Are you ready for BADMAN?

B.A.P is finally coming back after six whole months. After their debut in January of 2012, B.A.P has released 3 singles, 2 mini albums, and a repackage album to include a whopping 6 albums. They have been breathlessly running the race in the music industry.

B.A.P has been touring both Korea and America all the while gathering even more people for their enormous fandom, and they've stepped it up once again. Their previous successes, 'Coffee Shop' and 'Hurricane' are prequels to their final title song 'BADMAN.' With just one day left until their comeback, B.A.P is determined to take on the role as this generation's idol group. Let's use the SWOT rubric to see if they'll make it.

# S (Strength): Active Diligence and Strong Concept

Since its one year and six months since debut, B.A.P has been diligently active, proven by their release of six albums so far. In a time when there are so many rookie groups that rise and fall, or are quickly forgotten, this is a great move on B.A.P's part. This was probably influential in their decision to remain busy in their music activity.

Also noteworthy are their songs, starting with their debut song 'Warrior,' followed by 'Power,' 'No Mercy,' and 'One Shot.' As you can see these titles are overflowing with masculinity, to go right along with their strong concept. Of course, there were also sweeter love songs such as 'Crash' and 'Stop It,' but overall their message is one of strength.

To film the last of the triple title song music video 'BADMAN,' the group even traveled to Detroit in America. Filming of the music video required about a hundred extras in order to give it a 'Blockbuster movie' feel. Even the performance in the film is said to be hot, hot, hot!

# W (Weakness): Ever Lacking Popularity

B.A.P stands out among other idol groups that have debuted around the same time. Not only did they sweep the nation in their debut year, they had a very successful solo concert very shortly following their debut, and we can't forget about their Pacific Tour as well.

The problem is, like most other idol groups, B.A.P has trouble when it comes to popularity. Although their massive fandom of 100,000 women in their teens and twenties is impressive, there is still too much deviation in desired gender and age groups. This is something they need to work on and figure out.

# O (Opportunity): Mainstream Hip-hop Charts

The timing is not too bad. As hip-hop is always in the mainstream music charts, it gives B.A.P an advantage to get to the top.

'BADMAN' tries to take American mainstream music styles and incorporate it into its hip-hop style to create a new kind of music. Leader Bang Yong Guk said, 'Instead of always singing mainstream popular songs, I hope that one day B.A.P's style songs will become the new mainstream popular songs.' One can expect that B.A.P won't always follow trends, but try to come up with innovative changes to their songs.

In fact, B.A.P has released some unique songs, such as 'Coffee Shop' which used jazz piano to soothe the ears, and also 'Hurricane,' which used electronic house music to bring a new sound to the table.

# T (Threat): Rivalry Among Boy Idol Groups

Currently there are quite a few boy bands fighting for the spotlight, especially during the same time as B.A.P's scheduled comeback in August. They need to watch out for BEAST and Infinite, as well as EXO. Even though B.A.P may be set apart from the other groups, their competitors are bound to make them a little nervous.

And since the boy bands that have already comeback offer strong, intense, and charismatic performances, there must be something that definitely sets B.A.P apart from the other groups.

We can only look forward to seeing whether or not B.A.P will be able to beat out the competition and hold the top spot in music charts in various programs in the coming weeks.