 10위권 안착 (in Korean). News1. 24 March 2016.
  20. ^ 비아이지, 출격의 닻 올렸다! (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2017-08-31. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  21. ^ ‘컴백’ 비아이지 "첫 미니음반, 욕심냈다" (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  22. ^ "B.I.G Swept Japan With Its Concert". BNT News. Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2017-01-08.
  23. ^ 비아이지, 신곡 티저 이미지 공개..’시선집중’ (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  24. ^ 비아이지, 홍대 게릴라 공연으로 ‘시선집중’ (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-04. Retrieved 2017-04-24.
  25. ^ 비아이지, 13일 4인조 컴백… 국민표 잠정 휴식 (공식입장) (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  26. ^ 비아이지, 5人 완전체로 돌아온다… 23일 컴백 (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2017-05-15.
  27. ^ 비아이지, 데뷔 이후 첫 단독 콘서트…”설렘 가득” (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2017-04-24.
  28. ^ a b ‘애국돌’ 비아이지, 서울지방보훈청 홍보대사 위촉 “고귀한 정신 계승 위해 노력” (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2017-07-19.
  29. ^ 비아이지, 마닐라 이어 일본까지 사로잡았다 (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2017-10-25.
  30. ^ 비아이지, 브라질 이어 멕시코 공연 ‘뜨거운 반응’ (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2018-11-03. Retrieved 2017-10-25.
  31. ^ a b "비아이지, 새 멤버 진석 합류…"다양한 활동 펼칠 것"".
  32. ^ "비아이지, 2년 4개월 만에 컴백…오늘(4일) 신곡 'ILLUSION' 발표". Ten Asia. (in Korean).
  33. ^ "B.I.G 측 "벤지와 계약 종료, 5인 체제로 활동"(공식입장 전문)" (in Korean). Daum Entertainment.
  34. ^ "[전문] 비아이지 "국민표 탈퇴, 4인 체제 활동 예정"" (in Korean). Kyunghyang Shinmun. 31 March 2021.
  35. ^ "비아이지, 오는 23일 신곡 '플래시백' 컴백" (in Korean). Maeil Broadcasting Network. 15 November 2021.
  36. ^ a b c d e f "B.I.G Members" (in Korean). GH Ent.
  37. ^ a b "Gaon Album Chart". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on 2015-08-27.
    • "Aphrodite charting". Gaon Music Chart.
    • "Hello Hello charting". Gaon Music Chart.
    • "Illusion charting". Gaon Music Chart.
  38. ^ "2016년 05월 Album Chart". Gaon Music Chart.
  39. ^ "2019년 11월 Album Chart". Gaon Music Chart.
  40. ^ "Gaon Digital Chart". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on 2017-03-09.
  41. ^ "Oricon Chart" (in Japanese). Oricon Music Chart.
  42. ^ "비아이지(B.I.G), 특별한 매력 어필…'남다른 예능감 과시'" (in Korean). Top Star News.
  43. ^ 비아이지, 신곡 '타올라' 뮤비 선공개…'강렬한 남성미'로 시선끄네 (in Korean). JoongAng Ilbo.
  44. ^ 비아이지, ‘아프로디테’ 뮤비 티저 공개…칼군무+남성미 ‘눈길’ (in Korean). Asia Today. 13 May 2016.
  45. ^ 비아이지-틴트 ‘생명사랑 밤길걷기대회 홍보대사 위촉’ (in Korean). Asia Today. 19 September 2014.
  46. ^ 틴트-비아이지, ‘한국생명의전화 생명사랑운동’ 홍보대사로 건강한 세상 만들기 기여 (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2017-05-19. Retrieved 2016-11-21.
  47. ^ 비아이지, 민주평화통일자문회의 평화통일 실천홍보대사 위촉 (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2017-08-31. Retrieved 2017-06-17.
  48. ^ 비아이지, 2017 한국청소년연맹 홍보대사 위촉 (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on 2017-08-31. Retrieved 2017-06-17.
  49. ^ 국내외 청소년 사회공헌사업 희망사과나무, 그룹 비아이지 홍보대사 위촉 (in Korean). News Wire.
  50. ^ "비아이지(B.I.G), 대한민국문화연예대상 K-POP신인상 수상" (in Korean). News Way. 29 November 2014.

External links

  • (in Korean) Official website
  • (in Japanese) Official website
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