Recently, G-Dragon (Big Bang) made history by becoming the first Kpop idol and youngest artist in history to receive the Okgwan Cultural Medal.
At the 16th Korean Culture and Arts Awards, G-Dragon was honored to receive the Okgwan Cultural Medal - ranked 4th in the 5-level system of the Korean Cultural Medal.
This is a noble title, recognizing G-Dragon's great contributions to the development of the cultural, popular arts industry and the Hallyu wave.
News about G-Dragon covered social media. In particular, the Chinese online community compared the Big Bang leader to the strongest case of "rebirth phoenix from the ashes" in Kpop.
The male artist born in 1988 reached the pinnacle of fame once again in his 19th year of activities. But just 2 years ago, G-Dragon had to go through one of the biggest events of his career.
At the end of October 2023, the Korean entertainment industry was shocked when G-Dragon was prosecuted for illegal drug use, after his name was mentioned in an interview with a female manager of an entertainment establishment in Gangnam.
The news caused confusion in the fan community, and negative public opinion about G-Dragon spread rapidly. Some of the past scandals of G-Dragon and the Big Bang members were "dug up", making him even more heavily criticized.
G-Dragon himself was surprised because he only knew that he had been prosecuted after seeing the news in the media. Through a lawyer, he repeatedly denied illegal drug use and submitted a voluntary application to the police department, actively cooperating with the investigation.
In an interview with Korean media, G-Dragon confessed that he was sad because he was suspected and judged only by appearance. But the male singer understands that this is the pressure that celebrities face, and always believes in the saying "the right regulation" - everything will return to the right track.
In December 2023, after testing negative for drugs in an intensive test, G-Dragon was declared innocent. JTBC had to publicly apologize to the male singer for posting attacks and defaming him during the police investigation.
After winning the award, G-Dragon made an important decision, which was to sign a contract with the new management company Galaxy Corporation, to part ways with YG Entertainment after 17 years of association.
At this time, fans are looking forward to the "king of Kpop" returning to the music race. But the male singer did not choose to take advantage of the heat of the noise.
It was not until October 2024 that G-Dragon officially returned with the single "Power". Next was the song "Home Street Home" and an explosive comeback at the 2024 MAMA awards ceremony with 2 Big Bang members.
In February 2025, G-Dragon released his solo album Übermensch, sweeping the Korean music charts. His world tour also took place a month later with sold out shows until now.
In his speech when receiving the Cultural Medal, G-Dragon recalled his journey to pursue music since he was 6 years old, his dream of becoming a singer in his teenage years and was moved when his dream came true.
I am really proud of myself as a singer. I love the work I'm doing. The ancestors before me were like stars rising in the night sky, I grew up with their music. And now, I myself have become one of those stars.
Next year, Big Bang will celebrate 20 years of operation, I want to share this honor with the members, G-Dragon expressed.
