BigBang throws concert in Taipei; Jay Chou shares photos with group

Taipei, Oct. 10 (CNA) South Korean boy band BigBang performed in Taiwan for the first time in 11 years on Friday night, drawing 40,000 fans to Taipei Dome to welcome the group's three members -- G-Dragon (GD), Taeyang and Daesung.

Mandopop star Jay Chou (周杰倫) shared photos of himself with the K-pop group on Instagram, writing, "Nice to see you guys! Congratulations." The post prompted netizens to respond with praise, with some describing the photos as "dream group photos."

BigBang kicked off the concert with its signature song "Fantastic Baby" as the 40,000 fans at the venue waved their hands and screamed with excitement. The music video for the song, released in 2012, has garnered 670 million views on YouTube.

The group subsequently performed other popular songs, including "Hands Up," "Tonight," "Blue" and "Loser," to the delight of fans.

During "Tonight," GD even recreated his signature guitar-smashing scene at the end of the song.

On stage, GD spoke Mandarin to the audience, saying, "Long time no see. How have you been? I'm Big Brother Dragon." He added, "I miss you all."

Taeyang spoke Taiwanese, telling the crowd, "I love you all. I am Taeyang," prompting loud screams from the audience.

Taeyang said Taipei was the first Asian stop on BigBang's world tour.

He added that after arriving in Taiwan on Thursday night, he enjoyed his' favorite Taiwanese foods, including beef noodle soup and pineapple cakes. He also praised BigBang's fans for being sweet and warm.

In addition to performing as a group, the three BigBang members also sang solo.

At one point, Taeyang slipped on two steps while leaving the stage, but quickly grabbed the handrail to avoid falling. After stepping off the stage, he warmly held a fan's hand as the performance continued, much to the delight of the audience.

After the concert, Chou posed for photos with BigBang beside a flower basket he had sent to the group. Some netizens commented that Chou and BigBang had been part of their childhood, describing them as superstars who transcend generations.

BigBang will hold two more concerts at Taipei Dome on Saturday and Sunday as part of its "BigBang 2026-2027 World Tour XX:Cosmos in Taipei," celebrating the group's 20th anniversary.

A woman surnamed Lau (劉), who flew from Hong Kong to Taipei, told CNA on Thursday that she had taken two days off work to attend two of BigBang's concerts in Taipei. She said she enjoyed attending concerts in Taiwan because local fans were friendlier and the overall atmosphere was more harmonious, making the concert experience even better.