Name: Kwon Ji-yong (권지용)
Stage Name: G-Dragon (지드래곤)
Birth Date: August 18, 1988
Nationality: South Korean
Occupation: Rapper, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur
Nickname: "King of K-pop"
Early Life and Education
Birthplace: Seoul, South KoreaEDUCATION:
Enrolled at Kyung Hee University (2008) for post-modern music
Dropped out due to busy schedule
Majored in Leisure Sports Studies at Gukje Cyber University; Bachelor's degree (2013)
Master's degree in content and retail distribution at Sejong University (2016)
Plans for a doctoral degree delayed due to military enlistmentCAREER OVERVIEW
Beginnings (1994–2008)
Started career at age 6 with group Little Roo'ra
Trainee at SM Entertainment for five years
Influenced by American rap group Wu-Tang Clan
Joined YG Entertainment; cleaned studios and assisted other artists
Formed BigBang with fellow members, debuting in 2006
BigBang Success
Debut Album: Sold over 100,000 copiesKEY SONGS
"Lies" (first number one hit)
"Last Farewell" and "Haru Haru" (chart-toppers)
Role: Major producer and songwriter for the group
Solo Career
First Solo Album: Heartbreaker (2009)
Best-selling album by a Korean soloist at the time
Won Album of the Year at 2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards
Collaborations:
GD & TOP with T.O.P (2010)EPs:
One of a Kind (2012) with hits "One of a Kind," "Crayon," and "That XX"
Kwon Ji Yong (2017) featuring "Untitled, 2014"
Tours:
First worldwide tour as a solo artist (2013)
Act III: M.O.T.T.E tour became the largest for a Korean soloist
Recent Developments
Departed YG Entertainment in 2023 after 20 years
Signed with Galaxy Corporation under his real name
Influence and Recognition
Recognized for impact on youth culture, fashion, and music in South Korea
Featured in Forbes' 2030 Power Leaders (2012–2014)
Listed in Hypebeast's 100 most influential people in fashion (eight times)
Authored/co-authored 24 number one songs on the Gaon Digital ChartAWARDS
Eight MAMA Awards
Six Melon Music Awards
Two Korean Music Awards
Two Golden Disc Awards
First and only solo artist to receive MAMA Award for Artist of the Year (2013)

KOMCA MembershipStatus: G-Dragon is the first idol to become a member of the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA), recognizing his contributions as a songwriter and producer.Brand: PEACEMINUSONEFounded: 2016
Concept: A streetwear brand that reflects G-Dragon's personal style and artistic vision.
Signature Designs: Known for its unique graphics, bold designs, and the signature "PEACEMINUSONE" logo.
Collaborations: Collaborated with major brands such as Nike, resulting in limited-edition sneakers and apparel.
Impact: G-Dragon's brand has gained international recognition, appealing to a diverse audience and influencing streetwear culture.jJESPEACE FOUNDATIONEstablishment: The JusPeace Foundation was founded by G-Dragon to promote peace, social justice, and cultural exchange.
Mission: Aims to support various social causes, including education, mental health awareness, and humanitarian efforts.
Activities:Organizes events and campaigns to raise awareness about important social issues.
Collaborates with other organizations to provide resources and support to underserved communities.
Engages in initiatives that promote peace and understanding among different cultures.AMBASSADORSHIP
Chanel: Global ambassador since 2016.
Nike: Collaborated on various projects and campaigns.APEC Ambassador 2025
Role: G-Dragon has been chosen as the APEC Ambassador for 2025, representing the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. This role involves promoting cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and sustainable development within the APEC region.HANA BANKRole: G-Dragon serves as an ambassador for Hana Bank, promoting financial literacy and innovative banking solutions.ACADEMIC ROLEVisiting Professor: G-Dragon has been appointed as a Visiting Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at KAIST University for the period of 2024-2026. In this role, he will engage with students and faculty, sharing insights on creativity, innovation, and the intersection of art and engineering.MUSIC AWARDS
MNET ASIAN MUSIC AWARDS (MAMA)Artist of the Year (2013)
Album of the Year for Heartbreaker (2009)
Best Male Artist (2013)
Best Music Video for "Crooked" (2013)
Best Album for One of a Kind (2013)
Best Collaboration for "Good Boy" with T.O.P (2014)
Best Hip-Hop Artist (2014)
Best Male Artist (2017)
Best Dance Performance - Male Solo for "Untitled, 2014" (2018)
MELON MUSIC AWARDSBest Male Artist (2013)
Best Album for One of a Kind (2012)
Best Song for "Crooked" (2013)
Artist of the Year (2017)GOLDEN DISC AWARDSBest New Artist (2008) with BigBang
Digital Song of the Year for "Crayon" (2013)
Best Album for Kwon Ji Yong (2018)
Best Digital Song for "Untitled, 2014" (2019)KOREAN MUSIC AWARDSBest Pop Song for "That XX" (2013)
Best R&B/Soul Song for "Untitled, 2014" (2018)
Best Album for Kwon Ji Yong (2018)
Best Music Video for "Untitled, 2014" (2019)SEOUL MUSIC AWARDSBest Album for One of a Kind (2013)
Best Artist (2018)
Popularity Award (2020)OTHER RECOGNITIONSForbes' 2030 Power Leaders (2012–2014)
Hypebeast's 100 Most Influential People in Fashion - Recognized eight times
Gaon Digital Chart - Authored/co-authored 24 number one songsNOTABLE CONTRIBUTIONSBigBang Achievements: One of the best-selling boy bands globally with numerous chart-topping hits and albums.RECENT DEVELOPMENTS (up to 2025)2023: Officially departed YG Entertainment; signed with Galaxy Corporation.
2024: Released new music and continued to influence the K-pop industry; began his role as a visiting professor at KAIST.
2025: Continues to be recognized for contributions to music, fashion, and education, and serves as the APEC Ambassador.HONORSRecognized for his influence on youth culture, fashion trends, and the music industry in South Korea.This comprehensive overview includes G-Dragon's role as a Visiting Professor at KAIST University, his position as the APEC Ambassador for 2025, his JusPeace Foundation, his brand PEACEMINUSONE, KOMCA membership, notable songs, ambassadorships, and an extensive list of awards and achievements up to 2025.