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G-Dragon

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G-Dragon
Korean name
Hangul
권지용
Hanja
權志龍
Revised RomanizationGwon Jiyong
McCune–ReischauerKwŏn Chi-yong

Kwon Ji-Yong (Korean: 권지용) (born August 18, 1988), better known by his stage name G-Dragon (Korean: 지드래곤), is a South Korean singer and songer-writer. A trainee under the record label YG Entertainment for six years, G-Dragon officially debuted as the leader and one of the two rappers for the Korean hip-hop group Big Bang. Since their debut, G-Dragon has involved himself with the production of their albums: he composed and wrote several tracks by himself, including "Lies," "Last Farewell," and "Haru Haru." His involvement received both praises and criticisms from critics.[1]

During the hiatus of Big Bang, G-Dragon released his debut solo album, Heartbreaker (2009), which went on to become the most successful albums of the year, garnering sales of over 120,000 copies. The album sparked major controversies for the artist, including accusations of plagiarism.

Career

2000—2009: Early life and debut with Big Bang

Main article: Big Bang (band)

Inspired by the American group Wu-Tang Clan, G-Dragon expressed his interest in rapping and began taking classes at the age of 12.[2] While finding a class to learn, he met the People's Crew, a hip-hop group.[2] Under their tutelage, he joined in the release of the Korean hip-hop Flex album in 2001. Although he wrote his own lyrics for his song, he admitted that his "English was bad and the story behind the lyrics was the same old thing. Something like, ‘I’m young, but I’m the best’."[2] G-Dragon first caught the interest of Sean of the hip-hop duo Jinusean from YG Entertainment, who later recommended him to CEO Yang Hyun Suk. After signing a contract with the record label, G-Dragon spent the first year cleaning after the other artists in the record label.[2] He later met Dong Young Bae, another trainee. Together, the two were coined as GDYB.[3] After six years of training and several featured appearances on other artists' albums, G-Dragon made his official debut as the leader of the group Big Bang alongside Dong (now using the stage name Taeyang) and four other trainees.

The formation of the group was documented on television,[4] and though there were initially six members, one was dropped before the official debut.[3] The group's debut was fairly successful, with their first album netting in sales of over 40,000 copies.[5] It spawned several airplay singles, including "La La La" and "We Belong Together". The album also included G-Dragon's first solo song, a cover of the American alternative rock group Maroon 5's single "This Love".[4] Following the release of the group's mini-album Always in 2007, G-Dragon began to involve himself more with the production of the album.[6] The release of their mini-album Always featured several songs composed by him, including the lead-single "Lie" (Korean: 거짓말), which went on to become the group's first number-one hit. Their following mini-albums followed its predecessor's footsteps: Hot Issue yielded the single "Last Farewell" (Korean: 마지막 인사) while Stand Up spawned "Day by Day" (Korean: 하루하루); both singles were chart-toppers.[7][8]

2009—present: Solo and career development

Aside from Big Bang, G-Dragon also made several solo appearances. After helping produce Taeyang's debut album, he recorded his own version of the album's lead single "Only Look At Me" (Korean: 나만바라봐), known as "Only Look At Me Part 2" (Korean: 나만바라봐 Part 2). The single was released digitally. Along with Taeyang and T.O.P, G-Dragon was feature on singer Lexy's song "Super Fly" for her album Rush. In May 2009, he collaborated with the Japanese boy band W-inds. for their single, "Rain is Fallin'/Hybrid Dream."[9][10]

After Taeyang released his solo effort, G-Dragon released his debut solo album Heartbreaker, which featured collaborations with several artists, including Teddy of 1TYM, Taeyang of G-Dragon's own group, and CL and Dara of 2NE1. Initially scheduled to be release in April, the album was pushed back to August[11] to coincide with his 21st birthday.[12] The album marked a change in G-Dragon's appearances as he dyed his hair blonde to match its concept. Propelled by its lead-single of the same name, an electronic pop song, the album sold over 150,000 copies[13] and went on to win Album of the Year from the 2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards.[14] The second single, "Breathe", manage to chart within the Top 20[15] while his other songs — "The Leaders", "A Boy", "Hello", and "She's Gone" — went on to top various charts upon their release.[16]

