BIGBANG’s Taeyang Returns: What to Expect from His 9-Year Waited Album ‘QUINTESSENCE’?

Translation result ▲ Taeyang ⓒ Gwak Hye-mi, Reporter

[SPOTV News=Jeong Hye-won] Taeyang of Big Bang reflected on releasing his first full-length album in nine years.

At a listening event for his fourth studio album, QUINTESSENCE, held on the afternoon of the 18th at the Cube Convention Center in Sangam-dong, Seoul, Taeyang said the record reflects a lot of careful thought and new experiments.

QUINTESSENCE contains 10 tracks spanning a variety of genres. Taeyang contributed to every song, shaping the album’s overall arc.

He said his main concern while making the album was how to remain true to himself while offering something fresh. This year marks the 20th anniversary of his career, and after two decades of activity, he acknowledged that pushing into new territory can be challenging.

Still, he said he thought about what new directions he might explore at this stage of his career. He believes those deliberations and experiments are evident in the album, which should raise listeners’ expectations.

QUINTESSENCE is his first new release in about three years since the EP Down to Earth in April 2023, and his first full-length album in roughly nine years since White Night in August 2017.

Taeyang said that, ahead of a release, he generally experiences a similar mix of emotions and thoughts, but this time he felt especially happy. “Since today is my birthday, I’m glad I can give my fans a nice gift,” he said, adding that after a year of preparation he feels relieved and reflective as the album is finally released to the world.

Taeyang’s QUINTESSENCE was scheduled for release at 6 p.m. that day.