Dong Young Bae, known professionally as Taeyang, is a South Korean singer, dancer, model, actor, and member of BIGBANG (빅뱅). He graduated from Dongducheon Information Industry High School and later obtained a bachelor's degree in Theater and Film from Daejin University.

He first entered the entertainment industry when he passed an audition for a music video. In February 2001, he was chosen as Little Sean, representing JINUSEAN member Sean in the MV for their single "A-Yo". He was then signed by YG Entertainment (YG엔터테인먼트) when he was 12 years old and spent 6 years as a trainee.

He made his debut in August 2006 as BIGBANG's main vocalist and main dancer with their first single album, also titled "BigBang". Their debut received lukewarm reactions from the public and critics, but later, singles began getting more attention, and soon, they topped all the music charts and managed to increase their popularity across Asia. They are called the "Kings of K-Pop" as they helped spread the South Korean wave internationally and are considered one of the most influential acts in pop music thanks to their trendsetting musical experimentation, self-production, and stage presence.

Following the group's huge success, they decided to go on hiatus to focus on their individual activities. He made his debut as a solo artist in May 2008 with the EP "Hot". Then, in 2014, the single "Eyes, Nose, Lips" became one of the most popular songs in South Korea, winning Song of the Year at the MAMA Awards, Melon Music Awards and Golden Disc Awards. He is widely regarded as one of the country's best vocalists.

He then alternated his work between BIGBANG and his own music, becoming more involved in the producing and songwriting processes. In 2013, he started a relationship with actress Min Hyo Rin that lasted until February 2018, when the couple married in a private ceremony. They welcomed their first child in 2021.

He enlisted for his mandatory military service on March 12, 2018, and was discharged on November 10, 2019.

After serving, he has continued to promote as a solo artist and made a special appearance (alongside Kang Dae Sung) during G-Dragon's stage at the 2024 MAMA Awards in Osaka, marking BIGBANG's first live performance in 7 years.

He is represented by The Black Label (더블랙레이블).

(Source: kisskh) Edit Biography