| Full Name | Kwon Ji-yong (권지용) |
| Stage Name | G-Dragon (지드래곤) |
| Birthday | August 18, 1988 |
| Birth Place | Seoul, South Korea |
| Occupation | Singer, Rapper, Songwriter, Record Producer, Fashion Icon |
| Years Active | 2006–present |
| Associated Acts | BIGBANG, Teddy Park, Taeyang |
| Labels | YG, Avex |
| Social Media | Instagram, Facebook, YouTube |
Early Life and Career Beginnings
G-Dragon was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. He became interested in music early on, admiring American rappers at a young age. He was discovered by SM Entertainment at age 8 and trained with the group Little Roo’Ra for several years before joining YG Entertainment as a trainee at 12.
He spent his adolescence rigorously training in various aspects of music and performance. In 2006, at the age of 18, G-Dragon officially made his debut as the leader of the wildly successful boy group BIGBANG.
Explosive Debut and Success with BIGBANG
BIGBANG instantly took the Korean music industry by storm with their high energy music and fashion. G-Dragon stood out from the start owing to his swagger, lyrical flow, and involvement in producing the group‘s music.
He wrote over 100 songs for the group, including massive hits like “Lies,” “Last Farewell,” and “Haru Haru.” His talent and stage charisma were undeniable, and BIGBANG swiftly grew into one of the biggest K-pop acts in Korea and abroad.
"There‘s no way for me to express how much I love every moment being on stage." – G-Dragon
Some key highlights from G-Dragon‘s time with BIGBANG:
- 2006: Debuted with first single “We Belong Together” and first EP Bigbang Vol.1
- 2007: Group wins ‘Best Male Group‘ at Mnet KM Music Video Festival
- 2008: Wins ‘Artist of the Year‘ at Mnet KM Music Festival
- 2012: BIGBANG becomes first Korean act to attract over 1 million fans to concert tour
- 2016: BIGBANG finishes mammoth 130-date MADE World Tour
G-Dragon‘s involvement was immense in shaping BIGBANG‘s creative direction and success. But he also nurtured his own sensibilities as a soloist.
Launching a Blockbuster Solo Career
G-Dragon wasted no time capitalizing on his individuality and talents as a solo artist. His first solo album Heartbreaker (2009) was a smash hit, selling over 200,000 copies. The title track became Korea‘s best-selling digital single of the year.
He swiftly followed it up with his first solo world tour, featuring flashy production and flamboyant costumes that cemented his status as a true showman.
His subsequent solo albums One of a Kind (2012), Coup D‘Etat (2013) and Kwon Ji Yong (2017) were all both critical and commercial hits, praised for their musicality and creative direction. G-Dragon has a gift for seamlessly blending genres like hip-hop, EDM, pop and R&B.
He is lauded for his songwriting, having produced all his solo tracks alongside collaborators like Teddy Park. His music videos are stunning visual feasts loaded with subtext and symbolism. As a live performer, he is renowned for his boundless energy and ability to whip crowds into a frenzy.
Some key moments in his solo career:
- 2009: Heartbreaker sells over 200,000 copies, wins Album of the Year at Mnet Asian Music Awards
- 2013: Coup D‘Etat sells over 130,000 copies in its first week
- 2015: Becomes the first Korean solo artist to enter Forbes‘ Celebrity 100 list
- 2017: Kwon Ji Yong gains over a million stock pre-orders, sweeps music charts
G-Dragon‘s solo work displays maturation both as an artist and as an individual laying himself bare. He has transformed from a cocky teenage rapper into a introspective, multilayered musician.
G-Dragon the Cultural and Fashion Icon
Beyond music, G-Dragon has cemented his status as a cultural icon and trendsetter, especially in the realm of fashion. His outlandish sense of style has sparked countless trends in South Korea over the years.
He has collaborated with brands like Chanel, Givenchy, and Nike, and inspired a generation with his fearless fashion experiments. Some notable highlights:
- 2009: Named one of the Best Dressed Celebrities of 2008 by Vogue Korea
- 2016: Launches shoe collaboration with Giuseppe Zanotti
- 2017: Curates pop-up store featuring his favorite luxury brands at department store Shinsegae
- 2018: Makes the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list
- 2021: Stars in weekly ‘Fashionista‘ segments on YouTube variety show ‘The Game Caterers‘
G-Dragon is also an ardent art enthusiast, having collected works by renowned artists Damien Hirst and Michael Basquiat. In 2017, he curated and presented his own solo exhibit ‘Peaceminusone: G-Dragon‘ that featured his prints, sculptures and installations.
His creative pursuits and cultural influence extend far beyond just music.
Legacy and Impact
G-Dragon has achieved phenomenal success few could dream of. Some of his top honors and milestones over a 16-year career include:
- 21 Daesangs (Grand Awards), the most ever for a solo artist
- Over 150 music awards in total from major Korean music shows
- First Korean soloist to perform at Coachella (2018)
- Only artist to win ‘Artist of the Year‘ award for three consecutive years at Mnet Asian Music Awards
- Member of the Forbes 30 under 30 Asia list (2016-2018)
- Officially the best-selling solo artist in South Korea based on album sales
- Named ‘Most Influential Entertainer of the Year‘ by Korea CEO Summit (2018)
- BIGBANG album sales totaling over 140 million, making them one of the best-selling boy bands ever
G-Dragon played a seminal role in spreading the Hallyu wave worldwide and cementing K-pop as a global cultural force. He represents Asian talent making an impact on the world stage on their own terms. His artistry and iconoclasm have inspired scores of present-day idols.
While currently serving mandatory military service, G-Dragon‘s return in 2022 is hotly anticipated. There is no limit to what this visionary pioneer will achieve next. As a lifelong fan, I eagerly await the day he reclaims his rightful spot at the cutting edge of music and culture.
