Industry Insiders Are Concerned G-Dragon Might Be Taken Advantage Of By His New Agency

After leaving YG Entertainment, G-Dragon’s schedules include Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Innovate Korea 2024 and other science and technology events. All of these events have nothing to do with music. Naturally, questions are being raised about his management company Galaxy Corporation, which has not shown much achievement in the entertainment business. Some point out that Galaxy Corporation might have used G-Dragon as its flagship to boost corporate value.

According to the announcement Galaxy Corporation and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) made on May 4th, G-Dragon will attend ‘Innovate Korea 2024’ held at the Ryu Geun-cheol Sports Complex on May 5th. He will join KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung and Galaxy Corporation CEO Choi Yong-ho on a talk show.
In the event, G-Dragon will play the role of bridging science and technology with K-pop. “G-Dragon’s presence on the stage of ICT and science and technology festivals is an unprecedented attempt,” a source from the event said. As G-Dragon played a role as a pioneer in K-pop culture, this explanation is understandable but there are also significant negative public opinions.
Critics point out that G-Dragon has forgotten his duty as a artist. When attending CES last December, G-Dragon had a wine drinking appointment with HD Hyundai Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun and Lotte Group’s executive director Shin Yoo-yeol. He also released his perfume in collaboration with French “perfume godfather” Frederic Mal. In this regard, G-Dragon is criticized for focusing only on building connections and pursuing economic benefits. Criticism of the agency Galaxy Corporation also follows because of the view that G-Dragon is being used to expand the company’s status. Attendance at the KAIST event is also to expand the company’s business.

Of course, there is a possibility that G-Dragon will be benefited in a company related to various fields rather than one that focuses solely on music. In addition, there is a possibility that he is in an environment in which music can be performed independently, not just in the realm of ‘affiliated artists’.
However, the industry is focusing on the possibility that G-Dragon has become a tool to boost the company’s corporate value. “When I look at G-Dragon’s recent moves, I sometimes feel sorry for him,” an industry insider said. “I can’t judge what’s right or wrong for him as an artist. I don’t think there’s anyone around me who can think about it and tell me.”
As an artist, it has already been seven years since G-Dragon last released an album. He is expected to release a solo album in the second half of this year, but there has been little news about the comeback. Singers prove their worth through their main job, singing. This is a formula that does not change. Attention is focusing on whether concerns and worries over G-Dragon can be washed away with music.