By Yoon Heesung (Culture Critic)
Organized by Kang Myung-suk (Editor of web magazine
As Big Bang enters its 8th year since the group’s debut, the members’ scope of work has expanded. Seungri, the youngest, spent hectic days for the last 8 years, moving back and forth Korea and Japan, reaching into different fields, and producing a second solo album. Simply put, the process in which a teenage boy transforms into a mega-star could be summarized as growth. However, at a closer look, one could easily see that Seungri’s years have not been so simple. That is why, in order to distinguish between his numerous characteristics which include the role as the youngest, entrepreneur, and his potential, this column decided to carefully designate different ages to his many facets. An idol singer that is too innocent or too skillful to be said as his age. The following is how such traits helped Seungri stand his ground over the past 8 years.
9 Years Old: The Youngest Seunghyun
In the "Big Bang Real Documentary" in which preparations for Big Bang’s debut were reflected, the threat of elimination for Seungri was evident. Seungri was 17 at the time he became recognized with improved vocals and set determination and was given the opportunity to join the team. He seemed much bolder and calmer than most his age, but at the moment when he received notice about his acceptance from Yang Hyunsuk, the first words he let out were, “I feel like I could die.” He burst into tears when he talked of those stressful moments during the first Big Bang concert. As desperate as those moments must have been for the members, critics have mentioned that Seungri’s such bold honesty brings a different quality-- approachable and cute-- to the team which emanates a rather heavy atmosphere about them. The reason why the other members pick on Seungri is probably because instead of trying to maintain a charismatic appearance, Seungri chose to stick by his role as the youngest member in the group. In addition, Seungri embodies the role with over-the-top cuteness to it very naturally. Starting from when he wore a yellow kindergartener’s outfit in the ‘dirty cash’ music video, up to this point in which Big Bang now holds world tours, he has solidified his position as the youngest within the group by presenting adorable facial expressions to the fans. In Big Bang concerts, fans often throw panda dolls at Seungri. It is not just because the panda dolls resemble Seungri but because Seungri appreciates every single one of them, so much so that it is said that he even appeared on stage wearing a panda mask once.
39 years old: Rising star in the entertainment
Unlike dance or vocal skills, wit and entertaining skills are hard to hone by practice. That is probably why most of the idol singers that received attention in the entertainment programs are bursting with energy or seem to have inherent ability to think out of the box. Unlike others, Seungri found his footing within entertainment programs with his easygoing personality. With or without team members, Seungri does not forcibly try to make things happen so that he could shine. He tries to understand the overall flow of the program and is even willing to be in a disadvantaged situation if necessary. He is willing to step to the side, and take on the role that is required. His modesty does not come from studying, but comes from his tendency to look things from a wide perspective. Sandara Park revealed in ‘2NE1 TV’, ‘Strong Heart’ and other shows that she had received entertaining lessons from Seungri. He had stressed about finding the right role within the program. It was no coincidence that Seungri is not only appearing in the entertainment programs as a guest but also as an MC in Japan, despite the fact that he’s a foreigner.
19 years old: Strong Baby
Big Bang had a major breakthrough after the stellar success of the mini album which included the song ‘Lies’. The title song of Big Bang’s second album was ‘Sunset Glow’, a remake of Lee Moon-sae’s song and the most public-friendly song the group. Seungri tried to prove himself yet again with his solo song ‘Strong Baby’. Just turned twenty, he dressed up like a host of the party and presented an extravagance that was different from Big Bang’s. The unique vibe that resembled Justin Timberlake continued throughout his first mini-album. As a member of Big Bang, which has become a mega-icon, it is hard to satisfy the expectations of the public. Yet, Seungri’s solo stage holds meaning in that he was able to let the public a sneak-peak at his eagerness for an elaborate and delicate choreography and his personality. The stage also enabled him to face the question he had for himself and helped in adjusting his career path. Seungri did not fall behind or burn out too soon, he did not stop trying and continued to grow, to sum up he could be cited a model example for many idol singers.
49 years old: A middle-aged idol singer.
In most cases, a lot of idol singers start working at an early age and face career crisis even before they reach 30. However, that is not the case for Seungri. He could be said as model example as he carefully planned out his long-term plans. He widened his area by jumping into the waters of entertainment and acting while investing in his academy as means to fulfill his ultimate dream of nurturing future talents. One thing he lavishly invests on is the human network. As shown in how the members have talked in "Strong Heart" of an instance where the team gained a commercial contract through Seungri’s personal contact, and in interviews of the staff who have worked on the album and performances, Seungri’s ability to network amongst people is simply stunning. Lee Hi, and Kang Seung-yoon, newly debuted singers in the same agency, have expressed their gratitude toward Seungri for reaching out to them first. Regardless of age, it is definitely not easy for a celebrity, who is often faced with numerous hurdles and tasks, to look out for those around him or her. One thing that is certain is that Seungri has superb talents as an entrepreneur because he understands that what matters most are the people, above business with possibilities or public attention.
Source : bigbangupdates[dot]com
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