BIGBANG has officially reached its 18th debut anniversary.

On the morning of August 19th, G-Dragon took to social media to mark the occasion, sharing the cover of their 2022 digital single Still Life along with the hashtag "#bigbang18thanniversary." Interestingly, he only tagged fellow members Taeyang and Daesung in the post, leaving out T.O.P and Seungri.

Taeyang also joined in the celebration by posting on his own social media. He shared a simple message, "#18thanniversary ♥," along with a photo featuring 18 yellow hearts arranged in a tower shape. Meanwhile, Daesung posted a congratulatory message on BIGBANG's official social media, stating, "Congratulations on Daesung's 18th debut anniversary, 2024.08.19."

BIGBANG made their debut on August 19, 2006, at the YG Family 10th Anniversary Concert. Just days later, on August 29, they released their album Bigbang, which showcased their versatility in ballad, dance, and hip-hop. Their music quickly gained popularity, earning them widespread recognition.

The group’s global impact is reflected in their numerous awards, both domestically and internationally. Within just two years of their debut, they secured a grand prize, cementing their place as an iconic boy group.

BIGBANG didn't just succeed as a full group; they also found success with unit activities like G-Dragon & Taeyang and G-Dragon & T.O.P, as well as through solo projects. These ventures allowed them to blend musical artistry with mass appeal.

However, BIGBANG has faced its share of controversies. Originally a five-member group, they are now down to G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung after T.O.P and Seungri left.

T.O.P, the eldest, was involved in a marijuana scandal in 2017 while serving in the military. He admitted to the charges and was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years. After this, he left YG Entertainment and BIGBANG, expressing a desire to retire from the industry. Despite hinting at retirement, T.O.P recently announced his return and will appear in Squid Game Season 2, set to release on December 26th this year.

Seungri, the youngest, was expelled from the entertainment industry following his involvement in the Burning Sun nightclub scandal. He faced nine charges, including procuring prostitution and habitual gambling, and was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison in 2022. Since his release from prison, Seungri has stayed out of the public eye, though recent sightings of him at a club in Bali have sparked criticism.

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Actress Kang Ye Won got emotional as she opened up about why she took a break from broadcasting and why she’s finally giving love a chance.

On the March 3 episode of tvN STORY’s Can I Love Now?, Kang Ye Won made her debut as a new participant looking for romance.

During the broadcast, she revealed that negative online comments had deeply affected her. "I used to cry all the time reading comments. I get hurt easily. What might be a small wound for others feels like a huge blow to me," she shared, expressing the stress she faced from malicious remarks.

She also admitted that at one point, she wanted to leave everything behind. "I kept thinking, ‘How long do I have to keep working this hard?’ and it became overwhelming."

She added, "At one point, I thought, ‘I should just quit everything and move to the countryside,’ and that idea actually gave me peace," she confessed.

When it came to dating, Kang Ye Won shared that she had always been content watching others fall in love.

"It never worked out for me. I wasn’t the type to ask for introductions either. I just found comfort in living as an observer. Maybe it’s my fate. I’m fearful, and I lack courage. If I feel like someone might hurt me, I block them out from the start," she admitted.

However, the actress revealed that she ultimately joined Can I Love Now? for her father. "My dad was born in 1943. He had me late in life, and his health isn’t great."

She added, "I realized that if I continue living alone like this, I won’t be able to give my parents any hope until the moment they pass away," she said with tears in her eyes. "My perspective on life has changed. I no longer think just about myself, but about my parents."

Kang Ye Won’s heartfelt confession touched many viewers, leaving fans rooting for her to find happiness.

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