Kwon Ji-yong, known globally as G-Dragon, is a multifaceted South Korean artist born on August 18, 1988, in Seoul. He is celebrated as a rapper, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur, often referred to as the 'King of K-pop'. G-Dragon first captured public attention at the tender age of six as a member of the musical group Little Roo'ra, setting the stage for a remarkable career in the music industry.
In 2009, G-Dragon made a significant impact with his debut solo album, Heartbreaker, which became the best-selling album by a Korean soloist at that time. The album's title track garnered immense popularity, earning him the prestigious Album of the Year award at the 2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards. His collaboration with bandmate T.O.P in 2010 for the album GD & TOP further solidified his status in the music scene.
G-Dragon's first EP, One of a Kind, released in 2012, was a commercial success, winning Best Album at the 2013 Seoul Music Awards and featuring the hit single 'That XX'. His subsequent One of a Kind World Tour marked a historic moment as he became the first Korean solo artist to perform in Japanese dome arenas. In 2013, he released his second studio album, Coup d'Etat, which included the chart-topping single 'Who You?'.
After a successful career with YG Entertainment, G-Dragon transitioned to Galaxy Corporation in 2023, marking a new chapter in his artistic journey. His third studio album, Übermensch, released in 2025, received critical acclaim, winning Album of the Year at the Melon Music Awards and producing the number-one singles 'Home Sweet Home' and 'Too Bad'. G-Dragon's influence extends beyond music; he has been recognized for his impact on youth culture and fashion, appearing on Forbes' list of the 2030 Power Leaders and Hypebeast's list of the most influential people in fashion multiple times.
Throughout his career, G-Dragon has amassed numerous accolades, including twelve MAMA Awards and fourteen Melon Music Awards. In 2025, he was honored with the Okgwan Order, a significant cultural merit award, becoming the youngest recipient and the first idol to receive this recognition. His contributions to the music industry and cultural landscape continue to resonate, making him a pivotal figure in the evolution of K-pop.