Biography
Who is Bang Yong-guk?
Early life and education
Bang Yong-guk was born in Seoul, South Korea, on March 31, 1990. He grew up as the youngest of three children in his family, with an identical twin brother and an older sister. During his childhood, he moved briefly to the coastal Ijak islands of Incheon before returning to the mainland.
He attended Gae Woong Elementary School and Gae Woong Middle School. At age eighteen, he graduated from Yuhan Technical High School. Although he was offered a college scholarship following his high school graduation, he ultimately chose not to attend higher education.
Musical beginnings and underground career
Bang first began connecting with members of the underground hip-hop group Soul Connection during his second year of middle school. After posting his rap lyrics on an online forum, he gained recognition for his skills. This allowed him to meet active industry seniors, observe them produce music, and refine his own artistic style.
In 2008, he made his musical debut as a member of Soul Connection under the underground alias Jepp Blackman. Later, in 2010, the duo Untouchable recommended him to TS Entertainment, leading him to join the agency as a trainee after receiving assurances about his musical freedom.
Rise to fame with B.A.P
Bang gained widespread public attention in March 2011 when he featured on Song Ji-eun's single Going Crazy, which topped the Gaon Music Chart. Later that year, he released his first solo digital single titled I Remember, featuring Yoseob, and formed the hip-hop sub-unit Bang & Zelo with fellow bandmate Zelo to release Never Give Up.
In January 2012, Bang made his official debut as the leader and main rapper of the new boy group B.A.P with their single Warrior. The group held their debut show in Seoul with over three thousand attendees. Over the next several years, B.A.P released numerous albums and toured internationally before entering a hiatus in late 2014 due to a lawsuit against their label.
Solo career and military service
Following the expiration of his contract with TS Entertainment in August 2018, Bang started on a full solo career. He released the single Hikikomori, followed by his self-titled full-length album Bangyongguk in March 2019. He also published a best-selling photo essay book titled The Best Is Yet to Come and directed the documentary film Something to Talk About.
In August 2019, Bang enlisted in the South Korean military as a public service officer, completing his mandatory service in May 2021. Upon his return, he established his own one-man agency called Consent and released the single Race. He later signed contracts with YY Entertainment and subsequently Pacific Music Group Korea, releasing projects such as the EP 2 and the mini-album The Colors of Love.
Birthday and age
Bang Yong-guk was born on March 31, 1990, which makes Bang 36 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aries sign. Bang shares the date with 49 other famous people.
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