In support of his album, G-Dragon staged his first concert[17], "Shine a Light",[18] which sparked controversy following complaints of obscenity[17] and suggestive content[19]. Currently, the Korean Ministry of Health, Welfare and Family Affairs has asked government prosecutors to investigate if G-Dragon or YG Entertainment have violated laws on obscene performances in his concert.[20] If found guilty, he may be charge with a fine and up to one year in prison.[21]

Artistry

G-Dragon's music is based on Hip Hop elements. Being inspired from music by the Wu-Tang Clan, he participated in the Hip Hop Flex album in 2001, when he was 12 years old.[2] Ever since his trainee years, Kwon Ji Yong trained in the hip-hop genre.[22] Known for his fashion, G-Dragon was named one of the "Style Icon of 2008".[23] His contribution to his own work also garnered him praise as one of the best composers of 2008.[24] Additionally, he won "Most Influential Men of 2008" sponsored by Arena Megazine on behalf of his style.[25]

Controversy

G-Dragon was accused of plagiarism by Sony Music, as his tracks "Heartbreaker" and "Butterfly" are similar to Flo-Rida's "Right Round" (which is ironic in itself considering that "Right Round" is a take on Dead or Alive's "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)") and Oasis's "She's Electric", respectively.[26][27] EMI, who also has rights to "Right Round" said that they saw no similarities between these two songs.[28] Sony Korea has denied G-Dragon the ability to promote the track any further without paying reparations. On September 21, 2009, Sisa Magazine, a news program on MBC, stated that officials from Sony reportedly sent YG Entertainment warning letters about plagiarism. Sony's legal representative stated, "It was a hard decision for the music critics." However, they decided that there were similarities and accordingly issued a warning letter to the production company and composers. They have also denied YG Entertainment the permission to promote these songs. His group Big Bang and their labelmates 2NE1 are also under fire for similar plagiarism claims.[29] However, YG Entertainment claims that nothing has been decided or legally determined and that the "letter" which YG received from Sony is not considered legal action; the company has also stated that they have not received a direct response from the American publishers regarding this matter.[30]

Discography

Main article: Big Bang discography

Albums

Singles

  • "This Love" (2006)
  • "나만바라봐 Part 2" (2008)

Awards

2009
  • Cyworld Digital Music Awards: Song of the month (September) "Heartbreaker"
  • 2009 Mnet Asian Music Awards: 2009 Best Album of the Year "Heartbreaker" [14]
  • 2009 Melon Music Awards: 2009 Best Album of the Year "Heartbreaker" [31]
  • 2009 Melon Music Awards: Top 10 Award

