History of G-Dragon in Timeline
"G-Dragon", real name Kwon Ji-yong, is a highly influential figure in the world of K-pop, earning him the title "King of K-pop". Hailing from Seoul, South Korea, he debuted in 2006 and quickly rose to fame as the leader of the internationally acclaimed boy band BigBang. The group's success has cemented G-Dragon's legacy as a prominent figure in the global music scene.
August 18, 1988: Birth of Kwon Ji-yong
On August 18, 1988, Kwon Ji-yong, better known as G-Dragon, was born in Seoul, South Korea.
2001: Daft Punk Releases "Discovery" Album
Daft Punk, a French electronic music duo, released their album "Discovery" in 2001. The album included the track "Veridis Quo," which G-Dragon later sampled in his song "Divina Commedia."
2001: Introduction to Hip-hop and People Crew
During his third grade year, G-Dragon discovered Wu-Tang Clan and developed a passion for rapping. He joined the hip-hop group People Crew in 2001, becoming the youngest Korean rapper at 13.
2006: Debut of BigBang
In 2006, G-Dragon debuted as the leader of the South Korean boy band BigBang.
2007: Release of "Lies" and Success with BigBang
BigBang's 2007 EP "Always" marked a shift in their music, with G-Dragon heavily involved in production. The lead single "Lies," composed by him, became their first number-one hit.
2008: Most Influential Men of the Year
In 2008, G-Dragon's impact extended beyond the music industry, earning him recognition as one of the "Most Influential Men of the Year" by Arena magazine.
2008: G-Dragon Named One of the Ten Greatest Korean Composers
At the age of 20, in 2008, G-Dragon became the youngest person ever to be included in the list of the "10 Greatest Korean Composers", a testament to his songwriting talent.
2008: G-Dragon Enrolls at Kyung Hee University
G-Dragon enrolled at Kyung Hee University in 2008 to pursue studies in post-modern music, demonstrating his interest in furthering his musical knowledge.
2008: Production for Taeyang and "Only Look at Me"
G-Dragon produced Taeyang's debut EP "Hot" in 2008 and recorded "Part Two" to the EP's lead single, "Only Look at Me."
December 2009: "Shine a Light" Concert and Controversy
G-Dragon's first solo concert, "Shine a Light," took place at Olympic Gymnastics Arena in December 2009, sparking controversy over suggestive content and obscenity complaints.
2009: G-Dragon Addresses Plagiarism Controversy in "A Boy"
In 2009, G-Dragon used his song "A Boy" to respond to criticism and negative feedback he received following a plagiarism controversy that year. The lyrics expressed his determination to continue his music career despite the setback.
2009: Release of "Heartbreaker"
G-Dragon released his first solo album, "Heartbreaker," in 2009, which became a commercial success and earned him Album of the Year at the 2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards.
2009: Collaborations, "Heartbreaker" Release, and Plagiarism Accusations
In 2009, G-Dragon collaborated with Lexy and W-inds. His album "Heartbreaker" faced plagiarism accusations from Sony Music for similarities to songs by Flo Rida and Oasis, though EMI found no similarities.
2009: Release of Debut Album "Heartbreaker"
G-Dragon's debut album "Heartbreaker" was released in 2009, setting a record for the highest-selling solo album in Korea at that time. This record was later surpassed by his own EP "One of a Kind" in 2012.
March 6, 2010: Collaboration with Flo Rida
YG Entertainment contacted Flo Rida's representatives, and he agreed to feature on G-Dragon's live album "Shine a Light" on March 6, 2010.
March 15, 2010: Cleared of Obscenity Charges
G-Dragon was cleared of all obscenity charges related to his concert "Shine a Light" on March 15, 2010.
November 2010: Release of "GD & TOP" Album
G-Dragon and T.O.P released their collaborative album, "GD & TOP," in November 2010, which topped charts and was preceded by successful singles like "High High" and "Oh Yeah."
2010: Collaboration with T.O.P
G-Dragon collaborated with fellow BigBang member T.O.P on the album "GD & TOP" in 2010.
June 2, 2011: Release of "Having an Affair"
G-Dragon and Park Myung Soo released "Having an Affair" featuring Park Bom on June 2, 2011, for the Infinite Challenge Seohae Ahn Highway Song Festival, becoming a chart-topping hit.
