G-Dragon’s ‘Good Day’: Musical Inspiration, ’88-Line Reunion, and Heartfelt Confessions

The February 23 broadcast of “Good Day” recorded a 4.3% viewership rating in the Seoul metropolitan area, with a 2.6% rating among the key 20-49 demographic, a crucial indicator of channel competitiveness and buzz. The show’s highest-rated moment, peaking at 7.3%, featured G-Dragon showcasing his flexibility while reminiscing about his childhood experiences with gymnastics and breakdancing.

G-Dragon’s Musical Journey and Star-Studded Encounters

In episode 2 of “Good Day,” G-Dragon sought musical inspiration, meeting actor Hwang Jung-min and hosting an unprecedented gathering of 1988-born celebrities.

Inspired by “We Are the World,” he envisioned a star-studded project, mentioning BIGBANG’s Taeyang and Daesung, aespa, SEVENTEEN’s BSS, DAY6, virtual idol PLAVE, and pianist Lee Hyuk. He aimed to create a song that bridges generations.

At an LP bar, G-Dragon and Hwang Jung-min, longtime mutual fans, shared deep conversations. G-Dragon revealed he had played his new songs for Hwang pre-comeback, highlighting their unexpected bond. Hwang Jung-min joined “Good Day” simply because “G-Dragon was producing it for a good cause.”

G-Dragon praised Hwang Jung-min’s acting, recalling “A Bittersweet Life” as a turning point in his admiration. Hwang Jung-min shared insights into his method acting, and G-Dragon related, noting he felt more comfortable in a group than as a solo artist.

The two explored reinterpreting classic Korean pop, with G-Dragon revealing “Crooked” was inspired by Kang San-ae’s song of the same name. They agreed that uniting voices, not vocal techniques, was key to great music. Moved by their talk, G-Dragon called it his most meaningful conversation in a long time, raising anticipation for their collaboration.

The Long-Awaited Gathering of the ’88 Line Celebrities

A highlight of the episode was the long-awaited reunion of 1988-born stars, led by G-Dragon and joined by Kim Soo-hyun, Lee Soo-hyuk, Im Si-wan, Hwang Kwang-hee, and Jung Hae-in. Dubbed the “I Am Solo” concept, the gathering hilariously captured their initial awkwardness, especially between G-Dragon and Kwang-hee.

Defconn, the “I Am Solo” MC, gave each member a playful nickname, with G-Dragon as “Yeong-cheol the Straightforward” and Kim Soo-hyun as “Yeong-su the Strategist.”

The self-introduction session showcased their unique charms: Im Si-wan’s dialect acting, Kwang-hee and G-Dragon’s banter, and Jung Hae-in’s jaw-dropping apple-splitting feat. Lee Soo-hyuk exuded effortless charisma, while G-Dragon joked, “I can’t take inspiration from everyone,” glancing at Kwang-hee and sparking laughter.

Kim Soo-hyun Reflects on Change and Cherishes the Moment

Kim Soo-hyun surprised everyone with his unexpected talent for voice impressions and recreated his viral “Haein-ah” meme with Jung Hae-in, leaving everyone in stitches. Having been in the industry for 18 years, he shared a heartfelt confession, “If it weren’t for 2024, I don’t think I would have readily said ‘yes’ to this. My personality has changed.” As his friends nodded in agreement, he added, “It’s a sign of aging. It’s not easy to meet people your own age. That’s why this moment is so precious.”

Jung Hae-in and Im Si-wan also expressed their appreciation for the gathering, with Jung Hae-in stating, “I want to be here as just Hae-in, not as an actor,” and Im Si-wan adding, “It’s rare for all of us to meet like this. I love it.” Their sincerity reinforced the strong bond among the 1988-born stars.

The episode wrapped up with the group participating in a name-revealing ceremony followed by a thrilling “first impression” vote. With unpredictable friendships unfolding, the votes created tension and excitement. In the end, G-Dragon (Yeong-cheol) received two votes from Jung Hae-in (Ok-soon) and Hwang Kwang-hee (Kwang-soo), making him the most popular first impression pick. As the members gradually became more comfortable with each other, they transitioned to using casual speech, strengthening their camaraderie.

As the broadcast ended, a surprising dinner mission was teased, leaving viewers eager for the next episode.