“People will think “He’s Big Bang’s maknae. What can a maknae do?” But breaking those stereotypes is fun.”
Big Bang’s Seungri unleashed his first solo album on January 20th, which shortly became the top most searched album on various music sites like Bugs Music, Naver Music and Mnet.com. Taking that accomplishment in stride, Seungri is aiming to change the general public’s view of him as a singer and a musician.
Seungri is a member of a group who’s not only popular in Korea, but has gained explosive interest and popularity in Japan and all of Asia. Yet when one compares his solo activities to his group members’, it could be considered to be of a smaller scale. A maknae of a team who has so much to offer – does he ever get worried?
“I’m a fatalist. I believe everything has its own pre-determined time to rise. If I don’t have activities or receive opportunities, then I believe that’s fate. I’m saying that it’s better to keep preparing yourself for your fate rather than being impatient. Of course, my being able to release this solo album is fate in itself.”
Unlike his bandmates (who could be found on variety programs, movies, or back at the studio), it was difficult to spot Seungri with a solo project in the entertainment industry. Seungri explains that the reason for this was because he didn’t feel confident in his abilities.
“To be honest, I didn’t have the confidence to do better than the other members for solo music promotions, and there wasn’t anyone who said I should try solo,” he confessed. “Since I’m not a member who focuses greatly on music, I was scared of writing lyrics and composing songs. When others ask me of my abilities in composing or producing, I’ve always said, “I’m not good at it.”
Whether it was Fate who intervened, or a well-timed opportunity, no one can say for certain. What is known, however, was that Seungri seized his insecurities and rose above them. His solo work was originally planned to be a digital single, but due to the positive response, YG Entertainment CEO Yang Hyun Suk decided to turn it into a seven-track mini-album. Of those seven tracks, six were personally composed and penned by Seungri himself.
“I was able to make the songs after constantly listening and looking over the shoulders of the other members while they produced music during the five years of being together,” he explained.
With G-Dragon and T.O.P being too busy with their own unit album promotions, Seungri had to prepare his new album without the help of his bandmates. But the independence allowed Seungri the chance to establish his own unique charms in his works.
Musing over his music video for “VVIP“, Seungri expressed, “Whatever I do, I like using things that have meaning behind it. For the “VVIP” music video, the key held the most meaning. The key’s meaning was that if you use the key to open the door to enter Seungri’s world, you become a VVIP. I hope the fans can feel that while listening to the album.”
With Big Bang preparing to make an official comeback on February 24th, Seungri will unfortunately only have one month to promote his first solo album. When asked if he felt a sense of disappointment, however, Seungri confidently shook his head.
“I’m going to make the general public feel a sense of yearning to watch me perform. That way, even while I’m promoting as Big Bang, I can simultaneously run solo promotions as well, no?”
