G-Dragon (지드래곤) is a South Korean rapper, singer-songwriter, producer and fashion designer under Galaxy Corporation. He is a member of the boy group BIGBANG and its sub-units GD&TOP and GD X TAEYANG.
He made his solo debut on August 18, 2009 with the album Heartbreaker.
Early life
G-Dragon was born in Seoul, South Korea on August 18, 1988. At the age of 7, he debuted in a kids group called 'Little Roora'.[1] After the group's disbandment, he joined SM Entertainment as a trainee when he was 8 but left for YG Entertainment 4 years later.[2]
Career
G-Dragon debuted with BIGBANG in 2006 as BIGBANG's leader because he had the longest training period along with Taeyang. His solo career began in 2009 when he released his first album Heartbreaker. He then continued releasing other single albums, such as 'One of a Kind' (2012), 'Coup D'Etat' (2013) and 'Kwon Ji Yong' (2017). He formed duos with both Taeyang and T.O.P.
2023: Departure from YG Entertainment, new agency
On June 6, 2023, YG Entertainment revealed that G-Dragon's exclusive contract with the agency had expired.[3] On October 1, news outlet StarNews reported that G-Dragon had signed an exclusive contract with Warner Music Korea following his departure from YG Entertainment. It has yet to be confirmed.[4]
On December 5, Money Today reported that G-Dragon is about to sign with Galaxy Corporation. However, the agency stated that no official response can be made.[5]
On December 20, YG Entertainment announced that G-Dragon officially left the company. He is expected to join Galaxy Corporation as the agency announced that they will be holding a press conference about the artist on the following day.[6] The next day, Galaxy Corporation announced that G-Dragon has officially signed with them, and that he will be making his comeback sometime in 2024.[7]
2024: "Power", "Home Sweet Home"
On March 31, 2024, Galaxy Corporation CEO Choi Yong-ho revealed that G-Dragon is planning to have a comeback in the second half of 2024 as well as a world tour.[8] On August 1, Park Myung Soo stated that G-Dragon will be coming back in October. However, Galaxy Corporation responded that there is no specific date set for his comeback.[9] That same day, YG Entertainment revealed that they transferred the trademark rights for 'G-Dragon' and 'GD' to Kwon Ji-yong.[10] On October 8, it was reported that G-Dragon had begun filming the music video for his comeback set for October 25. Galaxy Corporation stated that the specific schedule for the comeback has not been confirmed as of yet.[11] On October 21, G-Dragon unveiled a black image on his SNS accounts, hinting at his comeback.[12] He released the digital single, "Power", on October 31.
On November 8, TenAsia reported that G-Dragon will premiere a new single at the 2024 MAMA Awards. Galaxy Corporation later stated that nothing has been confirmed.[13] On November 21, G-Dragon posted a teaser image on his SNS accounts, announcing that he will be releasing "Home Sweet Home" the next day.[14]
2025: Übermensch
On January 6, 2025, TenAsia reported that G-Dragon will be releasing full-length album in February. Galaxy Corporation later stated that they are currently working on a February album release, although nothing has been finalized as of yet.[15] On February 4, G-Dragon unveiled a teaser for his third album Übermensch, scheduled to be released on February 25.[16]
Other ventures
Fashion
PEACEMINUSONE: A fashion brand founded by G-Dragon in 2015. The brand is known for its playful and experimental designs, which often feature flowers, smiley faces, and the brand's signature "Peaceminusone" logo. PEACEMINUSONE has collaborated with brands such as Nike, Converse, and Gentle Monster.
