K-pop

The Big Bang of 2026, Conceived in 2006… Still Going Strong at Age 20 [Review]

Three-Day Concert Marking 20th Anniversary of Debut Held Successfully from the 21st to the 23rd A Sing-Along That Transcended Two Decades… Goyang Field ‘Buzzing’ 20th Anniversary Celebration Featuring Fireworks and a Live Band G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung’s Solo Performances Were Also ‘Stunning’ New Song “Big” Unveiled for the First Time… A Signal for a New 20 Years

YUN GI BACK
2026-08-23 21:50:53
[Edaily Starin YUN GI BACK Reporter] “Come on up here, everyone come up here. WE GON’ PARTY LIKE~♪”
The third and final performance of “BIGBANG 2026–2027 World Tour <XX: Cosmos> in Goyang” took place on the 23rd at the Main Stadium of the Goyang Sports Complex in Gyeonggi Province. As the numbers “2006” and “2026,” etched onto the stage, parted, G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung emerged from between them. At the same time, massive fireworks erupted, illuminating the night sky over Goyang.
BIGBANG (Photo: YG Entertainment)

The first song of Big Bang’s 20th-anniversary concert was “Fantastic Baby.” As the familiar chorus rang out, the audience erupted into a chorus of singing, as if they had been waiting for this moment. From fans who had been with Big Bang during their heyday to teens and twenty-somethings discovering their music for the first time, audiences across generations sang the same song at the top of their lungs. The girls who loved Big Bang 20 years ago had grown into adults and were once again waving their yellow Bang Bongs. It was the moment when Big Bang and V.I.P. (their fan club) — having each lived through their own distinct eras — came together again in 2026.
Even though time had passed, the energy on stage remained as strong as ever. Daesung and Taeyang’s thunderous vocals filled the stadium, while G-Dragon’s sharp rapping cut through the mix. Every time “BOOM SHAKALAKA” was repeated, the cheers grew even louder.
BIGBANG (Photo: YG Entertainment)

Without a moment to catch their breath, “HANDS UP” and “TONIGHT” followed. As the three members roamed the stage, fireworks erupted, and by the third song, sweat was already streaming down their faces. It felt as though those first three songs alone had condensed and laid out BIGBANG’s heyday.
After racing through those three songs, G-Dragon shouted, “Hello. Big Bang is back.” Daesung introduced himself as “Daesung, who’s been singing at the top of his lungs for 20 years,” and Taeyang urged the audience to enjoy the show to the fullest, since it was the final day of the Goyang concert.
It has been 20 years since BIGBANG debuted in 2006. The opening of the concert did not dwell on that time with lengthy explanations. The sight of the 2026 audience still singing along at the top of their lungs to songs from over a decade ago spoke volumes.
BIGBANG (Photo: YG Entertainment)

◇From “Lie” to “Bang Bang Bang”… Hit Songs Spanning 20 Years
Big Bang kicked off their 20th-anniversary world tour at the same venue over three days, from the 21st through this day. This marks the first time in nine years—since the 2017 “Last Dance” tour—that Big Bang has performed as a full group. The members were directly involved in every aspect of production, from the setlist to the stage design and overall direction, condensing the past 20 years of their music onto a single stage.
This history was most evident in the setlist. Following an intense opening, “Blue” (BLUE), “Loser” (LOSER), “If You” (IF YOU), “Bad Boy” (BAD BOY), and “Bae Bae” (BAE BAE) followed one after another, showcasing Big Bang’s signature sensibility and groove. During the rap chorus of “LOSER,” the audience’s sing-along grew louder, and Taeyang’s shouting instantly electrified the venue.
The atmosphere shifted once again during “Day by Day” and “Lie.” “Day by Day” breathed new life into the familiar track with a band arrangement and dramatic variations, while dazzling confetti adorned the stage. Next, “Lie”—which began with the familiar ringtone—left a lasting impression as the three members’ vocals blended with the audience’s collective singing.
The setlist itself—featuring a string of iconic songs from different eras, ranging from “Lie” to “Fantastic Baby,” “Loser,” “Ba Ba,” and “Bang Bang Bang”—served as a showcase of BIGBANG’s 20-year journey.
BIGBANG (Photo: YG Entertainment)

