Welcome to the 49th article of Kpopmap's weekly series exploring the amazing duality of K-Pop idols, actors, models, and more! Every week, we shine the spotlight on one artist who embodies the very essence of duality and has mastered the flair of harnessing their multifaceted talent to create the most brilliant, versatile art we have ever seen. As effortless as they make their craft look, there's a universe of talent that brings their hard work to fruition, and we must show appreciation where it's due.

You can find all of our "Bias Duality" articles in one place by clicking here!

This week's "Bias Duality" article is dedicated to the striking hypnotism of SF9's Yoo TaeYang, who holds fire in his eyes and heaven in his smile. With 40.6%  of the total votes cast by Kpopmap readers on the poll in our previous "Bias Duality" article, Yoo TaeYang was chosen by an overwhelming majority of fans to appear on this series!

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To participate in choosing the artist who will be featured in our next "Bias Duality" article, you can vote for your favourite idol/actor below! If you would like to see a different idol/actor (one who is not mentioned in the poll) featured in the series, please leave their name in the comments section, and we will add them to the vote lineup next time!

Now onto our bias!

Yoo TaeYang: The Man, The Artist, The Visionary

As luminous on the inside as he is on the outside, SF9's Yoo TaeYang shines in ways that brighten up the world. His journey from a trainee to debuting as a member of SF9, making his dreams come true on his own merit, is not only inspiring but also an emblem of diligence and passion.

Today, he is one of the most lauded dancers in the world who also just happens to be an exceptional vocalist, a rousing theatre actor, and a songwriter who has the key to our hearts. He's also a gem of a human being, a loving idol to his fans, an adoring brother to his members, and the biggest cheerleader to himself.

The conviction Yoo TaeYang has in his abilities stems directly from the hours of endless, unstinting effort he has poured into his art, honing it to perfection. In turn, this inspires FANTASY to love and cherish themselves and trust in their own strengths.

The connection Yoo TaeYang has with FANTASY is on a dimension that transcends admiration because when he says that FANTASY means the world to him, he means it. Who else would take their fans stargazing on a particularly clear, dreamy night just because he wants to share the delights of his own life with them?

The way Yoo TaeYang interacts with FANTASY, whether that be during concerts, fan meetings, or even his V-Live broadcasts, shows how much he cares for them and genuinely considers them a part of his being. Yoo TaeYang and Tyangpeu (a nickname he calls his fans, meaning "TaeYang's Princess") are inseparable, and that is not something that can be achieved without a heart full of true love.

Yoo TaeYang is a deeply sentimental, tender, and warm-hearted person who finds joy in the little things and amplifies it manifold for those around him. His rich inner world permeates into his art, which he imbues with meaning and significance.

He pays attention to the tiniest details and brings out the magnificence in them, showing us a whole new world that we probably would have never even imagined. Yoo TaeYang's unique perspective on life and the way he views the world through a surreal lens is exactly what makes him such a remarkable artist.

When it comes to SF9, Yoo TaeYang has a way of dedicating himself to the group that comes straight from the soul. He is in love with SF9 more than anything else, and his members are nothing short of family. He can be playful and protective, clumsy and composed, shy and feisty, clingy and cool, calm and chaotic, all at once when he is with his members.

They could tease him to no end, and he would still go ahead and snuggle, showering them with affection. It almost feels as if his members unlock a side of him that is reserved only for SF9 and FANTASY. He thrives on making his members happy and loves receiving their acknowledgment in return.

Yoo TaeYang is laser-focused when he is working, but he is also the aegyo King we just can't get enough of. On stage, Yoo TaeYang could be the most fatal charmer, but off of it, he's just an adorable, soft, and gentle sweetheart.

Finally, if there's anyone who defines the word "idol" beyond just the scope of K-Pop, it is Yoo TaeYang. He is living proof of the fact that hard work and sincerity can turn dreams into reality. For instance, recently, Yoo TaeYang met his role model, EXO's Kai, for the first time, even though he's had chances to do so before. However, because he wanted to reach him on his own mettle, he persevered and eventually fulfilled his dream.

Yoo TaeYang's Instagram

Similarly, right from the moment Yoo TaeYang debuted and perhaps even before that, he has always had clear goals and aspirations that he worked tirelessly for. He set up milestones for himself and achieved them one by one.