Personal life
Military service
G-Dragon enlisted in the military on February 27, 2018.[17] He was discharged on October 26, 2019.[18]
Drugs allegations
On October 25, 2023, G-Dragon was booked on drug-related charges by the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency. YG Entertainment declined to comment on the matter, stating that he is currently not an artist anymore, hence it is difficult for them to make an official response.[19] On October 27, the artist denied reports of drug use and promised to collaborate with the police investigations.[20] His lawyer later announced that he will undergo hair follicle test and urine test.[21] On November 6, G-Dragon voluntary visited the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency's Narcotics Unit of the Regional Investigation Department for a four-hour investigation. The results of his preliminary reagent test came back negative.[22] His hair and nail sample tests also came back negative.[23][24] On December 21, his agency Galaxy Corporation confirmed that G-Dragon was cleared of all charges. He also personally announced that he will be creating a foundation to fight drug addiction through music and artistic activities.[25]
Discography
Korean
Studio albums
- Heartbreaker (2009)
- Coup D'Etat (2013)
- Übermensch (2025)
Mini albums
- One of a Kind (2012)
- Kwon Ji Yong (2017)
Live albums
- Shine A Light (2010)
- 2013 G-Dragon World Tour Live CD: One Of A Kind in Seoul (2013)
- 2013 G-Dragon 1st World Tour 'One Of A Kind' The Final (2013)
Digital singles
- "Look Only At Me Part.2" (2008)
- "That XX" (2012)
- "MichiGO" (2013)
- "Power" (2024)
- "Home Sweet Home" (2024)
Features
- Perry - "Storm" (with Masta Wu) (2001)
- Wheesung - "Magic Eye" (2002)
- SE7EN - "Intro" (with Perry) (2003)
- SE7EN - "Can You Feel Me" (2006)
- Park Bom - "Anystar" (with Gummy) (2006)
- Lexy - "Super Fly" (with T.O.P and Taeyang) (2007)
- Kim Jo-han - "So in Love Pt.2" (2007)
- Gummy - "Intro – Work it Now" (2008)
- Uhm Jung Hwa - "Party" (2008)
- Uhm Jung Hwa - "D.I.S.C.O Part.2" (2008)
- YMGA - "What" (feat. YG Family, DJ Wreckx and CL) (2008)
- Seungri - "Strong Baby" (2009)
- Taeyang - "I Need A Girl" (2010)
- Seungri - "Open the Window" (2011)
- Seungri - "Let's Talk About Love" (with Taeyang) (2011)
- PSY - "Blue Frog" (2012)
- Taeyang - "Stay With Me" (2014)
- Zion.T - "Complex" (2017)
- IU - "Palette" (2017)
- PSY - "Fact Assault" (2017)
Japanese
Studio albums
- Coup D'Etat + One Of A Kind & Heartbreaker (2014)
Live albums
- G-Dragon 2017 World Tour "Act III, M.O.T.T.E" in Japan (2018)
Features
- W-inds - "Rain is Fallin'" (2009)
English
Features
- Pixie Lott - "Dancing on My Own" (with T.O.P) (2012)
- Major Lazer - "Bubble Butt" (with Bruno Mars, T.O.P, Tyga & Mystic) (2013)
- Skrillex - "Dirty Vibe" (with Diplo and CL) (2014)
- Baauer - "Temple" (with M.I.A.) (2016)
Concerts
- G-Dragon First Live Concert [Shine A Light] (2009)
World tours
- G-Dragon 2017 World Tour [ACT III, M.O.T.T.E] (2017)
- G-Dragon 2025 World Tour [Übermensch] (2025)[26]
Asia tours
- G-Dragon 2013 1st World Tour [One Of A Kind] (2013)
Concert participation
- Le Gala des Pièces Jaunes 2025 (2025)[27]
- Head In The Clouds Music & Arts Festival Los Angeles 2025 (2025)[28]
- Singapore Grand Prix 2025 (2025)[29]
Filmography
Variety shows
- Good Day (MBC, 2025) - host[30]
Trivia
- He is the third oldest and the third youngest member in the band BIGBANG.
- G-Dragon has an older sister named Kwon Da-mi.[31]
- G-Dragon and Taeyang were originally planned to debut as a duo named 'GDYB' but the plan changed and 3 more members were added to make BIGBANG.
- His favorite colors are black and red.
- He was one of the youngest rappers as a trainee, at 13 years old.
- His favorite food is 'ganjang gaejang' which is crab preserved in soy sauce.
- He is a former SM Entertainment trainee.[2]
- He can speak English, but he used to not be good at it back since he was a trainee.
- He is very shy and modest in real life, despite his strong and charismatic image on stage.
- G-Dragon has a lot of tattoos including one (Inhale Exhale) that helped him grounding his anxiety in the past when he suffered from it.
- He is called the Iguana Idol because he changed his hair color multiple times since his debut.
