BigBang launches 20th anniversary 'COSMOS' world tour

The group BigBang has returned to the solo concert stage as a full three-member group, breaking a long hiatus of nine years. Since their debut in 2006, BigBang has reshaped the landscape of Korean popular music. To celebrate their 20th anniversary, they have opened a new chapter with fans by launching a world tour under their own name.

From the 21st to the 23rd, BigBang held 'BIGBANG 2026-2027 WORLD TOUR ‘XX : COSMOS’ IN GOYANG' with Coupang Play at the Goyang Stadium Main Stadium. The performance held significant symbolic meaning as it was their first solo concert under the name BigBang in nine years since 2017, and served as the starting point for their 20th-anniversary world tour.

In particular, this performance was highly meaningful as G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung once again synchronized on a single stage. Given that the three members have built independent musical territories through their respective solo activities and individual projects, this concert functioned as more than just a performance; it served as a condensed showcase of the team's past 20 years.

During the performance on the afternoon of the 23rd, G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung appeared on stage as a full group. The moment the intro to 'FANTASTIC BABY' echoed through the venue, the Goyang Stadium Main Stadium was engulfed in massive cheers. Wearing matching white outfits, the three members responded to the expectations of the long-awaited audience by consecutively performing 'HANDS UP' and 'TONIGHT'.

As the stage began, the audience responded with sing-alongs that rendered the gaps in generation and time irrelevant. G-Dragon shouted, "BigBang is back," and greeted the crowd by asking, "How have you been?" Taeyang mentioned that this was the final performance and urged the fans, "I hope you truly enjoy it by pouring out all your energy." The performance continued with moments where they completed the show alongside fans, such as handing the microphone directly to the audience to lead the singing.

The individual personalities of the members, which have long been cited as BigBang's strength, were clearly evident on the live stage. G-Dragon's unique and original stage presence, Taeyang's explosive vocal power, and Daesung's powerful vocals harmonized to revive the team's signature color.

As representative hits like 'BLUE', 'LOSER', and 'IF YOU' followed, the audience naturally sang along. Although the songs were released at different times, ranging from 2011 to 2015, there was no gap in the audience's collective singing. This scene demonstrated that BigBang's music has not remained stuck in the trends of a specific era but has continuously accumulated in the memories of their fans.

Since their debut in 2006, BigBang has expanded the musical grammar of idol groups by releasing numerous hits such as 'Lies', 'Day by Day', 'Last Farewell', 'Red Sunset', 'BAD BOY', and 'FANTASTIC BABY'. In particular, as the members actively participated in the production of music and concepts, they significantly influenced the public perception of idols, viewing them not merely as performers but as creators.

The number 20 carries a special meaning for this performance. In popular music, 20 years is a long history that verifies a team's sustainability. During that time, the music market shifted rapidly from CDs to music releases and streaming, and the idol industry has been constantly restructured through several generations. Amidst these changes, the fact that BigBang's past hits still lead massive crowds in sing-alongs at large venues proves that their musical legacy is still ongoing.

G-Dragon said during the performance, "This is the BigBang 20th anniversary commemorative world tour. We started in 2006 and have arrived in 2026. A sincere welcome to everyone who came to the concert."

Daesung raised the atmosphere with his characteristic witty speech, saying, "The guy who greets you with 'Scream!' for the 20th year, the guy who sings, it's your loud-voiced Daesung. I will serve everyone who came to the 'COSMOS' world tour with a full course."

Taeyang also encouraged the audience's response, saying, "I am happy to meet you all with such a new look and new stage for our 20th anniversary," before promising an even hotter performance.

The title of this world tour, 'XX : COSMOS', also encapsulates the expanding world of BigBang as they pass through 20 years. Since 'COSMOS' means the universe, the title can also be read as an implication of the new journey that will unfold beyond the musical world they have built over the past 20 years.

Having started the first voyage of their world tour in Goyang, BigBang will continue their performances across 19 cities worldwide, including North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia, for a total of 33 shows. Attention is focused on what new musical trajectory BigBang, standing at the starting line once again under a single name after a long hiatus, will leave upon their 20-year history.