Before anyone else, he saw his own potential and went above and beyond to make the best of it. Yoo TaeYang is a visionary in the truest sense of the word, and he creates his ideal reality with blood, sweat, and tears, on his own terms. If that's not sheer power, we don't know what is.

Straight From The Soul: Yoo TaeYang's Vocal Duality

The first thing that comes to mind when we hear Yoo TaeYang's resplendent voice is that we're unimaginably thankful to him for blessing us with it. Yoo TaeYang becoming a singer is a win for the music industry, and there are simply no two ways about it. He has a penchant for moving the audience with his voice, eliciting emotions that rest in the deepest recesses of the heart. Every single lyric that comes out of his mouth is like a shot of serotonin for the listener. From the poignance of a sad song to the bliss of a serenade, Yoo TaeYang weaves magic with his music. His voice can be resounding and powerful one moment, breathy and soft the next, and it is this duality that makes us fall head over heels for him every time.

In terms of his vocals, Yoo TaeYang has enviable technical skills, which allow him to experiment with any and all genres. With SF9's extensive discography, Yoo TaeYang has explored a multitude of styles and reinvented them in his own way, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. Through his solo covers, he gives free rein to his artistic faculties, broadening his range and putting his versatility on full display.

He also participated in the iconic singing reality show "King Of Mask Singer", where he sang 'Hug Me' by Jung JoonIl, garnering a whole new fanbase for his golden baritone. That's not all! He's also a successful musical theatre actor with quite the experience under his belt.

He made his musical debut with "Altar Boyz" and recently acted in "Secretly Greatly: The Last" as Ri HaeRang, impressing thespians and fans alike. With every step, Yoo TaeYang continues to exceed expectations and cement his position as an ace in the industry.

Two covers that perfectly illustrate Yoo TaeYang's vocal duality are 'comethru', originally by Jeremy Zucker, and 'Last Christmas', by Wham!. Not only do these covers show Yoo TaeYang's vocal prowess, but they also highlight his originality.

Yoo TaeYang's cover of 'comethru' is whimsical and heart-warming, but most importantly, he captures the essence of the lyrics in his own way. His vocals are resonant even when they're delicate and whispery, sending goosebumps down our neck. He is singing to the listener in such an intimate, loving way that you cannot help but swoon. It is impossibly romantic and innocent, filled to the brim with hope.

On the other hand, with 'Last Christmas', Yoo TaeYang makes an age-old classic his own with a piano version. He plays the piano himself, and the arrangement is simply out of this world. He is so emotive with his notes that it truly feels like he is playing a part and telling a story, not just singing a song. He imparts a sense of melancholy to 'Last Christmas' that is so novel and refreshing that it gives it a whole new meaning. That, in and of itself, is a rare feat for artists, and Yoo TaeYang has certainly mastered it.

With how incomparably rich Yoo TaeYang's voice is, we cannot wait to see him release more music. Meanwhile, let us manifest Yoo TaeYang's solo debut together!

Strong & Subtle: Yoo TaeYang's Stage Duality

One of Yoo TaeYang's biggest strengths as a dancer is his stunning duality. One look, and he's got you hooked. There's no dance form that Yoo TaeYang isn't absolutely a master at, which speaks volumes about how devoted he is to his art. He can be powerful, spunky, and hard-hitting yet elegant, and fluid at the same time.

Whether it be choreography or freestyle, Yoo TaeYang holds creation at his fingertips and delivers more than just perfection. Watching him dance is like observing a stream of consciousness, a surge of energy that aims to leave a lasting impression. It isn't surprising, therefore, that viewers of the survival reality show "Kingdom: Legendary War", who were new to SF9, were instantly drawn to Yoo TaeYang for his hypnotizing stage presence.

Not even the sky is the limit for Yoo TaeYang when he is on stage. The subtle yet noticeable shift from Yoo TaeYang, the artist, to Yoo TaeYang, art incarnate, is enough to lose ourselves in his magnetism. There is music in his bones and rhythm in his soul. This man was born to become a dancer.

