In his first talk show appearance in ten years, K-pop legend G-Dragon delved into the emotional and creative processes behind his music on You Quiz on the Block.
Returning to a talk show for the first time in 12 years, GD admitted he felt a little rusty, even joking about the repeated invitations he received from host Jo Se-ho. It was Se-ho’s heartfelt encouragement, however, that ultimately convinced GD to appear on You Quiz. Throughout the interview, GD’s openness resonated with viewers as he looked back on his journey and prepared for the future.
GD offered a glimpse of his journey from SM trainee to BIGBANG leader, detailing the pressures that came with fame. "I’ve been living as GD for so long that sometimes, I forget who I am as Kwon Ji-yong," he admitted. Despite his success, he confessed to struggling with happiness, likening parts of his career to the surreal film The Truman Show.
The world tour days, which fans might assume were golden moments, were also clouded by stress and isolation. He described the exhaustion of continuous travel, often asking himself, “Where am I?” as he adapted to different time zones and unfamiliar settings.
This intense period led him to release Kwon Ji-yong, an album that delved into his personal story and identity. The album served as both an introduction to the man behind GD and a way to connect more deeply with fans. GD said he hoped listeners would hear not just songs but his story.
During the interview, he opened up about the inspirations for his most iconic songs, revealing that some of his best work emerged from times of loneliness and heartbreak. “When I was sad or going through a breakup, songs about love and loss would just come to me,” he explained. “But when I’m happy and upbeat, it’s almost like I can’t think of anything to write.”
Host Yoo Jae-suk prompted G-Dragon to reflect on how much of his life is woven into his music. G-Dragon shared that his voice on each track serves as a time capsule, vividly recalling his mindset at the time: “Hearing my voice is like a snapshot of the mood and emotions I had back then. Early in my career, I used so much intensity and raw energy—it felt like lasers were shooting out of my eyes.” Reflecting on his 2012 hit “Crooked,” he admitted that the song’s frustration and emptiness mirrored his personal life at the time.
The Power of ‘POWER’
As he looks to his solo comeback with POWER, GD expressed both excitement and nerves. "There’s a whole generation that might not know me as GD,” he noted. Despite the pressure, GD sees this return as a chance to engage with today’s evolving media landscape. POWER reflects this, exploring the concept of strength in all its forms. For GD, music has always been his strength, and through POWER, he hopes to capture his journey of resilience and growth.
He described the track as a song about “the dynamics of power,” a theme he feels is timely given the influence of media today. Fans can expect POWER to reflect the blend of satire, strength, and self-reflection that has always defined his music.
BIGBANG’s Future and the Anticipation of Their 20th Anniversary
BIGBANG’s highly anticipated reunion in 2026 for their 20th anniversary was also on GD’s mind. Noting that he felt inspired after seeing bandmate Taeyang on stage, he hinted at the potential for something special to mark the milestone. “BIGBANG has plans,” he said, fueling fan anticipation.
The group, known for redefining K-pop with their innovative sound and style, has been mostly inactive as members pursued solo endeavors and completed their mandatory military service. With BIGBANG’s legacy stretching over nearly two decades, a comeback promises to be more than just a musical reunion; it’s a celebration of an era.
A New Chapter for G-Dragon
As he looks forward, GD is focused on embracing his dual identity: the global superstar GD and the individual Kwon Ji-yong. His journey to finding balance, acceptance, and peace has shaped his approach to music and fame, and his return signifies a newfound stability. GD’s willingness to face the ups and downs of his career with honesty has deepened his bond with fans who have supported him from the start.
For both G-Dragon and BIGBANG fans, the anticipation for POWER and a possible BIGBANG reunion is at an all-time high. Whether as Kwon Ji-yong or G-Dragon, he’s poised to make waves once again, ready to share his art and his story with the world.
YASSS! King is back !! #GD #GDragon pic.twitter.com/OCTndoh9Zh
— imgrth (@idx96) October 30, 2024