TAEYANG (태양)

Taeyang, born Dong Young-bae (동영배) on May 18, 1988, is a South Korean singer known for his smooth R&B vocals, passionate performances, and deep influence on the K-pop industry. He first rose to fame as the main vocalist and dancer of Big Bang, one of K-pop’s most legendary groups, debuting in 2006.

Taeyang launched his solo career in 2008 with the EP Hot, which was widely praised and won Best R&B & Soul Album at the Korean Music Awards. His first full-length album, Solar (2010), topped the Gaon Albums Chart and even made history as the first Asian album to lead iTunes charts in North America.

His second studio album, Rise (2014), solidified his place as a global artist. It reached No. 112 on the U.S. Billboard 200, setting a new record for a solo Korean artist at the time. The album’s lead single, Eyes, Nose, Lips, became a massive hit, earning multiple Song of the Year awards.

In 2017, he dropped White Night, showcasing his artistic evolution. After a break, he made a comeback in April 2023 with the EP Down to Earth, collaborating with artists like BTS’s Jimin and BLACKPINK’s Lisa.

Fluent in Korean, English, and Japanese, Taeyang is not just a musician but also a family man. He married actress Min Hyo-rin in 2018, and they welcomed their first child in 2021. Often called the “Prince of R&B” in Korea, Taeyang continues to shape the K-pop landscape with his soulful music and timeless influence.