Kpop Review

Guess Who's Back? BAP Returns as a Quartet After 6-Year Silence

K-pop enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly anticipating the return of BAP, the iconic boy group that shook the industry with their powerful performances and global appeal.

Originally debuting as a band of six in 2012, BAP is making a comeback as a quartet comprising Bang Yong-guk, Jung Dae-hyun, Yoo Young-jae, and Moon Jong-up after a hiatus of more than six years.

According to MA Entertainment, the group’s agency: Bang,Jung, Yoo & Moon will release a new single in August, marking their official return to the K-pop scene.

The quartet has been teasing their comeback through a documentary series titled ‘Man on the Moon,’ which has been garnering attention on YouTube.

BAP first burst onto the scene with their debut single ‘Warrior’ in 2012, quickly gaining recognition for their perfectly synchronized choreography and powerful music. Within just a year, they embarked on their first world tour, “Live on Earth,” solidifying their status as global stars.

The group’s achievements include winning prestigious awards such as the best Korean act at the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2013 and 2014, as well as Germany’s Remarkable Award in 2012.

Their impact was such that their performance at the K-pop World Festival in 2012 was highlighted on the Grammy page for the “Best of 2012.” Despite their early success, BAP faced internal struggles, culminating in a lawsuit against their former label, TS Entertainment, in 2014 due to unfair profit distribution.

After a period of hiatus and reconciliation, the group released their eighth single, ‘Ego,’ in 2017. However, they struggled to regain their previous momentum and eventually disbanded in February 2019 when members opted not to renew their contracts with the agency.

Currently, Zelo, the youngest member, is fulfilling his mandatory military service after departing from the group in December 2018. Meanwhile, Himchan, another former member, faced legal issues and was sentenced to prison for sexual assault charges in 2018 and 2022.

Despite these challenges, the remaining members of BAP are poised to make a triumphant return to the stage, reconnecting with their loyal fanbase and making new strides in the K-pop landscape with their upcoming release.

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