SEOUL - BIGBANG's Taeyang signaled the start of the iconic K-pop group's 20th-anniversary project this year with a solo comeback centered on a search for his core "essence" and a drive for new challenges.
Released on Monday to coincide with his birthday, his fourth studio album "Quintessence" marks his first release in three years since his April 2023 EP, "Down to Earth." It also stands as his first full-length solo record in nearly a decade, arriving nine years after "White Night" dropped in August 2017.
"I've been incredibly busy this year," he said at a press event in Seoul on Monday to promote the album. "I was busy preparing for the band's Coachella stage, and frantically finishing the album. I haven't rested a single day since Coachella."
BIGBANG's Taeyang poses for photos during a press event for his fourth studio album, "Quintessence," in Seoul on May 18, 2026. (Yonhap)
His band BIGBANG formally made its comeback as a group after a nine-year hiatus with a performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 12.
Since this year marks the 20th anniversary of his debut, Taeyang said the most important thing he considered when starting to make the new album was "what is the most 'me' yet new."
"Because I've done so much music and so many activities, challenging myself to something new was difficult in itself," he said. "Still, I pondered what new things I could do at this point, and a lot of those thoughts went into this album."
The album's title, "Quintessence," is no accident. Embodying his long-standing reflections, the 10-track album represents a journey to find invisible but crucial values, fully capturing his distinct personality.
"The concepts of 'essence' and 'core' had lingered in my eyes and mind when I began making the album a year ago," he said, explaining how he chose the title. Inspired by the word, he approached the project as a process of finding his true essence and studying how to translate it into his music.
The lead track, "Live Fast Die Slow," boasts the fastest tempo of his entire discography. It is an intense number that blends his signature soulful vocals with a wild, fiercely propulsive energy.
"It reflects my thought that I've come this far at my own speed and direction, and I will continue to do so," he said. "While writing this song, I felt it suited me best and perfectly represents who I am right now."
He added that touring as a solo artist made him realize the need to create faster, more energetic tracks specifically tailored for live performances.
The new album also marks a significant departure from his usual production methods. Stepping away from in-house production, he collaborated with global producers. Tablo, leader of South Korean hip-hop group Epik High, participated in the songwriting, while Korean co-ed group Allday Project's Tarzan and Woochan, alongside Australian pop star The Kid LAROI, also contributed.
When discussing his approach to working with new producers, Taeyang emphasized the importance of shared musical roots.
"I wanted to work with someone who knows my taste or legacy, and producer Paul Blanco, who grew up listening to my music, was the right person," Taeyang said. "I want to express my gratitude to him for making it with all his passion as if he were making his own album."
Beyond his solo work, the 38-year-old will maintain a busy schedule this year with group activities marking BIGBANG's 20th anniversary. As a group, it will release its first new music in about four years and embark on a world tour starting in August, according to its agency, YG Entertainment.
"I think I'll be even busier after today because I want to work without any regrets," Taeyang said, closing with a promise to fans. "I will show various sides of myself this year. Starting the 20th-anniversary project with my solo release, I also plan to greet you with various activities alongside my fellow BIGBANG members, so please look forward to it."
