Kwon Ji Yong, known professionally as G-Dragon, is a South Korean singer-songwriter, dancer, model, composer, and member of BIGBANG (빅뱅). He graduated from Dongducheon Information Industry High School and later obtained a bachelor's degree in Leisure Sports from International Cyber ​​University and a master's degree in Distribution Industry from Sejong University.

As a child, he was chosen to be part of LITTLE ROO'RA when he was 7 years old, releasing a compilation album in September 1995 before they were suddenly cancelled. He promised his mother not to be a singer anymore, but he was scouted by SM Entertainment, spending 5 years as a trainee until he decided to leave the agency. Then, he was signed by YG Entertainment (YG엔터테인먼트) when he was 12 years old and spent 6 years as a trainee. In January 2001, he participated in the hip-hop album "Korean Hip-Hop Flex" released by the hip-hop group PEOPLE CREW (피플 크루), who mentored him.

He made his debut in August 2006 as BIGBANG's leader, main rapper, vocalist and face of the group with their first single album, also titled "BigBang". Their debut received lukewarm reactions from the public and critics, but later, singles began getting more attention, and soon, they topped all the music charts and managed to increase their popularity across Asia. They are called the "Kings of K-Pop" as they helped spread the South Korean wave internationally and are considered one of the most influential acts in pop music thanks to their trendsetting musical experimentation, self-production, and stage presence.

Following the group's huge success, they decided to go on hiatus to focus on their individual activities. He made his debut as a solo artist in August 2009 with the single album "Heartbreaker". He then alternated his schedule between BIGBANG and his own music, collaborating with other international artists and taking several breaks when he could not find the inspiration to write a song.

He enlisted for his mandatory military service on February 27, 2018, and was discharged on October 26, 2019.

He left YG Entertainment in December 2023 and, a few weeks later, signed with Galaxy Corporation (갤럭시코퍼레이션).

He has continued to promote as a solo artist and had a special stage at the 2024 MAMA Awards in Osaka, where he was joined by fellow members Taeyang and Kang Dae Sung, marking BIGBANG's first live performance in 7 years. His influence extends beyond the music industry, having shaped major trends in South Korea. His tight control over his image and artistry has won him praise for his contribution to fashion, and his lyrical content and composition have garnered him many awards.

(Source: kisskh) Edit Biography