The BABY fandom didn’t have to wait long for B.A.P members to re-emerge onto the music scene as four of the six have either released albums or plan to release albums in the next two months.
Bang Yongguk, B.A.P’s leader, released his album, BANGYONGGUK, March 15, 2019. The 15-track album is a fusion of Rap, R&B, and Soul and features “Portrait,” “Journey,” “am4:44,” and “Hikikomori,” the lead single from the album.
Yongguk’s album, released by Interpark, is a mix of darkness and hints of inner darkness. The overall album has a solid flow to it as it transitions between tracks, but there are some tracks that stand out more than others, specifically “Codas Gigas” which just grabs listeners before transitioning to the fan-favorite “am4:44.” There is a song for almost any audience on BANGYONGGUK, including the sensual “Ya” to the banging “Xie Xie Remix” featuring LE (EXID), Liquor, and Sway D. It’s a strong album that reminds Yongguk fans of the reason they fell in love with him in the first place while showing off his many facets as an artist.
However, an MV for “Ya” was supposed to be released, but it has been postponed indefinitely according to Yongguk’s Instagram story. A reason has not been given.
Yongguk is also currently touring in Europe to promote his album.
Following Yongguk is Daehyun, who will be releasing his first solo album in April. The album, which will feature songs written, arranged, and composed by Daehyun, is an independent effort that will be released with the help of Culture Bridge.
In early March, fans were allowed to crowdfund to assist Daehyun in creating the album, a move that was greeted by controversy (even though other K-Pop groups and artists have used crowdfunding in the past, so it isn’t like there’s really an issue…). Despite K-Netizen complaints about the crowdfunding, Daehyun surpassed his funding goal in less than six hours.
“This album hasn’t been easy to make,” Daehyun said. “It started a year ago when I was still promoting with B.A.P, and I wasn’t able to release it for reasons. Now the timing is right. I want to show my fans and the public that I’m able to start this journey on my own. It’ll be different from B.A.P’s music, and hopefully, I’ll show my skills as a singer.
“Now that I’m not an idol, I can speak freely,” he continued. “It was really hard. For work, I’d meet people, get into arguments, and my self-confidence would break down. I’m not the kind of person who likes to meet a lot of people, and I don’t like to talk about myself. I would sit and obsess by myself and forget who I really was. It was hard to the point I wanted to give up, so I’ve returned home to Busan. It’s been healing to be around the scenery and people from my childhood. Everything is the same here. I’ve been able to produce music again more naturally and peacefully here.”
Daehyun’s mini album, Chapter 2: “27” will be released April 5, 2019.
Meanwhile, on March 17, 2019, Youngjae announced on Twitter that his solo album will also be released in April and will be followed by his “Begin Again” fan-meets in May. Since leaving TS Entertainment, Youngjae started his own label for his solo activities which not only includes singing but acting as well.
“We thought long and hard about how to show Youngjae’s vocal color as a solo artist, and this is the decision he made. The upcoming album that will be released in April will showcase Youngjae’s journey as he takes on a variety of refreshing musical challenges,” a representative told Newsen.
Finally, in May, Zelo will release his own solo album.
On March 18, 2019, A Entertainment announced their exclusive contract with Zelo and confirmed an album will be coming soon. The company announced that Zelo, upon the release of the album, will appear on music shows and will embark on a tour through Asia to promote his music. The company also plans on holding fan-signing events.
“Zelo signed an exclusive contract with us. We will fully support his solo activities starting with his fan meeting in Japan,” the entertainment company said.
On March 17, 2019, Zelo launched his own VLive channel. Earlier in the month, he also unveiled his logo and official colors when he announced the launch of his official website, ByZelo.
Meanwhile, Jongup and Himchan’s future plans have yet to be announced. Jongup has spoken up about life after B.A.P while Himchan has been quiet following the accusations of alleged sexual harassment. However, during one of Yongguk’s fanmeets, a fan asked Yongguk about Himchan. Yongguk reportedly stated Himchan is well and that the two of them are in contact.
Will you support B.A.P’s solo efforts?
On April 1, 2019, check Kcrush’s Facebook page for an announcement regarding our latest giveaway! We will be hosting a hashtag contest for Yongguk’s BANGYONGGUK album. Stay tuned!
—-Olivia Murray
User Review
( votes)Related Articles

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
(image from the AT&T website for AAPI Heritage Month https://about.att.com/inside_connections_blog/2021/aapi_heritage_month.html) For those who hadn’t known, May is observed as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month... Read More
Wanderlust Wednesday: Structurally Magnificent Thai Temples
With Covid travel restrictions* lifting, many of us may be feeling the nips from the travel bug reminding us that life is short, and we need to go out to see and experience the world. Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s major tourist attractions.... Read More
Books by Asian and Asian American Authors You Should Check Out
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! As we celebrate the contributions made by the Asian and Pacific Islander communities, we also need to look at their contributions in the literary world. Asian/Asian American writers... Read More
Women’s History Month: Badass Women You Should Know
Trigger Warning: Article discusses sex crimes and violence March is Women’s History Month. The month commemorates women’s cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements. To honor Women’s History Month, we celebrate some of the... Read More
The Origins of Asian Glass Blowing
The treasure technique of glass blowing is said to have originate from Syria back in the 1st century. The technique quickly found its way in the Asian peninsula thanks to the legendary silk road glass trade in South east Asia and China. Since... Read More
Asian Artists Storming The 2022 SXSW Festival
A line-up of musicians performing at the 2022’s SXSW (South by Southwest) yearly event is out and Asian artists, including K-pop idols, are representing their peninsula in this global happening. Over the years, the SXSW festival and concert... Read More
DIY Vegetable Garnish Carvings
Vegetable carving is concurred to originate from Asia with the dispute being the exact country amongst China, Thailand and Japan. Some of the world’s most eminent vegetable carvings include Mukimono from Japan and Thaeng.yuak from Thailand.... Read More
Nairobi King Sejong Institute
Rating: 5 stars For over a decade, this institute has produced a substancial number of Korean speaking students. Currently affiliated with Kenyatta University, the institute offers free Korean classes to the university’s student... Read More
Original Fruits and Vegetables Grown in Japan
The Asian peninsula is eminent for maintaining its ancient traditional cultures and practices. Its perpetual serving of traditional cuisines, despite the sweeping effect of globalization and modernization, has glorified the Asian foods on a... Read More
Leave a Reply