Ten years ago, BIGBANG – the five-member powerhouse consisting of G-Dragon, Taeyang, T.O.P, Daesung, and Seungri – dominated the charts with the melancholic yet addictive hit “LOSER”. At the time, it marked not just a musical comeback, but the glorious return of a full group that had been pursuing solo and unit activities since their 2012 release “Alive”.
On May 1, 2015, BIGBANG made their triumphant return as a full unit with the single album “M”, the first installment of their ambitious “MADE” series. At the time, the single’s 2 tracks “LOSER” and “BAE BAE” were met with immediate acclaim. “LOSER”, in particular, stood out for its vulnerable lyrics and haunting melody, and the emotional depth was mirrored in its music video, where each member delivered raw portrayals of inner turmoil and youth in crisis.
The release proved that time had not dulled BIGBANG’s impact. “LOSER” swept the top spots across all major Korean streaming platforms and climbed to number one on iTunes in seven countries, including Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. According to Melon, it secured the top spot on the weekly chart for the second week of May, solidifying its place as one of the year’s most impactful songs.
But looking back now, the emotional weight of “LOSER” carries a deeper resonance, as fans will no longer see BIGBANG in its previous full 5-member line-up.
Seungri, once a fan-favorite, was at the center of the infamous Burning Sun scandal and ultimately left both the group and the entertainment industry in 2019. In 2022, he was convicted of nine criminal charges including habitual gambling, procuring prostitution, embezzlement, and more, resulting in an 18-month prison sentence. He was released in February 2023.
T.O.P, too, faced serious backlash. In 2017, he received a 10-month suspended sentence for marijuana use. Though he appeared in BIGBANG’s 2022 comeback single “Still Life”, he officially announced his departure in 2023, making it clear he had moved on from the group.
Now, only G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung remain. Although the trio still holds immense legacy and influence, the chances of seeing a five-member BIGBANG perform “LOSER” again are effectively gone. Still, **”LOSER” **remains a powerful relic from the boy group’s golden era.
