Curiosities

G-Dragon Says BIGBANG Faced Early Criticism for “Breaking the Idol Look”

Early in their career, the group faced harsh backlash over their style.

G-Dragon attends the the CHANEL Cruise 2024/25 Hong Kong Replica Show at the Hong Kong Design Institute.
© Anthony Kwan/Getty Images for CHANELG-Dragon attends the the CHANEL Cruise 2024/25 Hong Kong Replica Show at the Hong Kong Design Institute.

BIGBANG is often celebrated as one of the most influential K-pop groups of all time, known for pushing musical and visual boundaries. From bold fashion choices to daring concepts, they’ve consistently challenged what it means to be an idol in the industry.

Even before their debut, the members were experimenting with sounds and styles that set them apart from the typical boy band mold. Their eccentric hairstyles and striking visuals quickly became a defining feature—and it’s this very look that, as G-Dragon recently recalled, sparked early criticism.

The Leader of BIGBANG Reflects on Their Early Struggles With Looks

In a recent interview with YouTube channel HanaTV, later highlighted by Koreaboo, G-Dragon opened up about the challenges BIGBANG faced in their early days. “When BIGBANG first debuted, we got so much hate for no reason,” he said, noting that the group often felt misunderstood despite their efforts.

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G-Dragon explained that the members’ physicality often drew criticism. “People said our visuals broke the definition of an idol, so we had to have real talent. If we didn’t even have the skills, we wouldn’t have made it.” he recalled.

Looking back, G-Dragon emphasized that BIGBANG’s ability to compose and produce their own music was crucial in overcoming skepticism. “Fortunately, what we could rely on was our ability to produce music ourselves,” he said. While their looks initially sparked reproval, it was their creativity and skill that ultimately won over the public, proving that the group’s impact went far beyond appearances.

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The leader and his bandmates are now looking ahead. On November 23 last year, they made a surprise reunion appearance during G-Dragon’s solo stage at the MAMA Awards in Osaka, their first live performance together since 2017. Now, as they prepare to take the stage at Coachella next year for their 20th anniversary, fans are eagerly anticipating what the next chapter of BIGBANG will bring.

Clara is about to graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Writing Arts at the National University of Arts in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In her role as a writer for Spoiler US, she covers movies, TV shows, streaming platforms, celebrities, and other topics of entertainment and general interest. Since 2021, she has been working as a film critic for Bendito Spoiler, Cinema Saturno, and Peliplat, attending festivals, conducting interviews, and regularly participating in cinematic debate podcasts. Her main focus of work is in the horror genre.

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