If you’ve spent any time in the K-pop rabbit hole, you know the name G-Dragon. He's the "King of K-pop," the guy who basically invented the "idol-producer" blueprint, and a fashion icon who makes even the weirdest outfits look like high art. But lately, there’s been a shift. The flashy, larger-than-life persona is stepping back, and the man behind the curtain is stepping forward.
The G dragon real name is Kwon Ji-yong. It’s not just a trivia fact for super-fans. Honestly, it’s the core of his entire artistic struggle right now. Most people see the glitter and the Chanel suits, but if you look at his recent moves—especially with his 2025 album Übermensch and his departure from YG Entertainment—he's clearly trying to tell us something about who he actually is when the cameras turn off.
Where did the name G-Dragon actually come from?
It’s surprisingly literal. If you break down his birth name, Kwon Ji-yong, the "Ji" sounds exactly like the English letter "G." In Korean, "Yong" (용) means "Dragon."
Simple, right?
He was also born in 1988, which happened to be the Year of the Dragon. It’s like the universe was manifesting his career before he even hit elementary school.
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But here’s the thing: while "G-Dragon" became a brand worth millions, "Kwon Ji-yong" remained the introverted kid from Seoul who just wanted to make music. He’s often described himself as two different people. G-Dragon is the confident, aggressive rapper who isn't afraid of a little controversy. Kwon Ji-yong is the guy who leans on his family, gets lonely, and spends his spare time collecting contemporary art.
The 2017 "Identity Crisis" Album
Back in 2017, he released a self-titled EP called Kwon Ji Yong. This was a huge deal. Usually, idols use flashy titles for their solo debuts, but he chose his birth name.
The physical album wasn’t even a CD—it was a USB stick designed to look like a bloody umbilical cord. It was weird. It was visceral. And it had his mother's handwriting on it: "Kwon Ji Yong, Blood type A, 1988, August 18."
He was basically saying, "I'm tired of being the product. Look at the human."
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Leaving the YG Nest and Owning the Name
For 20 years, G-Dragon was the face of YG Entertainment. But in late 2023, he officially left the agency. This was a massive shock to the industry.
There was a lot of legal talk about who owned the "G-Dragon" trademark. For a while, fans were worried he’d have to change his stage name entirely.
- The Trademark Win: In mid-2024, YG Entertainment actually transferred the rights for "G-Dragon" and "GD" to him for free. This is almost unheard of in K-pop.
- Galaxy Corporation: He signed with a new company, Galaxy Corporation, not just as an artist but as a visionary and even a professor at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology).
- The 2025 Comeback: His latest work, Übermensch, which won Album of the Year at the 2025 Melon Music Awards, feels like the final bridge between his two identities.
He’s no longer just "the guy from BigBang." He’s a 37-year-old mogul who is finally comfortable being called by his real name in professional settings.
Why the distinction matters to fans
You’ll notice that long-time fans (VIPs) often switch between calling him GD and Ji-yong. It’s a sign of respect. Using G dragon real name feels more personal, like you’re acknowledging the person who went through the grueling trainee years and the intense public scrutiny.
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He’s had his share of "scandals"—from false drug accusations that he fought tooth and nail in late 2023 to the constant pressure of being a trendsetter. Each time, he’s come back stronger by grounding himself in his "Kwon Ji-yong" persona rather than the "G-Dragon" mask.
He even started the JUSPEACE Foundation recently. It’s focused on helping people deal with drug abuse and social inequality. That’s not a "pop star" move; that’s a "grown man with a conscience" move.
What's next for Kwon Ji-yong?
He isn't slowing down. With his 2026 world tour "WAY BETTER" on the horizon, we're seeing a version of him that is more experimental than ever. He’s mixing high-concept art with raw, honest lyrics about aging and fame.
If you want to truly understand his music, stop looking at him as just a K-pop idol. Start looking at him as an artist who happened to get famous under a pseudonym but is now doing his best work under his own name.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Listen to the "Kwon Ji Yong" EP (2017): Especially the track "Untitled, 2014." It’s a raw ballad that strips away all the GD bravado.
- Follow his art ventures: Check out his brand PEACEMINUSONE. It’s where his "Ji-yong" side really plays with fashion and design.
- Watch the Act III: M.O.T.T.E documentary: It’s a behind-the-scenes look at his last major tour where he explicitly talks about the struggle of being G-Dragon vs. Kwon Ji-yong.
The "Dragon" might be what brought him to the world, but "Kwon Ji-yong" is the one who’s staying for the long haul.