Taeyang recently released his music video for “
Eyes, Nose, Lips“, and
Jaeki Cho of
noonchi managed to get an exclusive and extensive interview
with Taeyang, in which the star opened up about a bunch of things
ranging from the idol label to his frustrations with creative
limitations.
—–
On The Idol Label
You and G-Dragon were in a hip-hop/R&B duo called
GDYB5. When you realized that both of you would join a boy band called
Big Bang, how did you feel?
Taeyang: I probably shared the same sentiment that Ji-yong [G-Dragon]
had. I wasn’t too fond of it. I was a little annoyed. I wasn’t upset
because we were debuting as a group, but it was more so skepticism on
whether or not we’ll be doing music that’s too pop-friendly.
So you didn’t want to be an idol.
Taeyang: For me, just because you’re an idol, I don’t think you have
restrictions on what you can and can’t do. People often ask, “Because
you’re an idol, you shouldn’t be doing this, no?” That never crossed my
mind. The reason I became a musician is because I wanted to do what I
always imagined. I don’t think there should be a preconception of what
an idol is.
This was an interesting answer because of what he says in a later comment.
On Taboo Topics In Korea & The R&B Market
I feel like people that have an ear for R&B music
really liked Solar. But I also feel like that the R&B market isn’t
as big in Korea as in other parts of the world.
Taeyang: There are certainly constraints for expression in Korea.
Personally, I’d like to make an album without having any sort of
restrictions, but realistically speaking, that’s very difficult. The
type of topics I can discuss are limited.
It sucks that R&B isn’t more popular in Korea, cause I think there’s a ton of potential there.
As for the other answer, while I understand what Taeyang means in
terms of cultural/societal limitations, to an extent that IS buying into
what an idol is. If he truly didn’t think he was boxed in a bit, he’d
try to push that envelop and
YG Entertainment would
allow it instead of just caving to not wanting to deal with the backlash
and bans or whatever else. It’s an understandable position, of course,
but I think that’s where the idol label part comes in and it also sort
of explains why he drifted from R&B.
On Having To Do Big Bang Singles He Didn’t Like
I think the music you’ve released as Taeyang is slightly
different than what you release as part of Big Bang. Did that ever
become an issue?
Taeyang: Yes, it did actually. A few years ago, it was a big concern
of mine. It was very difficult for me. As a solo artist I’m a certain
way, and as a member of Big Bang I have to be different. There was this
gap. I had to participate in singles that I didn’t necessarily agree
with creatively. Solo albums are my passion. Although I love doing music
with members of Big Bang, there were many things I had to do as
obligation. But even that gap disappeared after a while.
I loved the honesty, as he’s basically making it clear that he prefers solo work to
Big Bang promotions … at least before backtracking a bit.
I use quotes like that to mock those delulu fans who think
corporations operate like families, but I also appreciate them giving
honest and blunt responses as opposed to keeping up the pointless
facade.
On His Worst Breakup & Thoughts On Marriage
What’s the worst breakup you’ve ever had?
Taeyang: My first love. This is before my debut. I think that feeling
still lingers. Even now, when I’m sick, or in pain, or tired, I still
see her in my dream. It’s a long story of how we broke up. It’s not that
I can’t let her goI still think about her, and I’m not sure if I could
meet someone like her, again. I’ll probably get older, and eventually
marry someone. Actually, I don’t even know if I want to. Even if I have a
girlfriend, I think the person I truly love will always be my first
love. I can tell you.
Translation: “Can’t get married, too busy collecting all the vagina being thrown at me.”
Probably.
Thoughts On The Hallyu Wave & Companies Using Idols For Money
I use quotes like that to mock those delulu fans who think
corporations operate like families, but I also appreciate them giving
honest and blunt responses as opposed to keeping up the pointless
facade.
On His Worst Breakup & Thoughts On Marriage
What’s the worst breakup you’ve ever had?
Taeyang: My first love. This is before my debut. I think that feeling
still lingers. Even now, when I’m sick, or in pain, or tired, I still
see her in my dream. It’s a long story of how we broke up. It’s not that
I can’t let her goI still think about her, and I’m not sure if I could
meet someone like her, again. I’ll probably get older, and eventually
marry someone. Actually, I don’t even know if I want to. Even if I have a
girlfriend, I think the person I truly love will always be my first
love. I can tell you.
Translation: “Can’t get married, too busy collecting all the vagina being thrown at me.”
Probably.
Thoughts On The Hallyu Wave & Companies Using Idols For Money
How do you perceive this K-pop phenomenon?
Taeyang: To be honest with youI’m not saying that our group is so
great, or I’m great. But it’s like, “Why? Why do people like K-pop?” I’m
curious. Baffled. Amazed. I feel like it’s a great opportunity. The
world is interested in K-pop and Korean music right now. I wish that
people in Korea who are widely known and recognized understand that this
is our time. I’m not talking about skilled indie artists like Jinbo;
I’m talking about those who are overseeing entertainment companies and
pretty much directing these idols. Many of them are using this
opportunity to make money. And I hate that. But do idols realize it? I
think they’re just happy because they’re popular.
But you’re part of that system, no?
Taeyang: Well, I feel like YG doesn’t really give into the
standardized norm of how K-pop labels operate. They don’t send us out to
random music festivals. In that regard, I really love my company. A lot
of so-called idols partake in this created movement without really
knowing what it is. It’s unfortunate. If it doesn’t come from a genuine
place, people are going to check you. It’s too bad. Because there are so
many great artists in Korea who make great music, but those people
don’t get the recognition as much as others that are using the genre as a
moneymaking tool.
