He's already the third member in the five member idol group Big Bang to release a solo album. The R&B and Hiphop specialist Taeyang is taking over the reigns as the newest YG icon to sweep the charts.

His music chart domination spans over seven countries' top iTunes chart spots with the single "Ringa Linga", which was produced by his friend and group mate G-Dragon. "Ringa Linga" is the single from the upcoming 2nd album by Taeyang.

When Taeyang performed on his comeback stage on SBS "Inkigayo", he was exuberant, to say the least. His powerful performances and perfect vocal performance helped the song become the number one single in almost all national music charts.

Taeyang spoke about the performance, saying, "It was more of a release than anything. I was worried that my album would be delayed or pushed too far back, but because I was able to release this single, I am relieved. I feel like everything's been set in motion, and my album will be released much sooner than I had worried. I hadn't been on 'Inkigayo' for a while so being on the stage was a blast. Seeing my fans from the stage was also a huge thrill."

His single "Ringa Linga" borrows from a Korean children's song. The motif, which is "let's everyone dance", was discussed between G-Dragon and Taeyang in a conversation during Big Bang's world tour.

On his inspiration for "Ringa Linga", Taeyang commented, "I was exposed to many fun and diverse cultures while we were on tour and was reminded that we (Korea) also have a rich history and our own unique style. I wanted to relay that aspect of our culture internationally to my fans."

Although "Ringa Linga" is currently a huge international hit, Taeyang asks his fans to hold the judgment until this full 2nd album is released. He vowed to satisfy his fans while appealing to many other people due to the uniqueness of the music he presents through his album.

Taeyang commented on the album, saying, "I think my first album had an overall theme of R&B. This upcoming album will have songs that are all unique in their style, so it will be a more diverse musical experience."

Speaking of diverse, Taeyang's group, Big Bang, has three members that released solo albums this year with one more (TOP) to follow. How do they make it work?

Taeyang answered, "We're all very unique from each other, not only in our musical interest but our personalities as well. However, I think that gives us a greater synergy and takes nothing away from us. As for me, I was usually singled out as the R&B specialist. Many of my fans love the R&B groove."

Initially, he admitted, Taeyang loved performing solo over performing as a group. That doesn't mean, however, that he still prefers the solo act.

"I used to want to perform solo because I wanted my unique style to stand out. However, we have progressed together as a group to a point where all of our individuality is visible even when all five of us are on stage. Jiyong(G-Dragon) tells me that all the time, too. Plus, it's boring when I'm in the waiting room all by myself. When the five of us are gathered, we don't even feel the time passing."

G-Dragon hinted in the 2013 Style Icon Awards that a project group within Big Bang similar to GD&TOP may be coming soon. Will it be between Taeyang and G-Dragon?

Taeyang seemed to be excited about the possibility as well, saying, "If it happens, you can bet that it will be a runaway hit. We are like two pieces cut from the same cloth. We're unique in our own rights but also have great synergy between the two of us. We know each other like the backs of our hands, so it would be fun and exciting to perform with him as a duo. Our fans will definitely appreciate it."

Taeyang is everywhere on TV now, but he was barely exposed on national media for a very long time. His first solo album and his performance with Big Bang was almost 2 to 3 years ago. He spent that time travelling the world.

Taeyang wanted to travel to meet people. He says, "I wasn't meeting women (laughter). I was meeting people that interested me, and I took the contents of our conversation to the recording sessions."

Taeyang confessed that he had lost all passion for music while performing his first album and the Big Bang appearances. As he traveled, Taeyang was able to find his reason for doing music and why he enjoys music.

"I found joy in good music. I wasn't able to appreciate great music when I was working, but with the time off, I was able to listen to and enjoy various types of music. I learned through my travels that many people adore, love and embrace music. Listening to music was a happy privilege, and that's why I must continue to make music. To bring joy and happiness to people who love music."

Taeyang's first album was a critically acclaimed success, with hit songs such as "Wedding Dress", "Where U At", "Look At Only Me", and "I Need A Girl". So naturally, the anticipation for his new album is through the roof.

Taeyang responded by saying, "Every artist wants to be both popular and artistic. It's about finding the right balance for me as well. Every album is judged differently, but I personally love the songs I've included in the 2nd album. I did everything I knew for that album - it really is a crossroad between the old me and the new me. I feel that this album is critically important to a long career as the artist Taeyang."

Photo credit: YG Entertainment