BIGBANG (G-Dragon) Biography: Profile, Net Worth 2025, Education, and Career

Profile:

Full Name: Kwon Ji-yong (Korean: 권지용)  

Stage Name: G-Dragon (지드래곤; often shortened to GD)  

Date of Birth: August 18, 1988  

Place of Birth: Seoul, South Korea  

Height: 5’10” (177 cm)  

Nationality: South Korean

G-Dragon presents a mix of assertiveness, inventiveness, and charm. Renowned for his unusual style and boundary-pushing songs, he has evolved into a cultural figure whose impact goes much beyond K-pop. Derived from his given name "Ji-yong," his stage name, "G-Dragon," "Ji" sounds like "G" and "Yong," meaning "dragon," in Korean, therefore signifying strength and ambition, traits that define his career.

Early Life and Education:

Born into a middle-class Seoul family, G-Dragon's parents encouraged his early passion for the performing arts. His entertainment career started when he first appeared as a young actor on MBC's children's show Bbo Bbo Bbo at the tender age of six. He joined the group Little Roora, a kid rendition of the well-known hip-hop team Roora, at seven, but the contract was cut short not too long after. Early industrial experience set off his love of performance and music.
G-Dragon's path changed at age 12 when he took part in the yearly Hip Hop Flex album, drawing the interest of YG Entertainment, one of the top music companies in South Korea. He started training with YG, six years honing his talents in rap, dance, and music production. He did errands for older artists and cleaned studios during this period, therefore developing discipline and humility.
G-Dragon studied formally even with his rigorous training program. His dedication to juggling academics with his profession was shown in 2013 when he graduated from Gukje Cyber University with a Bachelor in Leisure Sports Studies. Later, finishing in 2016, he sought a Master's degree in Content and Retail Distribution at Sejong University. These scholastic successes complement his artistic activities by reflecting his curiosity in the commercial and creative sides of entertainment.

Career:

Early Beginnings and BigBang (2006–Present):
Originally leading BigBang, a five-member boy band founded by YG Entertainment (later cut to three members following events involving Seungri and T.O.P), G-Dragon's formal debut came in 2006. BigBang became well-known fast for their distinctive mix of electronic music, R&B, and hip-hop, therefore influencing new trends in the K-pop scene. As a songwriter and producer, G-Dragon was instrumental in composing singles including "Lies, which won Song of the Year at the 2007 Mnet Korean Music Festival, and "Bang Bang Bang, a worldwide anthem that confirmed BigBang's ranking as among the most-sold boy bands in the world."
BigBang attained unheard-of success under his direction and creative contributions, including sold-out international tours and chart-top albums like Made (2016). G-Dragon stayed a major influence in its legacy even after the group's 2018 break owing to required military duty and member scandals.

Solo Career and Milestones (2009–Present):
Starting his solo career in 2009 with the album Heartbreaker, which at the time ranked as the best-selling album by a Korean soloist, G-Dragon Toping charts, the title song brought him the Album of the Year award at the 2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards. With songs like "Crayon" and "That XX," which combined hip-hop with introspective lyrics, his 2012 EP One of a Kind highlighted even more his flexibility.
Following were bandmate collaborations on the 2010 album GD & TOP with T.O.P and singles like "Good Boy," with Taeyang in 2014. After signing with Empire Distribution in 2024, his influence as a solo artist expanded with every release until his third studio album, Übermensch, released on February 25, 2025, under Empire Distribution. Featuring BigBang's Taeyang and Daesung, the pre-release single "Power" (October 31, 2024) and "Home Sweet Home" (November 22, 2024) announced his successful comeback following a seven-year solo absence. Hit number one on South Korea's Circle Digital Chart, "Home Sweet Home," his sixth single to top charts.
Beyond music, G-Dragon entered television with Good Day, a music variety show co-created with producer Kim Tae-ho, first airing on February 16, 2025, on MBC and Disney+, Inspired by hip-hop icons like Wu-Tang Clan and Pharrell Williams, his production discography stays anchored in hip-hop while stretching creative bounds.

Fashion and Business Ventures:
G-Dragon is praised as a trendsetter in fashion, where his impact spans He has been a Chanel ambassador since 2016, usually gracing their events in avant-garde fashion. Starting the fashion and lifestyle brand Peaceminusone, he has worked with big names like Nike to greatly increase his commercial success. Estimated at $47.6 million as of 2022, his entrepreneurial endeavors also include investments in cafes, restaurants, and high-value homes in Seoul.

Net Worth 2025:

One of the richest K-pop stars worldwide, G-Dragon's net worth is thought to be between $60–65 million USD. This numbers represent his several sources of income:
Music Career: BigBang's tours, record sales, solo releases including income from more than 173 copyrighted songs. He apparently made $1.17 million from songwriting royalties just in 2018.
Brand Endorsements: Lucrative arrangements with Chanel and other luxury names.
Peaceminusone: Income from items and partnerships between his fashion line.
Real Estate: Possession of first-rate homes in Seoul's affluent neighborhoods.
TV: Income from Good Day and his 2025 releases.
With his first world tour scheduled in over seven years announced in early 2025 and possible worldwide partnerships, analysts estimate his net worth could climb even more.

Philanthropy and Legacy:

Another well-known virtue of G-Dragon is kindness. Along with yearly birthday donations of $80,000 and $43,400 to Seoul National University Hospital in 2011 and 2012, he has given millions to organizations including children's welfare and disaster assistance. Projects include schools in Nepal and fisheries in Haiti have benefited from his "Shine A Light" campaign and concert booth efforts.
His capacity for inspiration and invention defines his reputation as the "King of K-Pop". G-Dragon has had a significant impact from redefining solo artistry to pioneering electronic influences in K-pop with BigBang. His 2024 MAMA Awards performance with Taeyang and Daesung, then the publication of Übermensch, confirm his ongoing importance.