2011: Donation to Seoul National University Hospital
In 2011, G-Dragon made a generous donation of ₩50 million to Seoul National University Hospital. The donation, made possible with the help of his fans who donated under his name, aimed to assist children in need of medical treatment.
2011: G-Dragon's Marijuana Scandal and Return
In 2011, G-Dragon's promotional activities were put on hold after he tested positive for marijuana. While a urine test earlier that year showed no signs, a hair follicle test in October detected a trace amount. As it was his first offense and involved a very small amount, he was indicted but not formally charged. G-Dragon claimed he had unknowingly taken a drag from a marijuana cigarette offered to him by a fan at a party in Japan, discarding it upon realizing it wasn't a regular cigarette. After the incident, he made his first public appearance with BigBang at the 2011 MTV EMAs.
2011: G-Dragon Opens Up About Self-Consciousness
In 2011, G-Dragon admitted to initially feeling self-conscious about his role as a musician, acknowledging that he altered aspects of himself, including his voice, due to feeling judged while performing.
2011: Highest Paid Celebrities for Endorsements
G-Dragon's success in the entertainment industry translated into lucrative endorsement deals. In 2011, he and BigBang were recognized as Korea's highest-paid celebrities for endorsements, commanding a substantial asking price of $1–1.5 million USD per endorsement.
2011: G-Dragon Receives Suspended Indictment for Marijuana Use
G-Dragon was investigated in 2011 for illegally smoking marijuana. However, he received a suspended indictment, with the prosecution considering his status as a first-time offender and the small amount of the drug involved.
2011: G-Dragon Highlighted by CNN
CNN highlighted G-Dragon as one of the "50 Reasons Why Seoul is the Best City" in 2011, recognizing his cultural impact.
September 15, 2012: Release of "One of a Kind" EP
On September 15, 2012, G-Dragon released his first EP, "One of a Kind." The EP was well-received, reaching the top spot on the Billboard World Album Chart and entering the Billboard 200 Chart at 161.
2012: Donation to Seoul National University Hospital
Continuing his philanthropic efforts, G-Dragon privately donated ₩50 million to Seoul National University Hospital in 2012. The donation, revealed in 2017 through a plaque honoring significant contributors, demonstrated his ongoing commitment to supporting healthcare for children.
2012: Pension Hotel Gift
Demonstrating his generosity, G-Dragon built a pension hotel in 2012 as a heartfelt gift for his family. The hotel is now operated as a business by his parents, offering fans an opportunity to stay in a place connected to their idol.
2012: Release of "One of a Kind"
In 2012, G-Dragon released his first EP, "One of a Kind," featuring hit singles like "Crayon" and "That XX."
2012: Best Dressed Celebrity
In 2012, G-Dragon was recognized for his exceptional style by The Chosun Ilbo, who named him the "Best Dressed Celebrity" of the year.
2012: "Crayon" Named Best K-pop Single by Spin
Spin magazine named G-Dragon's song "Crayon" the best K-pop single of 2012, praising its bold and impactful sound.
August 2013: Performance at KCON 2013
In August 2013, G-Dragon delivered a captivating performance at KCON 2013 in Los Angeles. His setlist included "Shake The World," "One Of A Kind," "Feat. Missy Elliott" (Missy Elliott Ver.), and "Crayon."
October 17, 2013: Second Appearance at Infinite Challenge Music Festival
G-Dragon made his second appearance at the Infinite Challenge music festival on October 17, 2013. Held at Imjingak, the festival saw him collaborate with comedian Jeong Hyeong-don, composing and performing the song "Going to Try."
2013: Charity Booth at World Tour Concert
During the final concert of his world tour in 2013, G-Dragon used his platform to support charitable causes. A booth was set up where fans could make donations to build a fishery in Haiti, in collaboration with YG Entertainment's With Campaign.
2013: G-Dragon Earns Bachelor's Degree from Gukje Cyber University
G-Dragon completed his Bachelor's degree in Leisure Sports Studies from Gukje Cyber University in 2013, showcasing his commitment to education alongside his demanding career.
2013: First Worldwide Tour
G-Dragon embarked on his first worldwide tour as a solo artist in 2013, becoming the first Korean soloist to tour Japanese dome arenas.
2013: G-Dragon Tops Ilgan Sports' List of Most Influential Entities of K-Pop
G-Dragon was named the most influential entity in K-pop by Ilgan Sports in 2013, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the industry.