Taeyang recently released his music video for “
Eyes, Nose, Lips“, and
Jaeki Cho of
noonchi managed to get an exclusive and extensive interview
with Taeyang, in which the star opened up about a bunch of things
ranging from the idol label to his frustrations with creative
limitations.
—–
On The Idol Label
You and G-Dragon were in a hip-hop/R&B duo called
GDYB5. When you realized that both of you would join a boy band called
Big Bang, how did you feel?
Taeyang: I probably shared the same sentiment that Ji-yong [G-Dragon]
had. I wasn’t too fond of it. I was a little annoyed. I wasn’t upset
because we were debuting as a group, but it was more so skepticism on
whether or not we’ll be doing music that’s too pop-friendly.
So you didn’t want to be an idol.
Taeyang: For me, just because you’re an idol, I don’t think you have
restrictions on what you can and can’t do. People often ask, “Because
you’re an idol, you shouldn’t be doing this, no?” That never crossed my
mind. The reason I became a musician is because I wanted to do what I
always imagined. I don’t think there should be a preconception of what
an idol is.
This was an interesting answer because of what he says in a later comment.
On Taboo Topics In Korea & The R&B Market
I feel like people that have an ear for R&B music
really liked Solar. But I also feel like that the R&B market isn’t
as big in Korea as in other parts of the world.
Taeyang: There are certainly constraints for expression in Korea.
Personally, I’d like to make an album without having any sort of
restrictions, but realistically speaking, that’s very difficult. The
type of topics I can discuss are limited.
It sucks that R&B isn’t more popular in Korea, cause I think there’s a ton of potential there.
As for the other answer, while I understand what Taeyang means in
terms of cultural/societal limitations, to an extent that IS buying into
what an idol is. If he truly didn’t think he was boxed in a bit, he’d
try to push that envelop and
YG Entertainment would
allow it instead of just caving to not wanting to deal with the backlash
and bans or whatever else. It’s an understandable position, of course,
but I think that’s where the idol label part comes in and it also sort
of explains why he drifted from R&B.
On Having To Do Big Bang Singles He Didn’t Like
I think the music you’ve released as Taeyang is slightly
different than what you release as part of Big Bang. Did that ever
become an issue?
Taeyang: Yes, it did actually. A few years ago, it was a big concern
of mine. It was very difficult for me. As a solo artist I’m a certain
way, and as a member of Big Bang I have to be different. There was this
gap. I had to participate in singles that I didn’t necessarily agree
with creatively. Solo albums are my passion. Although I love doing music
with members of Big Bang, there were many things I had to do as
obligation. But even that gap disappeared after a while.
I loved the honesty, as he’s basically making it clear that he prefers solo work to
Big Bang promotions … at least before backtracking a bit.
I use quotes like that to mock those delulu fans who think
corporations operate like families, but I also appreciate them giving
honest and blunt responses as opposed to keeping up the pointless
facade.
On His Worst Breakup & Thoughts On Marriage
What’s the worst breakup you’ve ever had?
Taeyang: My first love. This is before my debut. I think that feeling
still lingers. Even now, when I’m sick, or in pain, or tired, I still
see her in my dream. It’s a long story of how we broke up. It’s not that
I can’t let her goI still think about her, and I’m not sure if I could
meet someone like her, again. I’ll probably get older, and eventually
marry someone. Actually, I don’t even know if I want to. Even if I have a
girlfriend, I think the person I truly love will always be my first
love. I can tell you.
Translation: “Can’t get married, too busy collecting all the vagina being thrown at me.”
Probably.
Thoughts On The Hallyu Wave & Companies Using Idols For Money
I use quotes like that to mock those delulu fans who think
corporations operate like families, but I also appreciate them giving
honest and blunt responses as opposed to keeping up the pointless
facade.
On His Worst Breakup & Thoughts On Marriage
What’s the worst breakup you’ve ever had?
Taeyang: My first love. This is before my debut. I think that feeling
still lingers. Even now, when I’m sick, or in pain, or tired, I still
see her in my dream. It’s a long story of how we broke up. It’s not that
I can’t let her goI still think about her, and I’m not sure if I could
meet someone like her, again. I’ll probably get older, and eventually
marry someone. Actually, I don’t even know if I want to. Even if I have a
girlfriend, I think the person I truly love will always be my first
love. I can tell you.
Translation: “Can’t get married, too busy collecting all the vagina being thrown at me.”
Probably.
Thoughts On The Hallyu Wave & Companies Using Idols For Money
How do you perceive this K-pop phenomenon?
Taeyang: To be honest with youI’m not saying that our group is so
great, or I’m great. But it’s like, “Why? Why do people like K-pop?” I’m
curious. Baffled. Amazed. I feel like it’s a great opportunity. The
world is interested in K-pop and Korean music right now. I wish that
people in Korea who are widely known and recognized understand that this
is our time. I’m not talking about skilled indie artists like Jinbo;
I’m talking about those who are overseeing entertainment companies and
pretty much directing these idols. Many of them are using this
opportunity to make money. And I hate that. But do idols realize it? I
think they’re just happy because they’re popular.
But you’re part of that system, no?
Taeyang: Well, I feel like YG doesn’t really give into the
standardized norm of how K-pop labels operate. They don’t send us out to
random music festivals. In that regard, I really love my company. A lot
of so-called idols partake in this created movement without really
knowing what it is. It’s unfortunate. If it doesn’t come from a genuine
place, people are going to check you. It’s too bad. Because there are so
many great artists in Korea who make great music, but those people
don’t get the recognition as much as others that are using the genre as a
moneymaking tool.
