So says popular music critic, Yim Jin Mo. The statement is not a criticism though, it’s a compliment. Yim Jin Mo in an appearance on MBC’s FM4U Date at 2:00, stated that with G-Dragon‘s successful foray into production and the growth of his composition skills with his solo album Heartbreaker, Big Bang can no longer be considered just your average idol band.
He compared G-Dragon to the likes of Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake. Both were initially members of boy bands, but through their musical talent and perseverance were able to break out of the mold and become respected and successful solo artists. G-Dragon is not the only member to dabble in songwriting: Taeyang, Daesung, and T.O.P. also have songwriting credits for some of their solo works. Yim also compared Big Bang to their Kpop sunbaes Dong Bang Shin Ki. He said that like DBSK, Big Bang has not only the personality, but the ability to succeed in the music industry.
Yim didn’t think much of G-Dragon’s plagiarism scandal, but he did say that G-Dragon should put more time into writing new songs and to broaden his horizons in creativity. He recommends this because he says that having the ability to write their own songs is really what separates and elevates them from everyone else. I really respect songwriters because it’s the music that they create that brings us so much pleasure (and pain in some cases, Magic Girl, say what?). I always wonder how they can come up with the songs: the melody, the lyrics, etc. It’s not like they can just pull the song out of thin air, it takes real talent and ability.
I’m a Big Bang fan so I’m a little biased, but I really think they are a talented group (yes, even Seungri) and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next. So yes, I’d have to agree with Mr Yim and say that Big Bang are NOT idols.
** Here’s a little bonus for all y’all Big Bang fans, it was announced that the DVD for the Big Bang 2010 Concert : Big Show will be released on August 19th. It contains 2 DVDs which include 25 performances from the concerts, behind the scenes footage and T.O.P.’s MV for his solo song “Turn It Up” and a 160 page photobook. The cost is about $30 USD and is available on most of your Kpop dealers of choice.