After a long-standing partnership, G-Dragon, a prominent member of the iconic second-generation K-pop group BIGBANG, has officially concluded his exclusive contract with YG Entertainment. YG Entertainment confirmed on June 6 that G-Dragon’s contract had expired, and they are now working on establishing a separate contract for his future advertising and other activities. This development signifies a significant change as no members of BIGBANG, a powerhouse group under YG, remain with the agency.
View this post on Instagram
G-Dragon’s Journey and Achievements
G-Dragon made his debut as a member of BIGBANG in 2006 and quickly rose to prominence with numerous chart-topping hits such as “Lie,” “Haru,” and “Last Goodbye.” As a solo artist, he achieved further success with self-composed and self-written tracks like “Heartbreaker,” “Coup d’Etat,” and “Crayon.” However, as of March 31 this year, G-Dragon’s name was absent from the list of major artists in YG Entertainment’s quarterly report, which was uploaded on May 15. Nevertheless, G-Dragon expressed his intentions to remain active earlier this year. On January 1, 2023, through a video on YG Entertainment’s YouTube channel, he garnered public attention by announcing his plans for album releases and various activities in the coming year.
BIGBANG’s Changing Dynamics
Prior to G-Dragon’s departure, other members of BIGBANG had already undergone significant changes in their association with YG Entertainment. TOP’s exclusive contract with YG expired in April 2022, while Daesung’s contract was terminated at the end of the same year. Taeyang, on the other hand, transitioned to THEBLACKLABEL, a subsidiary of YG. At the time, YG Entertainment stated that the contract with G-Dragon was still “under discussion.” BIGBANG, which debuted on August 19, 2006, celebrated its 18th anniversary this year. The remaining members, including G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung, have embarked on different paths outside of YG. TOP, in a surprising move, confirmed his departure from BIGBANG when his contract with YG expired. He shared an article on his Instagram Story that mentioned his preparation for his first solo album after leaving the group, answering a fan’s question about his departure by stating that he had entered a new chapter in his life since the previous year.
Conclusion
G-Dragon’s departure from YG Entertainment marks the end of an era for BIGBANG at the agency. While G-Dragon’s plans for the future are being negotiated separately, the group’s members have taken different paths, leaving behind their collective presence at YG. This transition signals a significant shift for both G-Dragon and BIGBANG as they embark on new endeavors and explore opportunities beyond their longstanding association with YG Entertainment. Fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in their individual and collective journeys in the ever-evolving landscape of the K-pop industry.