On June 6, 2023, YG Entertainment announced that their exclusive contract with G-Dragon has ended but is planning to discuss a new contract “once he resumes his musical activities.” The entertainment agency later added that they are still working with the K-Pop idol for his promotional activities such as commercial works.
It had been previously speculated among fans that G-Dragon did not renew his contract with YG Entertainment after his name was not listed as part of the artists and actors in the agency’s quarterly report for the first quarter of 2023 in April.
On January 1, 2023, G-Dragon surprised fans with a video, where he discussed his plans for the year, which included an album, and said that he had spent most of 2022 “recharging.” His last solo release was his self-titled EP, “KWON JI YONG” in 2017.
Kwon Ji-young, professionally known by his stage name G-Dragon, is known for being the leader and main rapper of one of the world’s best-selling boy bands, BIGBANG. The group debuted in 2006 with 5 members—G-Dragon, Taeyang, Daesung, T.O.P., and Seungri.
Former member Seungri had departed from BIGBANG and ultimately retired from the entertainment industry in 2019 following his involvement in the Burning Sun scandal.
As of December 2022, G-Dragon is the only member of BIGBANG to remain in YG Entertainment, following the departure of members Taeyang and Daesung. Most recently, T.O.P. revealed that he had “withdrawn” as a member of BIGBANG. T.O.P. had also parted ways with YG Entertainment following the expiration of his contract in February 2022.
VIPs had a myriad of reactions to the news, especially following the news of T.O.P.’s departure from the group just days ago.
For GD to join YG at age 13, so it's been more than 20 years of his life that he's been with the company 🥺 #GDRAGON pic.twitter.com/2ionjHd32b
— G-Dragon is the manual (@WhiteTamar1) June 6, 2023
Whenever you are ready, musician #GDRAGON ♥️♥️♥️
always here waiting for you @IBGDRGNpic.twitter.com/WeemhtOlhS— G-Dragon is the manual (@WhiteTamar1) June 6, 2023
G-Dragon transformation 1992-2022.
31 years in the industry and more."The man himself is the history of K-Pop" #GDRAGON #BIGBANG pic.twitter.com/d2K0io1MeH
— KLIFE (@8KLIFE) May 30, 2023
#GDRAGON exclusive contract expiration with YG is trending no.1 on Naver most reading newshttps://t.co/uGd7zuCTjq pic.twitter.com/1UPctCbcCX
— G-Dragon is the manual (@WhiteTamar1) June 6, 2023
You’ve been working hard since 1994, we don’t deserve you but we are also selfish because we need you, I hope you come back to us after you are well rested, I love you so much my GD #GDRAGON @IBGDRGN pic.twitter.com/hqRqX0n75g
— FAÉ ⁵ (@faeeVIP) June 6, 2023
BULLSHIT #GDRAGON pic.twitter.com/snYBdhV5qk
— Fields Of Gold (@oneforG0818) May 29, 2023
[NEWS] #GDRAGON’s exclusive contract with YG Entertainment officially expires — YG planning a separate contract with GD
This marks that all #BIGBANG members has no current direct and exclusive contract with YGE anymore.
🔗https://t.co/xItkCTtDQV pic.twitter.com/38mQMZB5XF
— 𝔡 (@ACTJISUS) June 6, 2023
majorities comments in korean platform saying “YG = GDRAGON or YG without gdragon is no longer YG, etc” and its true, that company image is build up by the success of soloist gdragon. jiyong funded the whole company “self-producers and high fashion image” pic.twitter.com/W6uVNh4Re1
— ⟢ (@gdvisions) June 6, 2023
me for my wedding / me when gdragon confirms he left yg pic.twitter.com/eZRSRsex6Y
— 🐊 (@minttead) June 6, 2023
YG will not let go of GDRAGON easily, for years now he has been their brand, when you think of YG you think of him first, his style, his swagg they know what they’ll loose if he doesn’t resign with them
— FAÉ ⁵ (@faeeVIP) June 6, 2023
YG quickly responded to the rumors and said GD is still with YG 😅,
"G-Dragon is still at the agency. Due to the work system, he has been vacant for a long time."Waiting for the comeback news 🕺🎶 #GDRAGON pic.twitter.com/8wsfRiH8r3
— G-Dragon is the manual (@WhiteTamar1) June 5, 2023
https://twitter.com/xdivicomedia/status/1665933326358814722?s=20
Whether he stays or leave YG he has better plans & knows what's best for him.
I trust you @IBGDRGN 💛☺️. You did the best as BIGBANG leader & as a YGA now it's time to prioritize yourself. pic.twitter.com/RXDIhDXwEv— GDRAGON'S BUTTERFLY FAN ACCOUNT 🦋(◕ᴗ◕)💛✌ (@Coup_dEtat5) June 6, 2023
GD and the Bigbang members are nowhere to be found in YG's current artists listhttps://t.co/QaEt81Dex0 pic.twitter.com/7kXZ3mjal1
— pannchoa (@pannchoa) June 5, 2023
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