Super idol
According to the Korea Times, Kpop icon G-Dragon (Big Bang) is regaining his "golden throne" with success in many fields from music, television and live performance.
G-Dragon's huge comeback brought him a new nickname in the industry, not simply an idol, but a "super idol".
In the current digital music context in Korea, it is as if G-Dragon is competing with G-Dragon himself.
His song "Home Sweet Home" dethroned the hit song "APT." by Rose (Blackpink) at the end of November last year. The latest song "Too Bad" is certified as "Perfect all-kill" - topping all of Korea's leading digital music charts under the iChart system (Melon, Genie, Bugs, Vibe, Flo, YouTube).
"Übermensch," G-Dragon's first studio album in 11 years, sold more than 830,000 copies in the first week on Hanteo.
G-Dragon's upcoming world tour has had an impressive start, when more than 60,000 tickets for the two opening shows on March 29-30 at Goyang Stadium (Korea) were "sold out" after only 16 minutes of opening for sale.
Observers in the industry said that G-Dragon is almost the only male solo artist who is able to simultaneously top digital music charts, high album sales and sell "sold out" for concerts.
MBC's variety show "Good Day", produced by G-Dragon in collaboration with PD Kim Tae Ho, also topped the buzz (not a TV series) chart for 4 consecutive weeks, according to data from Good Data Corporation.
This is the first time the leader of Big Bang has taken on the role of lead host on a variety show.
G-Dragon's popularity has spanned many generations. According to online retailer Yes24, those who buy Übermensch albums are mostly in their 30s (28.1%), followed by those in their 20s (25.2%), 40s (18.9%) and adolescents (13.4%).
The album name Übermensch is a term borrowed from the concept of superman or superman by philosopher Nietzsche, reflecting G-Dragons sense of self-deprecation.
Overcoming difficulties to affirm position
A senior executive director of the Kpop management company commented: "Even though this album does not go beyond musical expectations, G-Dragon still maintains a close relationship with the audience through his unique style and connection with his culture.
Appearing on variety shows has also strengthened his appeal to young fans."
According to the Korea Times, G-Dragon's strong comeback is especially noteworthy given the challenges he has faced: his past marijuana scandal, his hiatus from military service, the scandal related to drug use suspicions at the end of 2023 (exonerated of accusation) and his departure from YG Entertainment to join Galaxy Corporation - a familiar name in the Kpop music industry.
Despite these barriers, G-Dragon has not only maintained his position but also redefined the meaning of becoming a K-pop solo artist.
"G-Dragon is probably the only K-pop star to compose, compile and produce his own music, while still building his own brand as an artist.
His constant creativity and style have helped him maintain his star appeal, even after many years away from the spotlight," said Kim Heon Sik, a professor at Jungwon University.
The Korea Times concluded: G-Dragons current form shows that he is not only returning to his peak but also expanding the limits that an idol can reach.