The way Yoo TaeYang polishes his stage duality is by fearlessly taking on new challenges that test his limits. His performance video for Michael Jackson's 'Smooth Criminal', was choreographed by the idol himself, alongside Kim YongDuk. Needless to say, it has its own charm that is simply irresistible, but what is even more remarkable is the way he shapes it into Michael Jackson's signature style. This is most definitely the boldest challenge a dancer can take, and Yoo TaeYang aces it effortlessly. His attention to detail is excellent and his technical ability is formidable, to say the least. Words aren't enough to describe just how grand of an accomplishment this is.

Now, compare this sharpness with the graceful and ceremonial expressiveness of Yoo TaeYang's performance of '왕의 남자' at "2022 SF9 LIVE FANTASY #3 IMPERFECT" and you'll know exactly what we mean when we say that Yoo TaeYang lives and breathes duality. This traditional masterpiece has a force of its own and is diametrically opposed to 'Smooth Criminal' in not only genre but also sensation. This performance is a saga in and of itself and evokes an emotional response with its creative genius. Yoo TaeYang is ethereal yet majestic, commanding the stage with impact. Just when you think it couldn't get any better, Yoo TaeYang concludes with a final sequence of open-style choreography with elements of breakdance, popping, and more, that leave us speechless in awe. What Yoo TaeYang did, is something only Yoo TaeYang can do, and we bow to his greatness.

Two fancams that are exemplary of Yoo TaeYang's stage duality are 'Scream' and 'OK OK' from SF9's latest EP "THE WAVE OF9". Firstly, 'Scream' is charismatic in an alluring and mysterious sort of way, giving Yoo TaeYang the scope to show off his persuasive machismo. Just like the song itself, the choreography of 'Scream' plays out like a wave, reeling us in with robust movements and, alternatively, soothing our eyes with an amorous appeal. The intricacy of this switch manifests itself most evidently in Yoo TaeYang's eyes. His gaze is compelling in one moment, leaving us transfixed as he stares into our soul and soft and dazzling in the next, giving us all the butterflies in the world.

On the other hand, we have 'OK OK', a sweet summer song that is as delightful as it gets. Yoo TaeYang is bursting with energy and vigour with the brightest smile on his face, and we're floored by how gorgeous he looks. Kpopmap had the incredible opportunity of watching the performance of 'OK OK' during SF9's comeback showcase, and believe us when we say, Yoo TaeYang's duality just becomes even more bewitching when you see it live. You can watch a fancam of the performance here.

To dive even further deep into Yoo TaeYang's stage duality, we highly recommend that you check out his performance video of 'Kiss Kiss' by Chris Brown, 'Fukk Sleep' by A$AP ROCKY, and 'BURNITUP!' by Janet Jackson ft. Missy Elliot.

Shaping The Future Of Fashion: Yoo TaeYang's Aesthetic Duality

Yoo TaeYang's Instagram / Kpopmap

Finally, we couldn't possibly gloss over one of the most striking features of Yoo TaeYang's duality: one that thrives in his aesthetic. Anyone who is remotely aware of K-Pop knows about Yoo TaeYang and how much of an impact he has had on the sphere of fashion in the industry. His iconic stage outfits have caused waves globally, especially for the way they bend the rules and defy the boundaries of fashion. It's Yoo TaeYang's world, and we're just living in it!

UNIQUE TO YOU / TAENSION / ON / Mnet / Kpopmap

Yoo TaeYang's innumerable endorsements, pictorials, and modelling projects aside, he is an absolute expert when it comes to his own personal style. The star is a stunner on Instagram (@taeyang_0228), with 975K followers, where he shares colourful glimpses into his life, backstage and behind-the-scenes photos, photoshoots, and more. More often than not, however, he's an off-duty model out and about having the time of his life or the boyfriend of your dreams who came straight out of a manhwa. Either way, we're obsessed!

MAC

From art to fashion, theatre, and more, there's nothing Yoo TaeYang does not absolutely excel at. With extraordinary talent, that is, his Midas touch, he has mastered the craft of enchanting his audience while endearing himself to them with his golden personality. As we watch Yoo TaeYang grow and evolve as an artist and an individual, we are bearing witness to the creation of both the history and the future of Korean music.

It has been an incredible journey by Yoo TaeYang's side so far, and it is only going to get more and more magnificent. Meanwhile, we only wish that all of Yoo TaeYang's fantasies come true!

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