Toronto's Biggest Banger; Big Bang takes centre stage at the Air Canada Centre

            One of South Korea's most successful K-pop group, Big Bang, touched down in Toronto, Canada, and they did not disappoint their fans.

            On October 13, 2015, Big Bang hit the stage at the Air Canada Centre (ACC) in Toronto, bringing their highly anticipated MADE TOUR to Canada. After touring through Los Angeles, Mexico, and New Jersey, they wrapped up their World North American Tour in Toronto for a final show.

            Thousands of fans gathered around the ACC hours before the show, either hoping to see their idols or be the first to get their hands on the concert merchandise. By the time the doors had opened, there were only a few signature light sticks left for purchase.

            Blasting fireworks, the group kicked off the party in Toronto by performing their upbeat, summer banger, 'Bang Bang Bang' which immediately got the crowd on their feet. From that point on, no one sat back down. 

            Having debuted in 2006, Big Bang, which consist of GDragon, Taeyang, T.O.P, Daesung, and Seungri, began their summer by releasing 2 tracks of their MADE album at the beginning of each month, a promotional tactic that for sure left fans wanting more. Not only did it build anticipation, the tracks also ranked near the top of Billboard's Top World Digital Songs list.

            This is also the first time an artist or group from YG Entertainment, one of South Korea's biggest entertainment companies, has performed in Canada. And many believe this may be a once in a lifetime concert.

"I honestly don't think they'll be coming back to Toronto," one fan said after the concert. "Maybe they'll come back for their farewell concert," another one answered.

            When a group like Big Bang comes to Toronto, especially when fans think it's a once in a lifetime experience, crowds don't let them end the concert when they want to. Coming out to perform Bang Bang Bang and Loser for the encore, Big Bang bowed to the crowd one last time as the stage closed and the credits the show rolled to mark the end of their MADE World North American tour.    

K-Pop Powerhouses, YG Entertainment and SM Entertainment, Set to Clash August 1

     August seems to be the month the big names are coming out to play. YG Entertainment has readied their fans for the big debut of WINNER, their boy group that will lead them in the next generation. Alongside WINNER, YG is also hinting about BIG BANG's comeback, the group who has led the company to stardom. SM Entertainment is also preparing the debut of their new girl group, Red Velvet, simultaneously with their 13 member group SUPER JUNIOR, preparing for their comeback.
     It's not a mere coincidence that YG's WINNER, and SM's Red Velvet are both reported to debut on August 1, 2014! Fans of each group have waited a long time to get their first look at what the new groups can do.

     Especially the fans of WINNER, who were supposed to debut at the conclusion of their show, WINNER TV, but was postponed by the company. Introduced through YG's reality competition, WIN: Who Is Next, WINNER has been seen together as a group for a bit more than a year now. Many netizens can be quoted "Why don't they just debut them already!" Though the company have given many teasers, with videos to photoshoots, all the fans seem to want is the debut of the group. August 1, is the groups "Grand Launch," fans will be waiting.
UPDATE: YG Ent released the album teaser for WINNER Aug 1st, announcing the debut album will be released on August 8, 2014. Once again, WINNER fans are left waiting a bit longer.
 

 The fans of Red Velvet, have been waiting a bit longer, though the group was not officially put together until last week. Fans were introduced to this new members through SM's, SM-ROOKIES. The members have made covers, and even sung soundtracks for Korean dramas. This is SM's first girl group debut since f(x), back in 2009. Red Velvet will make their stage debut on August 1 on Music Bank.
     Moving onto the veteran, world established groups, BIG BANG and SUPER JUNIOR, have gone head to head for quite some time now. Debuting in 2006 and 2005 respectively, these two groups have had their share in the international spotlight. Both groups' last Korean album release was back to 2012, STILL ALIVE by Big Bang and SEXY, FREE, AND SINGLE by Super Junior. At the 2013 Mnet Asian Music Awards, the most prestigious award ceremony for K-Pop, each received 3 top awards
                 

     Super Junior: Album of the Year, Best Global Group - Male, and Best Line Award

                       Big Bang: Best Male Group, Artist of the Year, and Best Male Solo (G-Dragon)

     Both veteran groups are expected to come up with high end songs once again. With SuJu leader Leeteuk returning from military duties, and Big Bang coming back together after each member released solo albums/tracks, it will be interesting to see what music they can create after 2 years.
     This will be an interesting battle, as the young and the old are set to battle off in the K-music world.