Taeyang is a South Korean singer who was born on May 18, 1988, in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. His birth name is Dong Young-bae but he is better known by his stage name Taeyang. He goes by the nickname SOL when he is in Japan. His first appearance was in a music video for Jinusean's song "A-yo" and he soon began training under YG Entertainment when he was just 12-years-old. By 2006, Taeyang made his debut as a member of the South Korean boy band Big Bang. The group's debut album was not met with exceptional praise but by the time the group released their second album, it was received with much higher praise. It even became one of the best-selling digital groups of all-time in Asia. Big Bang is also one of the best-selling boy bands in the world. After releasing several albums, Taeyang split from the group and pursued a solo career in 2008.

Taeyang is a Christan with several tattoos that were inspired by his faith such as a Christian Cross and Jesus Christ on the cross. He went on to marry actress Min Hyo-rin February 3, 2018. They were married in a private ceremony among family and friends.