G-Dragon surprised viewers and fans alike by revealing that he was once an SM Entertainment trainee, personally cast by Lee Soo-man, during the March 30 episode of MBC’s variety show “Good Day.” The episode featured a lively and candid meeting between G-Dragon and the members of aespa, where stories of K-pop beginnings, fan moments, and fun exchanges lit up the screen.
G-Dragon shared that aespa was the one group he had hoped would appear on the show, explaining, “Their recent releases have really impressed me. I was keeping an eye on them even while I was taking a break.”
SM Roots and a Surprise Casting
As the episode progressed, Defconn brought up G-Dragon’s surprising roots, joking that he had “SM blood” in him. G-Dragon confirmed this, explaining that he began training at SM Entertainment at age 8 and stayed for five years. “My family was vacationing at a resort when they held a talent contest. Lee Soo-man himself was the MC, and he personally cast me,” he said, to the astonishment of everyone on set.
Eventually, he left the agency at age 13 to pursue rap, and went on to spend a total of 11 years as a trainee before his official debut, an impressive and rare feat in K-pop.
When asked by Defconn what it would’ve been like if G-Dragon had debuted as an SM idol, the aespa members burst into laughter, agreeing, “He wouldn’t be the same GD we know today.” Karina added thoughtfully, “Everyone fits best where they belong.”
Fan Moments and Playful Banter
The episode was full of playful banter and heartfelt fan moments. When Jung Hyung-don jokingly told aespa, “I hope you don’t do songs like ‘Whiplash’ again,” the members were shocked until he clarified, “It’s not that, I just have twin daughters who are obsessed with you, and they keep copying everything!”
aespa then confessed their admiration for G-Dragon, with Ningning saying, “I used to be a VIP,” referring to BIGBANG’s official fan club. Another humorous moment came when Winter revealed, “The first song I sang when I joined SM was BIGBANG’s ‘If You.’ They told me to go pick another song afterward.”
Ningning also had a funny slip when commenting on SM, saying, “SM is kind of… normal…” She quickly laughed it off, explaining she had meant to say “standard,” prompting a wave of laughter from the hosts and cast.
This episode of “Good Day” offered a rare and entertaining glimpse into G-Dragon’s origins, surprising fans with the revelation that the legendary YG artist was almost part of SM’s roster. It also served as a nostalgic, cross-generational moment as aespa, today’s K-pop leaders, shared the screen with an icon who helped define the genre.