References

  1. ^ "방시혁 "빅뱅 권지용 모독하지 말자. 엄청난 재능의 소유자"" (in Korean). Newsen. January 8, 2010. Retrieved 01-31-2010. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  2. ^ a b c d e "新스타고백 지드래곤③연습생시절, 1년간 죽어라 청소만". Yahoo Korean News. Retrieved 31 January 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  3. ^ a b Template:Ko icon "'준비된 그룹' 빅뱅, 대폭발 예고". Sports Chosun. 7 July 2006. Retrieved 15 January 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  4. ^ a b "Big Bang". KBS World. Retrieved 15 January 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  5. ^ Template:Ko icon "Album Sales For The Month of February 2007". Industry Association Of Korea (in Korean). Retrieved 2008-02-15. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  6. ^ Arirang TV. On Location: Big Bang's Showcase & First Fan Meeting. Retrieved February 21, 2008.
  7. ^ Template:Ko icon "빅뱅 쥬크온차트 8주 연속 1위 기염, JOO도 2주만에 7위 진입". Newsen (in Korean). 21 January 2008. Retrieved 1 February 2008. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |work= (help)
  8. ^ "Big Bang's 'Day by Day' Sweeps J-Pop Charts for Four Weeks". KBS Global. 8 September 2008. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help); Unknown parameter |acc//www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/= ignored (help)
  9. ^ Template:Ko icon "'빅뱅' 지드래곤, 日그룹 '윈즈' 앨범 참여..뮤비도 출연". Sports Chosun. 8 May 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  10. ^ Template:Zh icon "G-Dragon与W-inds合作日本同台演出获好评". Sina. 19 May 2009. Retrieved 12 January 2010. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  11. ^ Template:En icon Kim, Lynn. G-Dragon Vol. 1 - Heartbreaker Yes Asia. Retrieved January 2, 2010.
  12. ^ Template:En icon G-Dragon of Big Bang to Release Solo Album KBS World. Retrieved January 2, 2010.
  13. ^ Template:En icon Seo Tai-ji Tops Album Sales. The Korea Times September 18, 2009. Retrieved September 29, 2009.
  14. ^ a b Han Sang, Hee (November 22, 2009). "Music Awards Has Fresh Yet Disappointing Start". Korean Times. Retrieved December 13, 2009. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  15. ^ Han Sang, Hee (October 28, 2009). "G-Dragon Shines on First Album". Korea Times. Retrieved November 5, 2009.
  16. ^ Template:En icon Kim, Lynn. G-Dragon conquers Korean music charts Asia Economy. September 7, 2009. Retrieved September 29, 2009.
  17. ^ a b "Singer G-Dragon Faces Obscenity Probe". The Chosun Ilbo. December 11, 2009. Retrieved December 27, 2009. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  18. ^ Han Sang, Hee (October 13, 2009). "G-Dragon to Hold 1st Solo Concert". The Korea Times. Retrieved December 27, 2009. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  19. ^ "G-Dragon's Suggestive Concert Creates Stir". The Korea Times. December 8, 2009. Retrieved December 27, 2009. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  20. ^ Hicap, Jonathan M. (December 19, 2009). "Fans defend G-Dragon against concert controversy". Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation. Retrieved 01-15-2010. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  21. ^ Hicap, Jonathan M. (January 8, 2010). "G-Dragon fans file petition over concert fiasco". Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation. Retrieved 01-15-2010. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  22. ^ Template:Ko icon YG Bounce. YG Entertainment August 26, 2008. Retrieved October 2, 2009.
  23. ^ "Big Bang's G-Dragon: I'm interested in majoring in fashion". Sports Seoul News (in Korean). Retrieved 2008-03-10. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  24. ^ Template:Ko icon 2008년을 빛낸 가요 작곡가 '8+1'인은? 스타뉴스. November 18, 2008. Retrieved October 2, 2009.
  25. ^ Template:Ko icon지드래곤, 2008 'A-어워즈' 스타일 부문 수상 연합뉴스. December 10, 2008. Retrieved October 2, 2009.
  26. ^ Template:En icon YG Hits Sony Over Plagiarism Allegations. The Korea Times. September 25, 2009. Retrieved September 29, 2009.
  27. ^ Lee Sung, Moo (October 28, 2009). "Is Plagiarism a New Genre?". The Korea Times. Retrieved November 7, 2009. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  28. ^ Template:Ko icon 지드래곤, '표절이라 단정하기엔 섣부른 판단!'. 한경닷컴. August 21, 2009. Retrieved October 2, 2009.
  29. ^ Template:Ko icon 경고장 발송’ 소니, 오늘(21일) 지드래곤 표절관련 입장발표. Newsen. September 21, 2009. Retrieved September 21, 2009.
  30. ^ Template:Ko icon “표절 경고장 불쾌”…양현석 뿔났다. donga.com. September 25, 2009. Retrieved October 2, 2009.
  31. ^ M. Hicap, Jonathan (December 17, 2009). "SNSD dominates 2009 Melon Music Awards". Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation. Retrieved December 27, 2009. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
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