'Big Bang' front man G-Dragon credits social media for connecting him to fans worldwide and said he continues to evolve as an artist and entertainer through constant learning.
In an interview with 'i-D' France, G-Dragon, born Kwon Ji Yong, said it is an “honor” to be an influencer and noted that social media platforms have been largely responsible for the popularity of Korean music, art, and even fashion.
“You know, that’s the thing about the 21st century: everyone is connected and the world keeps moving all the time...If I post something new, everyone in the world will know what I'm doing right now, at the same exact moment,” he said.
Nearly 30 million combined social network followers
The 28-year-old rapper, record producer, and fashion icon has 14.3 million followers on Instagram and 7.9 million fans on Twitter. His official Facebook page has garnered more than 7 million likes and boasts of nearly 6.9 million followers.
The Big Bang leader said he feels like social media is closely linked to fashion to music, art, and culture and through this, he is able to directly connect with his fans.
G-Dragon launched his latest self-titled album, Kwon Ji Yong, with its lead track, 'Untitled, 2014', on June 8. The five-song album was released in a USB flash drive in lieu of a compact disc, catching the attention of fans and critics alike.
The USB has the inscription of his Korean name together with his birthday and blood type.
Album on USB instead of CD
Living in the digital world requires creativity and ingenuity. For his latest work, he decided to veer away from the usual compact disc and use a USB instead. Each external device has a hand-drawn red strike to represent his DNA.
He personally painted some of the USBs.
In music, as in his fashion, the singer-producer continues to experiment with new things so can learn more and impart new knowledge to his loyal followers. While he said to be famous was not his main objective when he began his musical career, he takes pride in the growing influence of Korean culture worldwide.
"More people (are) getting interested in Korean culture, and I’m so proud of it,” he told 'i-D' France.
Solo world concert tour
As part of the album promotion, YG Entertainment also announced a world concert series, 'Act III M.O.T.T.E. (Moment of Truth The End)'. The tour kicked off in Korea at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on June 10. It will have various legs in Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania.
G-Dragon has been actively promoting as a solo artist after fellow Big Bang member, T.O.P, enlisted in the army. However, T.O.P, Choi Seung Hyun in real life, was recently discharged from military service on allegations of drug use. Other Big Bang members - Seungri and Daesung - as well as G-Dragon himself are also expected to serve the Korean military before reaching 30.
Big Bang landed 13th in the 2016 FORBES’ 30 Highest Paid Celebrities Under 30. The four-member group earned $44 million last year, making even more than the American pop rock band 'Maroon 5', and was in the company of top celebrities like Taylor Swift.
Aside from his albums and concerts, G-Dragon has several commercial endorsements and even his own fashion line, 'Peaceminusone'.
