Bang Yongguk ‘Up’: K-pop star gets introspective for his first mini-album ‘[2]’
It looks like Bang Yongguk is making up for the lost time. Two years after his solo debut and military enlistment, the B.A.P leader made a fierce comeback with the pre-release single ‘Race’. The edgy rock song proved once again why Yongguk was an ace in his field, having produced several iconic hits. He had also shared that he was looking for more challenges like different music and acting projects.
Well, now Bang Yongguk is back with his first mini-album ‘[2]’ and second album overall. The B.A.P star hopes to share his story, of who ‘Bang Yongguk’ really is, his journey and the ups and downs he has faced. The six-track diverse album focuses on emotions like love, hate, sadness and the unpredictability of life. The title track ‘Up’ takes a sensual turn as the idol sings about a fierce love that engulfs him.
READ MORE
B.A.P’s Bang Yongguk 'Race': Comeback single after 2 years has fans hoping for reunion
Youngjae 'Crush of Spring': B.A.P star lands lead role in historical BL K-drama
Release date
Bang Yongguk released his second studio album ‘[2]’ on March 2 at 6 pm KST (4 am ET).
Where to listen
The B.A.P star’s album is available on all major music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, MelOn and more.
Tracklist
1. ‘G.M.T’
2. ‘Up’ - Title track
3. ‘Screwed Up’
4. ‘Shut Up’
5. ‘Off’
6. ‘Race’
Bang Yongguk has participated in the making of all of the tracks including the title track ‘Up’. 'Up' is a laid-back hip hop song with traditional string sounds and a heavy bass that creates a haunting melody. He made his first solo comeback over 2 years, after his military enlistment by pre-releasing the song ‘Race’. From the title of the tracks, Yongguk continues his F1 racing concept from ‘Race’ where he had compared life to an endless race.
Concept
Bang Yongguk has released two versions of the album '[2]' – ‘Chaotic’ and ‘Wandering’. The ‘Chaotic’ concept shows off his dark side as he sports a sharp suit and dark eye makeup, leather outfits, and gelled hairstyles. We see a softer but still moody Yongguk in the ‘Wandering’ concept as he uses props like a sunflower and poses with his face partially covered as if he is still wandering to find his true self.
Music video
Known for combining hip hop and rock, fans have always loved Yongguk’s self-produced songs. And he did not disappoint for ‘Up’. The K-pop idol goes all out for the music video of ‘Up’ as he sings in his signature deep vocals about a love that he can’t seem to let go of. Full of symbolic shots, we see Yongguk struggling from ballet dancers dancing around him in masks to him being tied up as he is trapped in a dangerous love.
Watch the music video for ‘Up’ below.