Big Bang Member and Soloist G-Dragon Has Officially Left YG Entertainment

G-Dragon, the iconic second-generation K-pop idol, has officially split from YG Entertainment, the management company with which he has been associated for the past 17 years. G-Dragon debuted with four other bandmates in 2006 to form Big Bang, which remains one of the most recognisable boy groups on the Korean entertainment scene.

YG Entertainment confirmed G-Dragon’s departure from the label with an official announcement. In the brief release, the record label also responsible for Blackpink and the newly debuted girl group BabyMonster stated, “G-Dragon was one of our iconic artists since his debut with Big Bang in 2006. It was an honour to spend this time with him. We sincerely wish G-Dragon blessings for his new chapter.”

Following YG Entertainment’s formal statement on their website, G-Dragon has also been revealed to have signed an exclusive contract with Galaxy Corporation. The director of Galaxy Corporation, Jo Sung-hae, revealed in a press conference this morning that the artist would be joining the agency formally, and that fans should look forward to his comeback in the future. Jo Sung-hae also stated that G-Dragon would be starting a foundation, to help educate the public and eradicate illegal drugs in Korea. 

At the press conference, Jo Sung-hae read out a letter penned personally by G-Dragon, which went on to say, “Through music and the arts, something that I love and that my fans also love, this foundation will work to address societal issues such as illegal drugs, unfairness, and injustice, provide opportunities to those artists severely lacking in resources and support, and cultivate a future generation of artists such as myself.”

The 35-year-old rapper will also be making the first donation to his upcoming foundation in the name of VIPs, the name given to his and Big Bang’s fans. The establishment of G-Dragon’s foundation comes after a recent scandal that erupted in Korea earlier this year where he was accused of illegal drug usage. G-Dragon immediately co-operated with investigations and volunteered to be drug tested in which all came out negative. 

G-Dragon concluded his heartfelt letter by sharing, “This is how Kwon Ji Yong intends to begin his 2024. I will fulfill my duties as both an artist and as a member of society, by making a comeback and by contributing to society, so I hope that you all will also do your best to fulfill your duties and responsibilities. I believe that when the collective will and actions of many people come together, change is possible.”

Aside from his group activities in Big Bang that brought to the world hits like ‘Lies’, ‘Haru Haru’ and ‘Bang Bang Bang’, G-Dragon has also had a very successful solo career. His hit solo songs include ‘That XX’, ‘Black’ featuring Blackpink’s Jennie and ‘Without You’ featuring Blackpink’s Rosé. The multifaceted artist is also well-known for his boundary-breaking creativity and individualistic sense of style. He has also been a fixture at many Chanel runways over the years after being named as an ambassador of the brand in 2016.