bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

hooksAmpRedirectArticle

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

corrections

sponsorType

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

paywallTypes

pdfFiles

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

readingTime

customTimezone

liveContents

The Korea Times

K-pop icon G-Dragon is reclaiming his throne with record-breaking success across music, television and live performances.
Since releasing his solo track “Power” in October, the artist has dominated digital music charts, sold out massive concerts and drawn widespread attention through his first leading role on a variety show.
His comeback has earned him a new nickname in the music industry, “super idol”.
In the current digital music landscape, it is G-Dragon versus G-Dragon. His song “Home Sweet Home”, which dethroned Blackpink’s Rosé’s hit “APT” in late November, continues to maintain its high chart position.


His latest release, “Too Bad”, is now competing for the top spot, while “Power” also remains in the upper chart ranks. Ubermensch, his first studio album in 11 years, debuted at No 2 on Korean music chart platform Circle Chart’s album ranking, selling 440,000 copies in its first week.
G-Dragon’s coming world tour, his first in eight years, is also a runaway success. All 60,000 tickets for the opening shows on March 29 and 30 at Goyang Sports Complex in South Korea sold out instantly.
Industry observers say G-Dragon is virtually the only male solo artist capable of simultaneously topping digital charts, album sales and concert box office figures.
G-Dragon is also drawing attention on television. His MBC variety show Good Day, which marks his first main role in a television programme, has topped nondrama buzz rankings for four consecutive weeks, according to analytics firm GoodData Corporation.
His popularity spans generations. According to online music retailer Yes24, album buyers for Ubermensch were mostly in their thirties (28.1 per cent), followed by those in their twenties (25.2 per cent), forties (18.9 per cent) and teens (13.4 per cent).


Ubermensch, a term borrowed from philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of the “superman” or “transcendent being”, reflects G-Dragon’s intent to surpass himself. Though critics have been divided on whether the album breaks new artistic ground, public reception remains overwhelmingly positive.
“Even if this album didn’t exceed expectations musically, G-Dragon maintains a strong connection with his audience through his signature style and cultural relevance,” a senior executive at a K-pop agency said. “His variety show appearances have also strengthened his appeal among younger fans.”
G-Dragon’s resurgence is particularly noteworthy given the challenges he has faced, including a past marijuana scandal, an enforced hiatus for his compulsory military service in South Korea, and his move from YG Entertainment to Galaxy Corporation, a relatively unfamiliar name in the K-pop scene.
Despite these hurdles, he has not only maintained his stature but redefined what it means to be a K-pop solo artist.

“G-Dragon is perhaps the only K-pop figure who writes, composes and produces his own music while building a distinctive brand as an artist,” said Kim Heon-sik, a professor at Jungwon University. “His creativity and evolving style have enabled him to maintain star power even after years away from the spotlight.”
G-Dragon’s current momentum suggests that he is not merely returning to the top, but is expanding the very boundaries of what an idol can be.
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
Read the full story at The Korea Times.


K-pop’s G-Dragon is proving his ‘super idol’ status with chart-toppers, sell-out shows

Ruby, debut solo studio album by Blackpink’s Jennie, is full of polished pleasures

J-pop boy band kicks out member after arrest in Hong Kong over indecent assault

A J-pop singer and Cantonese opera performer? Rika Woo out to be ‘bridge between cultures’

K-pop, Mandopop and other Asian pop

South Korean rapper and singer G-Dragon at Paris Fashion Week in 2025. His comeback sees him topping single and album charts and selling out concerts. He has also made his TV variety show debut. Photo: AFP

G-Dragon at the Chanel Cruise 2024-25 show in Hong Kong. Photo: Jocelyn Tam

Lifestyle

Entertainment

Culture

Music

Film & TV

K-Pop

Artists & celebrities

G-Dragon’s triumphant comeback sees him topping charts and selling out concerts, proving his enduring appeal in spite of past challenges


G-Dragon’s triumphant comeback sees him topping charts and selling out concerts, proving his enduring appeal in spite of past challenges.


What's hot in Korea

South Korean celebrities

Korea Times

G-Dragon