It’s not uncommon to see K-pop idols of disbanded groups working on solo projects. Thus, apart from the occasional special reunion like 2NE1, it is extremely rare to see the entire group returning to the industry after a while. However, it seems that notion isn’t applicable to boyband B.A.P (비에이피) because they recently teased they are coming back!
Recently, MA Entertainment released a short documentary showcasing all active members of B.A.P announcing their comeback after 5 years! In the video, the group shared a message with fans, saying, “To the many fans who have been waiting, we have finally gathered together. As much as you have supported us so far, we will show you how much we have grown musically, so I hope you will look forward to it. I will definitely come to see you.”.
B.A.P (비에이피) debuted on 26th January 2012 with six members in tail including Yongguk (용국), Himchan (힘찬), Daehyun (대현), Youngjae (영재), Jong-Up (종업) and Zelo (젤로) under TS Entertainment. Unfortunately, Yongguk’s contract expired, leaving the remaining five as part of the group. However, in 2019, all members did not renew their contract and the group disbanded as of 18th February 2019.
Since then, many fans have been eagerly waiting for new music from the group. Their latest teaser unveiled that exciting music awaits as they mentioned they have grown musically and hope for this comeback for their fans who have waited patiently for years. As we count the days to their official release, let’s delve into details of what the members have been working on after disbandment:
Zelo
Choi Jun Hong, better known as Zelo, made his solo debut a few months after the group’s disbandment. He released his mini album “Distance” on 21st June 2019 and a year later, collaborated with Lil Oppa and Jvde for a single titled “Shower”.
Not too long after that, he released his 2nd mini album, “Day2Day” with the lead single called “She and Malibu”. Unfortunately, Zelo may not participate in B.A.P’s upcoming comeback as he’s currently serving his military service, having announced his enlistment on 15th October 2023 through an Instagram posting.
Jong-Up
Moon Jong-up apparently took a six-month break from music following the disbandment and joined an encore show for a theatre production, “The Lost Village”. He then joined the reality show “Signhere” for an opportunity to join Jay Park’s label AOMG but was eliminated during the second round.
Since 2020, the idol has focused on his solo career starting with the release of his single album “Headache” before unveiling his first extended play called “Us”. Jong-Up also held a fan meet in Japan before releasing his second mini album, “Some”.
Youngjae
Upon B.A.P’s dissolution, Youngjae immediately established his record label as a means to release his solo music, beginning with his debut mini album ”Fancy”. Soon after, he was cast as the main character for the drama series, “Kim Seul Gi Genius” which led to him signing a contract with DMost Entertainment to expand his career in acting.
Eventually, he focused more on acting and even starred in multiple dramas including “Woman of 9.9 Billion” and “Mr. Queen”. In the midst of his newly found passion, he managed to release a second mini-album titled “O,on”. In 2022, he then left DMost Entertainment and joined Forstar Company instead as he was serious about developing as an actor.
Daehyun
A month after B.A.P’s disbandment, Daehyung initiated a crowdfunding campaign to gain funds for his debut mini-album. Despite the criticism for his move, he managed to release “Chapter2 ’27′” and signed with STX Lionheart a few months later. Under the new record label, he managed to release his first single album, “Aight”.
From 2019 to 2020, Daehyun joined the musical “Grease”, playing the role of Danny. He was then cast in another musical called “The Moment”. As for music, Daehyun mainly sang soundtracks for drama series like “Sweet Munchies” with his only release since the COVID pandemic being his Japanese single, “Amazing”.
Himchan
Kim Him-Chan made his solo debut a year after leaving the group with the song “Reason Of My Life”. Unfortunately, his solo journey was overshadowed by the sexual harassment charges he was facing at the time. In 2021, the district court in Seoul agreed to sentence him to 10 months in jail and receive a 40-hour treatment program for sex offenders. The sentencing eventually affected his public image and it seems Himchan has yet to divulge any musical activities as a means to stay low-profile.
Bang Yonnguk
Bang Yongguk embarked on a solo journey, establishing his own agency called CONSENT as soon as he departed from B.A.P in 2018. The singer instantly debuted with his first digital single “Race” and his career as a soloist expanded tremendously. With that said, he is seen actively participating in collaborative projects with Korea’s music giants including Tiger JK (타이거 JK), RM of BTS (방탄소년단) and Zico (지코).
Extensively, Yongguk’s determination and passion in music making remained evident as he signed an exclusive contract with YY Entertainment in March 2023 and announced his comeback with his second mini-album, “The Colors of Love,” set for release in May 2023, preceded by the pre-release single “Green.” Soon after, he announced his “The Colors Of Bang Yongguk” tour, visiting over 15 states including Malaysia!
Watch the full teaser below!
Sources: Youtube, Kpop Fandom, Kprofiles (1)(2)(3)(4).
Ariani Soraya contributed to this article
