K-pop superstar G-Dragon, the leader of the legendary group BIGBANG, has opened up about how deeply a drug investigation affected him, revealing that he seriously considered retiring from the music industry altogether. The 36-year-old artist shared these personal struggles during a candid interview on MBC's current affairs program "Sohn Suk-hee's Questions," which aired on Wednesday.
The investigation that nearly ended G-Dragon's career took place in 2023, when he was probed on suspicion of violating South Korea's Act on the Control of Narcotics. The singer was ultimately cleared of all charges in December 2023, but the emotional damage had already been done. "I was involved in a certain incident about a year before releasing 'Power,'" G-Dragon explained, referring to the legal troubles that preceded his highly anticipated comeback.
During the interview, the artist described feeling completely powerless during the investigation process. "There was nowhere to voice my personal opinions or feelings. Even though I was a victim, the situation spiraled out of control, leaving me feeling disheartened and empty," he shared. The experience was so traumatic that it made him question his entire career in the entertainment industry.
G-Dragon, who is widely recognized as both a fashion icon and a highly regarded singer-songwriter, admitted that he genuinely considered walking away from music permanently. "I didn't even want to hold a press conference to state my position," he revealed. "I thought, 'Is it right for me to make a comeback?' I could have just retired and lived as an ordinary person, but there was no reason to do that either."
Instead of retiring, G-Dragon channeled his difficult experiences into his music, returning to the scene after a seven-year hiatus with his new single "Power" in November 2024. The song represents more than just a comeback – it's a direct response to his ordeal. "The only thing I could do during that difficult time was to express myself through music," he explained. He described "Power" as a "humorous satire on the media," suggesting that the track serves as his artistic commentary on how the situation was handled.
The artist's resilience has paid off, as he is currently touring the world with his "Ubermensch" tour. After performing shows in Hanoi, Vietnam, over the weekend, G-Dragon is preparing for the tour's grand finale. He is scheduled to hold the final concerts of the tour at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul from December 12-14, marking a triumphant return to his home country's stage after overcoming one of the most challenging periods of his career.
