Although his parents were against the idea of him becoming a singer, Daesung pursued a singing career and was eventually recruited by YG Entertainment after auditioning. Shortly after the debut of Big Bang, Daesung was diagnosed with voice chord nodules. For nearly a year, he desperately struggled with his voice and developed sociophobia and stage fright. However, he was able to recover with the help of fellow singer Gummy, who had been diagnosed with the illness previously as well, and the two became close because of this situation. Before the release of Big Bang’s second album, Daesung’s condition improved drastically.
He was admitted into the post-modern music department at Kyung Hee University in 2008. The singer joined the reality-variety show Family Outing as a permanent cast member. Daesung started his hosting activities by acting as a host for MBC’s music program Show! Music Core, alongside fellow member Seungri. He also joined the Korean production of Cats, playing the role of Rum Tum Tugger and in 2010, acted in the drama What’s Up.