2013: Best Album Award at the Seoul Music Awards
G-Dragon's EP "One of a Kind" won Best Album at the 2013 Seoul Music Awards.
2013: Artist of the Year Daesang at Mnet Asian Music Awards
G-Dragon's exceptional talent was recognized at the 2013 Mnet Asian Music Awards when he received the prestigious Daesang award for Artist of the Year. This historic win made him the first and, to date, only Korean soloist to achieve this honor.
2013: Ambush Collaboration
G-Dragon's passion for fashion and design led him to collaborate with Ambush in 2013, releasing a special collection of apparel and accessories. The collection prominently featured G-Dragon's signature crest, showcasing his unique style.
2013: "Crooked" Voted MTV Iggy's Song of the Year
G-Dragon's song "Crooked" from his album "Coup d'Etat" was voted MTV Iggy's Song of the Year in 2013, highlighting its global impact and popularity.
2013: "One of a Kind" World Tour
In 2013, G-Dragon embarked on his first world tour, titled "One of a Kind," making history as the first Korean solo artist to hold a four-dome tour in Japan. He was also the second Korean solo artist ever to hold a world tour, following Rain. The tour, which cost $3.5 million to produce, was the largest scale concert production in Korean history at the time. Across 8 countries and 13 cities, G-Dragon held 27 concerts and performed for a total of 570,000 fans.
2013: Recognition for Influence in K-pop
In 2013, G-Dragon was recognized by Ilgan Sports as one of the most influential entities in K-pop.
2013: Release of "Coup d'Etat" and Collaboration with Missy Elliott
Following his world tour, G-Dragon returned to the studio to work on his second studio album, "Coup d'Etat." The album, released in two parts online before its full physical release on September 13, featured collaborations with several renowned artists, including Grammy Award-winning artist Missy Elliott. Other notable collaborations included Diplo, Baauer, Boys Noize, Sky Ferreira, Siriusmo, Zion.T, Lydia Paek, and fellow YG Entertainment artist Jennie Kim. G-Dragon and Missy Elliott performed their collaborative track "Niliria" at KCON 2013 in Los Angeles. Six of the tracks from "Coup d'Etat" secured spots within the top 10 of the Gaon Digital Chart, with "Who You?" claiming the number one position. The album's most popular track, "Crooked," achieved over 1.8 million digital downloads, and its music video was G-Dragon's first solo music video to reach over 100 million views on YouTube. Billboard recognized the title track, "Coup d'Etat," as one of 2013's game-changing EDM tracks. G-Dragon achieved the distinction of becoming the first Korean act to have multiple entries on the Billboard 200 chart. "Coup d'Etat's" success was mirrored in the awards G-Dragon received that year, including Best Male Solo Artist, Best Music Video for "Coup d'Etat," Best Dance Performance for "Crooked," and the prestigious Artist of The Year award at the 15th Mnet Asian Music Awards. Additionally, he garnered the World's Best Entertainer and World's Best Album awards at the World Music Awards.
November 2014: Formation of GD X Taeyang and Release of "Good Boy"
In November 2014, G-Dragon and fellow BigBang member Taeyang formed the duo GD X Taeyang and released the single "Good Boy." This collaboration marked the third instance of a Korean act, following PSY and 2NE1, topping Billboard's World Digital Songs chart. The single garnered over 1.2 million downloads in South Korea, while its music video amassed over 100 million YouTube views. This achievement made BigBang the first Korean male group to have three music videos with over 100 million views on the platform.
2014: Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Jewelry Collection
In 2014, G-Dragon ventured into the world of jewelry design, partnering with Chow Tai Fook Enterprises to launch a collection designed by himself. This collaboration showcased his versatility and artistic vision.
2014: Release of "Kwon Ji Yong" EP
In 2014, G-Dragon released his second EP, "Kwon Ji Yong", opting for a USB flash drive format instead of traditional CDs. The release sparked controversy and was initially rejected by Gaon chart but later recognized. It topped iTunes charts in 46 countries, a record for a Korean album, and achieved significant success on Billboard charts.
2014: Release of "Untitled, 2014"
G-Dragon's single "Untitled, 2014" from his EP "Kwon Ji Yong" was released in 2014, achieving great success.
2014: Best-Dressed Street Style Star
G-Dragon's influence on fashion continued to grow, and in 2014, he was recognized by New York as one of the "Best-Dressed Street Style Stars" of the year.