During the solo performances, each member’s unique style shone through. Daesung showcased his powerful vocals and infectious energy with “Universe,” “Wings,” “Over the Limit,” and “Look at Me, Come Back.” In particular, during “Look at Me, Come Back,” the crowd erupted into a chorus of “Look at me, look at me, come back,” causing the entire venue to buzz with excitement.
Taeyang showcased his signature groove and performance with “BAD,” “RINGA LINGA,” and “LIVE FAST DIE SLOW.” Even on a stage ablaze with fireworks, he commanded the stage with unwavering vocals and performance, and he even took the time to approach the barrier to connect with fans.
G-Dragon made a parade-like entrance with his dancers during “POWER,” then ramped up the energy with “CRAYON” and “CROOKED.” He combined his signature gestures and commanding stage presence with the band’s arrangement, and during “CROOKED,” the audience joined in singing the song, further amplifying his presence. He also exuded a unique coolness by using a “Chanel” hat as a stage prop.
BIGBANG (Photo: YG Entertainment)

◇Big Bang Shining Both Individually and Together… A New 20 Years Begun with “Big”
The explosive energy intensified as the three members reunited. As “BANG BANG BANG” began, the stadium transformed into a massive club. “STUPID LIAR,” “Manjeongsim,” and “WE LIKE 2 PARTY” followed in quick succession, and the yellow Bang Bongs surged like waves.
Although the concert was already packed with 20 years’ worth of hits, BIGBANG didn’t just dwell on the past. At the heart of it all was “BiiiG,” their new song released after about four years and four months.
The “BiiiG” performance, unveiled for the first time that day, blended G-Dragon’s rapping, Taeyang’s groovy vocals, and Daesung’s powerful voice. The fact that songs ranging from “Lie” and “Day by Day” to “BiiiG” coexisted on a single stage encapsulated the significance of this concert. It looked back on the past 20 years while simultaneously showcasing Big Bang in 2026.
True to the spirit of a 20th-anniversary celebration, the stage production was spectacular. A band session centered around Wow Jones performed all songs live, while Mike Carson—director of the “2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show”—and S. Devlin—stage designer for the “2012 London Olympics Closing Ceremony”—also contributed their expertise. A 23-metric-ton mobile LED screen brought the “Cosmos” universe to life in the stadium.
Fireworks bursting throughout the performance put the finishing touch on the celebration. Every time the music reached a climax, pillars of fire shot up and fireworks lit up the night sky. It was a scene that seemed to capture Big Bang’s 20th anniversary being celebrated together by the members and tens of thousands of fans.
BIGBANG (Photo: YG Entertainment)

During the encore, hit songs such as “Heaven,” “Red Sunset,” “Last Farewell,” “FEELING,” and “Flower Road” continued to fill the stage. Even when only the instrumental track played, the audience would burst into the next verse before the singers could.
The final song was “Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter” (Still Life). It was a fitting ending for BIGBANG, who had turned 20 after passing through countless seasons. Although the members, the fans, and the K-pop landscape had all changed between 2006 and 2026, the audience sang in unison once the song began. The fact that they played a recording of T.O.P.’s voice—who couldn’t join them on stage this time—added to the lingering emotion.
Now, 20 years later, no dazzling records were needed to prove Big Bang’s legacy. The roars that erupted during “Fantastic Baby,” the audience singing along to “Lie” and “Day by Day,” and the sea of yellow Bang Bongs swaying to “Bang Bang Bang” and “Big” spoke volumes about that time.
This concert felt less like a conclusion to their 20th anniversary and more like a new beginning. Starting in Goyang, BIGBANG will continue their world tour with a total of 33 shows across 19 cities worldwide, including North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia.
BIGBANG (Photo: YG Entertainment)

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