BIGBANG

(left to right: Seungri, Daesung, TOP, Taeyang, G-Dragon)

Formed in 2005 this 5 person male group from South Korea is quite popular in Japan along with other K-pop groups such as 2NE1, Brown Eyed Girls or Girls' Generation. They have recently (11th of May) released their second Japanese album (second place on the Oricon charts just 5 days after release), and are currently on tour in Japan.

Their first attempt at Japanese market was in 200 with the EP For the World. It didn't have much promotion, but still managed to get up to 16th place on the Oricon charts. Their big success though was the single Number 1 from their album of the same name. Afterwards, the group went on a hiatus, each of the members following their single paths; solo singles for Taeyang and G-Dragon, and drama parts for TOP (Iris).

Finally back in 2011 the group released their Tonight EP, which made it to the 10th place in the US iTunes charts, thus being the only non-English album in the top 100.

BigBang is mentioned as the most influential Korean band at the moment, setting trends in everything from sunglasses through clothes ending on minute accesories. In 2010, the group's Big Show concert was chosen by the South Korean Touristic Committee for their Visit Korea from 2010—2012 campaign, stating that they will "have a big economic impact on the country".