- He chose the stage name G-Dragon because the "Ji" in Ji-yong in his case means it is similar to the letter G and "Yong" is Korean for "Dragon".
- His lucky number is the number 8 because his year, month and day of birth all have 8 in them.
- He is a huge fan of legendary American pop star Michael Jackson (one of the times he posted on his Twitter account, he posted that he was listening to Michael Jackson's latest album, Xscape).[32]
Gallery
- Main article: G-Dragon/Gallery
References
- ↑ Soompi: Adorable Photos of G-Dragon’s Childhood Star Past in “Popopo” and Little Roo’ra Revealed
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Koreaboo: G-Dragon Was Actually Discovered By SM Entertainment Before He Joined YG
- ↑ Soompi: YG Entertainment Comments On BIGBANG G-Dragon’s Current Contract Status
- ↑ Naver (KR): 지드래곤, YG 떠나 워너 뮤직 합류 공식화.."웰컴 GD" [★FOCUS]
- ↑ Soompi: BIGBANG’s G-Dragon Reported To Be Signing With Company That Produced “Physical: 100” + Agency Briefly Comments
- ↑ Soompi: BIGBANG’s G-Dragon Officially Parts Ways With YG Entertainment
- ↑ Soompi: G-Dragon Officially Signs With New Agency + Announces Comeback Next Year
- ↑ (KR) MHNS: 최용호 갤럭시코퍼레이션 대표, 연합뉴스TV 출연…"지드래곤 월드투어 기획 중”
- ↑ Soompi: G-Dragon Rumored To Be Making A Comeback In October + Agency Clarifies
- ↑ Soompi: YG Hands Over All Trademark Rights To G-Dragon's Name
- ↑ Soompi: G-Dragon Reportedly Filming MV For October Comeback + Agency Briefly Responds
- ↑ Soompi: G-Dragon Unveils Mysterious Black Teaser Heralding Upcoming Comeback
- ↑ Soompi: G-Dragon Reported To Premiere New Single With Taeyang And Daesung At 2024 MAMA Awards + Agency Briefly Comments
- ↑ Soompi: G-Dragon Drops Teaser For New Surprise Release
- ↑ Soompi: BIGBANG’s G-Dragon To Reportedly Release Full-Length Album In February + Agency Briefly Comments
- ↑ Soompi: Watch: BIGBANG's G-Dragon Announces Comeback Date With Teaser For "Übermensch"
- ↑ Soompi: BIGBANG’s Seungri And Yang Hyun Suk Wish G-Dragon Well Ahead Of Enlistment
- ↑ Soompi: BIGBANG’s G-Dragon Officially Discharged From Military
- ↑ Soompi: BIGBANG’s G-Dragon Reportedly Booked On Drug Charges + YG Comments
- ↑ Soompi: BIGBANG’s G-Dragon Denies Drug Use + Promises To “Actively Cooperate” With Investigations
- ↑ Soompi: G-Dragon’s Legal Representative Provides Update On Drug-Related Investigation
- ↑ Soompi: G-Dragon Preliminary Drug Test Comes Back Negative; Shares Statements Following Voluntary Attendance
- ↑ Soompi: G-Dragon’s Hair Drug Test Returns Negative + Awaits Test Results For Nail Samples
- ↑ Soompi: G-Dragon’s Nail Samples Return Negative + Announces Strong Legal Action Against Malicious Posts
- ↑ Soompi: BIGBANG’s G-Dragon Pens Heartfelt Letter + Shares Plans To Establish Foundation To Help Society
- ↑ Soompi: G-Dragon Announces 2025 World Tour, His First In 88 Months
- ↑ @FranceTV on X (January 11, 2025)
- ↑ Soompi: 2NE1, G-Dragon, DPR IAN, And More Announced For Head In The Clouds Festival In Los Angeles
- ↑ Soompi: G-Dragon To Perform At Singapore Grand Prix 2025
- ↑ Soompi: G-Dragon's New Variety Show "Good Day" Confirms Premiere Date
- ↑ Soompi: G-Dragon And Sister Dami Kwon Show Support For Her Husband Kim Min Joon As His New Drama Begins
- ↑ TVReport: 지드래곤, 마이클잭슨 새 앨범에 반했다 "nowplaying"
Official links
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