2014: Release of "Untitled, 2014"
G-Dragon released the ballad "Untitled, 2014" as the lead single from his EP "Kwon Ji Yong." The song marked a departure from his usual hip-hop style and featured him singing with a piano accompaniment.
2014: G-Dragon Releases "Crooked"
G-Dragon released "Crooked" in 2014, a song reflecting his punk attitude. The lyrics described a man filled with anger and sadness who chooses isolation.
2014: G-Dragon Named One of Korea's 2030 Power Leaders by Forbes Korea
G-Dragon was featured on Forbes Korea's list of "Korea 2030 Power Leaders" for three years in a row, with the most recent appearance in 2014, acknowledging his influence and potential.
August 2015: Airbnb Asia Face
G-Dragon's influence expanded beyond music and fashion in August 2015, when he was chosen as the face of Airbnb in the Asian market. This partnership highlighted his global appeal and influence on travel and lifestyle.
September 2015: Hyukoh Performance at Monsant Cafe
In September 2015, before its official opening, "Monsant Cafe" hosted a special performance by the South Korean indie band Hyukoh.
October 20, 2015: Monsant Cafe Opening
On October 20, 2015, G-Dragon expanded his entrepreneurial endeavors by opening his first café, "Monsant Cafe," on Jeju Island.
2015: Peaceminusone: Beyond the Stage Art Exhibition
G-Dragon's artistic pursuits extended beyond music and fashion. In 2015, he curated an art exhibition titled "Peaceminusone: Beyond the Stage." The exhibition, held at the Seoul Museum of Art, featured 200 works of art from 12 domestic and international artists.
2015: GQ Korea's Man of the Year
G-Dragon's influence on style and culture continued to be celebrated, and in 2015, GQ Korea named him their "Man of the Year," solidifying his status as a trendsetter and icon.
2015: Third Appearance at Infinite Challenge Music Festival and Collaboration with Taeyang
In 2015, G-Dragon participated in the Infinite Challenge music festival for the third year in a row. This time, he teamed up with Taeyang for their first appearance together at the festival. Their collaboration with ZE:A's Hwang Kwanghee resulted in the single "Mapsosa," which peaked at number two on the Gaon Digital Chart. The song's success was further evidenced by its sales figures, exceeding 1.1 million copies by year-end, making it one of 2015's best-selling tracks.
2015: G-Dragon Earns Estimated $700,000 in Annual Song Royalties
In 2015, G-Dragon's estimated annual earnings from song royalties were reported to be over $700,000, showcasing his success as a songwriter.
2015: Songwriting and Production for iKon
G-Dragon contributed his songwriting and production skills to the debut album of YG Entertainment's new group, iKon, in 2015. The album, titled "Welcome Back," benefited from G-Dragon's musical expertise.
2015: G-Dragon Discusses Evolving Approach to Music and Fashion
By 2015, G-Dragon shared a more relaxed perspective, revealing that he no longer felt the need to impress others through his music or fashion choices and had adopted a more genuine approach.
2015: Business of Fashion 500 Global Fashion Leaders List
G-Dragon's impact on the global fashion scene was solidified in 2015 when he was included in the prestigious Business of Fashion's 500 Global Fashion Leaders list. This recognition highlighted his position as a leading figure in the industry.
2016: Appearance on Muhan Company Special and Collaboration with Baauer
In 2016, G-Dragon made another appearance on Infinite Challenge, this time for the Muhan Company special, where he showcased his acting debut. Musically, he collaborated with British rapper M.I.A. on Baauer's song "Temple," featured on Baauer's debut album "Aa." The song achieved chart success, reaching number 36 on Billboard's Dance/Electronic Digital Songs chart and number 26 on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. This accomplishment established G-Dragon as the first Korean male artist to achieve multiple entries on both charts.
2016: Kim Bong-hyun's Book of Most Influential Korean Hip Hop Songs
In 2016, G-Dragon's song "One of a Kind" was included in Korean music critic Kim Bong-hyun's book of the most influential Korean hip hop songs from 1989 to 2016, recognizing its impact on the genre.
2016: G-Dragon Obtains Master's Degree from Sejong University
In 2016, G-Dragon received his Master's degree in content and retail distribution from Sejong University, further highlighting his dedication to academic pursuits.
