generasia:Featured article for 2024 week 31
B.A.P
B.A.P (비에이피) is a Korean pop/Hip-Hop boy group that debuted in 2012 under TS Entertainment. The group become known prior to their debut as the leader Bang Yong Guk (former member of Soul Connection and Black Out) debuted as a solo artist in August 2011. In December 2011, also prior to the group debut, Bang Yong Guk joined fellow B.A.P member ZELO to form the unit BANG&ZELO. The name of the group stands for Best. Absolute. Perfect. In Japan, the group was signed under KING RECORDS.
Upon their debut, it was noted that the group had set out to differentiate themselves from the "pretty-boy" male idol archetype prevalent in the industry with their "tough, bad boy image". Their debut mini-album, Warrior, entered Billboard's World Albums Chart at #10. In South Korea, the mini-album sold over 10,000 copies within just two days of release. The group's second mini-album, Power, sold out its initial batch of 30,000 copies and entered at #10 on the Billboard World Albums Charts.
Originally a 6-member group, leader Bang Yong Guk left the group on August 19, 2018 and ZELO left on December 2, 2018 as their contract with TS Entertainment expired and they decided to not renew it. On February 18, 2019, the remaining four members left the group as their contracts with TS Entertainment expired. Though there was no official announcement of disbandment, it has been inferred, though in an interview member Jongup stated that although all members are currently unable to be together that there was no talk about disbandment and they would like to come together again in the future.
In 2024, the group reunited under MA Entertainment to release the mini-album, CURTAIN CALL. The group promoted under the name BANG&JUNG&YOO&MOON. Members ZELO and Himchan were not included in the comeback as a result of ZELO's military service and Himchan's sexual assault allegations.
Their 11th single, "BREAKOUT / Kimi wa Boku no Mono", is released this week on July 31st.
