After a long and quiet hiatus, BIGBANG has finally made their return to the music industry. Fans have been eagerly and patiently waiting for the powerhouse and veteran group to make their comeback, and they surely do not disappoint. When the comeback was first announced, it seemed like a dream that fans would be getting new content after years since MADE. But now, with their latest single “Still Life,” BIGBANG has arrived. 

“Still Life” hits in a way that feels like a big, warm, comforting hug. Despite the years and seasons passing by, which are referenced throughout the song and music video, they are still here and always have been. BIGBANG will always come to meet fans no matter how long it takes. The music video showcases the members individually, and we do not get to see the group together as a whole. However, each member aligns to the four seasons. G-DRAGON for the bright and red summer, Daesung in the lonesome fall, T.O.P in the cold and snowy moon of winter, and Taeyang in the rebirth of spring. Whether it be G-DRAGON reminiscing on videos of the VIP sea of yellow lightsticks, the yellow lights from earth to the yellow bed of flowers, BIGBANG doesn’t forget to include their fans in some sort of way. Despite not seeing all four members together in one shot, the video still symbolized with a line of four chairs or four flowers bundled together that they’re still together.

Reflection is the key theme of “Still Life,” and there is a sense of sadness as it feels like something is coming to a close as they say goodbye. But when one door closes, a new door opens. The last time BIGBANG was active, all the members were in their 20s; now as they return in their 30s, they’re much more experienced and wiser. While the ballad seems sad, it’s also hopeful and reassuring. A new journey for the group and individually has begun, and it’s only the beginning. 

We don’t know for sure what is in store for BIGBANG and what we will see next, but the overwhelming consensus from long-time fans of BIGBANG is just happiness to see them together and to have a new song. No matter how emotional this may make listeners, “Still Life” was a great choice to return with and a breath of fresh air.

Edited by Vivian N.