2016: Pop Culture & Arts Awards Recognition
G-Dragon's contributions to Korean music and fashion earned him prestigious recognition at the 2016 Pop Culture & Arts Awards, held by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The award highlighted his significant influence and success in both fields.
2016: 8 Seconds Street Fashion Collection
In 2016, G-Dragon continued to make waves in the fashion world by collaborating with 8 Seconds, part of the Samsung C&T Fashion Group. He designed his first street fashion collection, which featured innovative "genderless" designs suitable for both men and women.
2016: Shinsegae Endorsement
G-Dragon's impact on the retail industry became evident in 2016 when he began endorsing Shinsegae, the largest retailer in South Korea. His merchandise proved immensely popular, reportedly accounting for over 49% of sales in the YG store.
2016: Business of Fashion 500 Global Fashion Leaders List
G-Dragon maintained his position as a fashion icon in 2016, securing his spot on the Business of Fashion's 500 Global Fashion Leaders list for the second consecutive year. This recognition further cemented his influence within the global fashion community.
February 1, 2017: Featured Artist on Zion.T's "Complex" and IU's "Palette"
On February 1, 2017, G-Dragon was featured on Zion.T's single "Complex," which secured the number two spot on the Gaon Digital Chart. He also lent his rapping talents to IU's lead single "Palette" from her album of the same name. The track topped the Gaon Chart for two consecutive weeks. With BigBang's promotional activities concluding, G-Dragon turned his focus toward preparations for his upcoming album and solo concert tour.
May 2017: Kwon Ji-yong Citrus Tree Forest Opening
May 2017 marked the opening of a citrus tree forest in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, named after G-Dragon's real name, Kwon Ji-yong. The forest serves a charitable purpose, with the harvested fruit being donated to various charitable events.
June 10, 2017: Act III: M.O.T.T.E Tour Begins
On June 10, 2017, G-Dragon kicked off his second world tour, Act III: M.O.T.T.E, with a performance at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
2017: Donation to Seoul National University Hospital Revealed
In 2017, G-Dragon's previous donations to Seoul National University Hospital were publicly acknowledged through a plaque honoring individuals who had contributed ₩100 million or more. The revelation highlighted his consistent generosity towards the hospital over the years.
2017: Release of "Kwon Ji Yong" and "Act III: M.O.T.T.E" Tour
In 2017, G-Dragon released his EP "Kwon Ji Yong," featuring the hit single "Untitled, 2014." The supporting tour, "Act III: M.O.T.T.E," became the largest tour by a Korean soloist.
2017: Vidal Sassoon Endorsement
In 2017, G-Dragon's global reach expanded further as he became the face of Vidal Sassoon in China. This partnership highlighted his popularity and influence within the Chinese market.
2017: Chanel Brand Ambassador and Gabrielle Bag Campaign
G-Dragon's influence in the fashion industry reached new heights in 2017 when he was appointed as a brand ambassador for the renowned French fashion house Chanel. He starred in the label's Gabrielle bag campaign alongside industry icon Pharrell, further solidifying his status as a global fashion influencer.
2017: Peaceminusone Pop-Up Shops
G-Dragon actively promoted his Peaceminusone brand in 2017 through a series of pop-up shops worldwide. Starting in Seoul, he collaborated with various boutiques, including Alchemist in Miami, to showcase and sell his brand's merchandise.
2017: G-Dragon Expresses Desire to Separate from Stage Persona
During the promotion of his EP "Kwon Ji Yong" and his Act III: M.O.T.T.E tour in 2017, G-Dragon shared his desire to create a distinction between himself and his stage persona. He expressed feeling ready to live as Kwon Ji Yong after years of embodying G-Dragon.
2017: "Untitled, 2017" Cafe and Bowling Alley Opening
In 2017, G-Dragon further showcased his creative vision by opening his second café, "Untitled, 2017," along with a bowling alley. Both establishments were designed by G-Dragon himself and are located within YG Entertainment's YG Republique building complex in Jeju Shinhwa World, a resort for which he serves as an ambassador.
February 27, 2018: G-Dragon Begins Military Service
G-Dragon commenced his mandatory two-year military service on February 27, 2018, entering the 3rd Infantry Division's boot camp as an active duty soldier in Gangwon province.
September 2018: Act III: M.O.T.T.E Documentary Release
In September 2018, a documentary offering a behind-the-scenes look at G-Dragon's Act III: M.O.T.T.E tour was released on YouTube Premium.
