Taeyang
A pioneering K-pop solo artist whose smooth R&B vocals and intense performances set a new artistic standard within the global phenomenon of BigBang.
Born 1988 (age 38)·South Korean singer·Birthday: May 18·Millennials
Biography
Long before K-pop's current global domination, Taeyang was redefining what a Korean pop idol could be. As a main vocalist and dancer in BigBang, he was part of a group that rewrote the industry's rules. But his solo work carved a distinct path. With albums like 'Solar' and 'Rise', he traded pure pop for sultry R&B and soul, showcasing a vocal style marked by emotional control and technical precision. His meticulous stagecraft, from complex choreography to commanding presence, set a benchmark for performance. Taeyang's artistic integrity—he often co-wrote his material—proved that idol music could possess deep musicality. His marriage to actress Min Hyo-rin was a rare public embrace of personal life by a top star. In a genre known for constant reinvention, Taeyang's consistency and dedication to his specific sound made him an enduring influence and a bridge between K-pop's second generation and its future.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Taeyang was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Taeyang Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Taeyang's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- His 2014 album 'Rise' topped the Billboard World Albums chart and spawned the hit single 'Eyes, Nose, Lips'.
- Won the Best R&B and Soul Song award at the Korean Music Awards for 'Eyes, Nose, Lips' in 2015.
- Became the first Korean solo artist to sell out arenas in Japan, performing at venues like the Saitama Super Arena.
Did You Know?
He trained under YG Entertainment for over a decade before debuting with BigBang.
He is known for his devout Christian faith and has a large cross tattoo on his shoulder.
He married actress Min Hyo-rin in 2018, with fellow BigBang member G-Dragon serving as his best man.
“I want to be an artist who can move people with my music and performance.”
