BigBang's G-Dragon cleared from drug accusation, starts a 'new life'

According to Channel News Asia, G-Dragon, the frontman of the K-pop group BIGBANG, was alleged to have used drugs in October 2023. Within two months, he managed to demonstrate his innocence and clear his name. However, this is not his first time being accused of the crime.

G-Dragon, born Kwon Ji-yong on August 18, 1988, in Seoul, entered the entertainment industry at the age of six and was a member of the K-pop kids group Little Roo'Ra until its disbandment, according to Yahoo.

Asiae reports that while a trainee under SM Entertainment, G-Dragon went under the management of YG Entertainment after catching the attention of Sean from the hip-hop group Jinusean for his involvement in the teenage hip-hop scene.

Image: YG Entertainment

G-Dragon was a key figure in the formation of BIGBANG while training at YG Entertainment. He not only befriended Taeyang but also invited T.O.P to join YG Entertainment for auditions to join BIGBANG with other members, according to Asiae.

Image: YG Entertainment

G-Dragon, Taeyang, T.O.P, Daesung, and Seungri are members of BIGBANG. Seungri left the group in 2019 as a result of his involvement in the 'Burning Sun' scandal, for which he was sentenced in the same year. T.O.P has also left to pursue a solo career as of 2023, according to NME.

While in BIGBANG, G-Dragon was known for being part of legendary K-hits such as ‘Haru Haru’, ‘Fantastic Baby’, and ‘Bang Bang Bang’.

Image: YG Entertainment

Outside of BIGBANG, G-Dragon is also part of the sub-groups ‘GD & TOP’, and ‘GD X Taeyang’ with his fellow BIGBANG members. Also, he has come out as a solo artist with the hits ‘Heartbreaker’, ‘That XX’, and ‘Who You?’.

Image: YG Entertainment

As of now, in 2023, it appears that G-Dragon has left YG Entertainment to join Warner Music Records and has come under American management, according to Allkpop.

However, the star is still pending an exclusive contract and discussion with YG Entertainment for the exclusive use of his ‘G-Dragon’ moniker, as Allkpop reports that the company has filed for an extension of the moniker’s trademark in the midst of the discussion over G-Dragon’s switchover to Warner Music Group.

Seungri's scandal was not the last to tarnish the reputation of one of K-pop's most legendary boybands, as G-Dragon is the latest to do so—with a drug scandal in mid-October, according to Channel News Asia.

For K-entertainment fans, October was a month of shocking news when it was revealed that Lee Sun-kyun, the star of the hit film 'Parasite,' was being investigated for drug use, reports the South China Morning Post.

Image: CJ Entertainment

According to the same report, the actor's investigation prompted authorities to look into G-Dragon, who was suspected of drug use himself. The nature of the drugs he was suspected of consuming had not been revealed as of the time of the report on October 26. However, authorities have stated that his case is distinct from Lee Sun-kyun's investigation.

Soompi reports that, despite having ownership of G-Dragon's stage name, YG Entertainment has distanced itself from the artist, stating that they are not in an official capacity to comment on the matter because he is no longer under their management.

G-Dragon has been actively cooperating with authorities to assist in investigations since the news broke. According to the Hindustan Times, the celebrity has publicly stated through his attorney that he does not use drugs and denies any involvement in the drug scandal.

According to the Korea Times, G-Dragon is scheduled to be questioned by the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency and must submit to a drug test to prove his innocence.

According to the same report, G-Dragon has been subject to a travel ban and is not allowed to leave the country while investigations are ongoing.

Image: YG Entertainment

The shocking news has understandably caused K-pop stocks to drop in the stock market, reports South China Morning Post. Affected companies include SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, and JYP Entertainment, which have all had their share values drop by around 7 percent.

Image: YG Entertainment

Since the investigation into G-Dragon and Lee Sun-kyun, other celebrities have also been reported to be under investigation for drug use. According to Allkpop, two unidentified female celebrities with “famous husbands” have also been called in for questioning.

According to Koimoi, BTS was one of the few celebrities rumoured to be involved in the scandal, as rumours circulated that, in addition to the band, some idols from other groups, including (G)I-DLE and LE SSERAFILM, were also affected.

However, Allkpop has released reports from their agency representatives to clear the names of their idols, stating that they are not involved in the investigation and will take legal action to punish malicious rumormongers.

This is not G-Dragon’s first time being accused of drug use. Previously, in 2011, the K-pop star was alleged to have marijuana in Japan. Charges were only dropped after he claimed the consumption of the drug was an accident, according to Channel News Asia.

According to the Korea Times, not only did preliminary raegent tests for G-Dragon's drug use come back negative, but so did a second hair and nail test, giving justice to the star's denial of drug use.

According to Korea JoongAng Daily, the negative drug test results also mean that G-Dragon's previously imposed travel ban has been lifted. However, the exact date of the travel ban's lifting will not be disclosed due to the possibility of further investigation into the case.

Image: YG Entertainment

Having been officially cleared of his name under the law, G-Dragon will be pushing to take legal action to sue online posters and several media outlets who have been speculating that the star had tampered with bodily evidence such as via body hair removal, reports Soompi.

Image: YG Entertainment

Despite the fact that G-Dragon has been cleared of drug use based on his drug test results, the star has already faced some consequences. According to the Korea Times, BMW has retracted their brand sponsorship deal, distanced themselves from the star, and decided to continue doing so despite the drug test results.

Image: YG Entertainment

Reuters reports that on December 20, the charges against G-Dragon were formally dropped due to a lack of witnesses to support the accusations. Unfortunately, his reputation and career have taken a hit, but with any luck, they can be restored again, given his innocence.

Image: YG Entertainment

Soompi reports that since his official acquittal, G-Dragon has decided to officially part ways with YG Entertainment in a surprising announcement. He is now being represented by Galaxy Corporation, the agency responsible for the hit show 'Physical 100'.

Image: YG Entertainment

G-Dragon's announcement on changing agencies was also accompanied by a declaration that the star will be making a musical comeback in 2024, Soompi reports.

Image: YG Entertainment

Topping off the slew of announcements since his acquittal, Korea JoongAng Daily reports that G-Dragon has launched a foundation to combat drug addiction – a noble move given how synonymous his name had become incorrectly associated with drug use!

Image: YG Entertainment