2018: G-Dragon and Teddy Park Tie for Most Earned Royalties
In 2018, G-Dragon and YG Entertainment producer Teddy Park received Daesang awards from the Korean Music Copyright Association for earning the most royalties in lyrics writing and song composition within popular music. This recognition made G-Dragon the first and only idol, as of that year, to receive this prestigious award.
2018: G-Dragon Ranked Among Best Boyband Members by The Guardian
In 2018, The Guardian included G-Dragon in their list of the "30 Best Boyband Members," placing him at number 11, making him one of only two Korean artists to be featured.
2018: G-Dragon's Net Worth Estimated at US$40 Million
The Gazette Review estimated G-Dragon's net worth to be US$40 million in 2018, reflecting his successful music career and business ventures.
November 2019: G-Dragon Collaborates with Nike
Shortly after completing his military service in October 2019, G-Dragon made history in November 2019 by becoming the first Korean musician to partner with Nike for the release of the Air Force 1 Para-Noise sneakers.
2019: Peaceminusone Para-Noise Air Force 1 Release
In 2019, G-Dragon's Peaceminusone brand collaborated with Nike to release the highly sought-after Peaceminusone Para-Noise Air Force 1 shoes. The collaboration marked a significant moment in sneaker culture, blending G-Dragon's unique style with Nike's iconic silhouette.
May 4, 2020: G-Dragon Becomes Chapai Brand Ambassador
On May 4, 2020, G-Dragon secured a modeling contract with Chapai, a well-known beverage company under China's Nongpushan.
2020: Peaceminusone Para-Noise Air Force 1 (White) Release
Following the success of the first release, a second version of the Peaceminusone Para-Noise Air Force 1 shoes in white was released in 2020, continuing the collaboration's popularity.
April 4, 2022: BigBang Releases "Still Life"
After a four-year hiatus, BigBang, including G-Dragon, made a comeback to the music scene on April 4, 2022, with the release of their single "Still Life".
July 2022: G-Dragon: One of the Most-Followed K-Pop Idols on Instagram
As of July 2022, G-Dragon boasts a massive following of over 21.2 million on Instagram, making him one of the most-followed K-pop idols on the platform.
2022: PEACEMINUSONE x Nike Kwondo 1 "Panda" Release
G-Dragon's partnership with Nike continued in 2022 with the release of the PEACEMINUSONE x Nike Kwondo 1 "Panda" shoes. This highly anticipated release showcased his continued influence on sneaker culture and fashion.
January 1, 2023: G-Dragon Announces Comeback Album
G-Dragon revealed his plans to release a comeback album on January 1, 2023.
October 25, 2023: G-Dragon Investigated for Alleged Drug Use
On October 25, 2023, G-Dragon faced investigation by the Incheon Metropolitan Police for alleged drug use. This was not his first encounter with drug-related legal issues, as he was previously investigated in 2011 for illegal marijuana use.
October 30, 2023: G-Dragon Denies Drug Use Allegations
On October 30, 2023, G-Dragon, through his legal representative, firmly denied the allegations of drug use. Expressing his commitment to clearing his name, he expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation and even undergo hair and urine tests to prove his innocence.
December 13, 2023: Incheon Metropolitan Police Close Case on G-Dragon's Alleged Drug Use
On December 13, 2023, the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency decided to close the case on G-Dragon's alleged drug use. Citing a series of negative drug test results and a lack of sufficient evidence, the police determined that there were no grounds to continue the investigation.
December 2023: Announcement of Foundation to Combat Drug Addiction
In December 2023, G-Dragon announced his intention to establish a foundation dedicated to combating drug addiction. This initiative demonstrated his commitment to using his influence for social good and addressing important societal issues.
2023: Departure from YG Entertainment and Signing with Galaxy Corporation
After 20 years with YG Entertainment, G-Dragon officially departed in 2023 and signed with Galaxy Corporation under his real name.
June 2024: G-Dragon Appointed Visiting Professor at KAIST
The Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) appointed G-Dragon as a visiting professor for a two-year term in June 2024, during which he will deliver leadership lectures to the university's students.
2030: Inclusion in Forbes' 2030 Power Leaders List
G-Dragon's influence earned him a spot on Forbes' list of the 2030 Power Leaders for three consecutive years.