G-Dragon's Interview from 1st Look Magazine (Volume 6) [NEWS]

Posted by on October 7, 2011

1st Look Magazine Cover Story: Rule The Nation

G-Dragon is suggesting a new standard in the Korean pop music industry. His thoughts on fashion, music, musicians and K-wave. His thoughts are bigger and broader than expected.

The era of dance artists and idol groups started in the 1990s. Despite its short history, the people who changed the trend of their time will always be there. People like Seo Taiji & Boys, Deuce, and H.O.T set some standards through their music and dance before. Isn’t G-Dragon someone who can succeed this kind of legacy? This enfant terrible, who is the leader of Big Bang and also a solo musician himself, is only 24 years old. Of course, his beginning was not too different from other idol stars. Being selected at an early age, he was raised as a star going through the stage of a so-called “trainee.” However, G-Dragon did not simply constrain himself with singing and dancing, he is now working as an idea bank and a producer who controls fashion, attitude, choreography, stage design, album art work, not to mention the music composing. This is why we cannot just call him and Big Bang a mere idol group.

“YG made all things possible -- the environment, the way people work and everything. Family-ship is really strong here. We are all like brothers, so we are really not “working” but “playing” together. When we work with the intention of producing a hit song and a very popular music, it never works out well. Rather, when we work while hanging out with a drink or playing games and suddenly come up with an idea, that's when the song really works well. Even during holidays I would come to the office and hang out with my brothers, working and hanging out with them. I think this is the reason why I can work more than others and make good music.”

However, these days, G-Dragon is mentioned more as a fashion icon than as a musician. Some even parody his bold and adventurous fashion style. We should acknowledge that G-Dragon has a part in the popularity of Jung Hyung-don, who insists the "no mercy" fashion sense to be his unique style and challenges GD, or the web-based cartoon “Fashion King,” that constantly mocks fashion.

“I find it fun. Infinity Challenge is indeed my favorite program as a common viewer. I found out about Fashion King from my fans but I haven’t read them yet. I’m sure it's also fun since the title is Fashion King. I think it is really nice as a celebrity to be mentioned continuously without having to be involved.”

He, who is passionate not only about music but also about fashion, is now planning a new project.

“Whenever I go travel abroad, I go to stylish shops and meet wonderful friends. However, in contrast, I cannot think of a place in Korea that people from other countries should come check out. I want to make a cool and stylish space with friends who I think are really cool and stylish. Not a mere business that sells clothes and various items, but a cultural place where you’d go to see, feel and learn Korea’s street style. A place where everything is gorgeous, from the styles of employees to the interior, music, products. A place that is totally worth visiting. I am preparing for this project slowly, waiting for the right time.”

Aside from fashion, what he is really plugged into these days is his second solo album.

“I am preparing for my solo album, but because of lots of Japanese events and commercial schedules, it is getting delayed a little.”

His first solo album, Heartbreaker is indeed an album that showed the essence of G-Dragon. From beginning to end, from outside to inside, we could feel that he poured all his energy to make it as “his album” wholeheartedly.

That is probably when we started seeing G-Dragon as a producer and a musician, not just an idol singer.

“I consider my albums as my diary. Something that can remind you of your thoughts, your way of thinking and your energy at the time you made it. Therefore, every album has a special place in my heart. However, now that I listen to them, the songs sound very childish and embarrassing. It feels like I merely “exploded” my energy prematurely. This album will be a lot more mature.”

Also, his solo album will be hip-hop based, which is his musical root. It will be different from his previous one that was more of a mixture of various genres and styles.

“I personally think that all the good music is already out. Now the key is how to mix them well to make it your own. Because of this, artists in and outside of Korea are trying different music instead of separating genres. This album will have lots of hip-hop elements. I had slow-tempo tracks and pop-style tracks in my previous album but this time, every music will be hip-hop based. You will think, “oh, it’s hip-hop” as soon as you listen to it.”

Meanings of words change as the society changes. In old days “musicians” can survive just by writing songs, showing great singing skills or focusing on music, but the situation has changed. Nowadays, if you want to label yourself as a “musician”, you need to control your fashion, performance, visual elements and make them your own. This corresponds with GD’s desire of wanting to be a “new standard.”

“The reason why I wanted to become a singer was because singers looked really cool back then. No other reason, it was just because they looked really cool. I thought, “wow, I just want to live like them.” Even now, their music and performances are really cool. However, these days, there are no more musicians who are as cool as them. This is why I want to show the best answer to people. I’d be thrilled if I become the standard in terms of good music -- that will make you decide what is good and what is not -- among the overflowing singers these days. Yes, you can say that is my dream.”

In the young age when you are supposed to be busy with just building yourself up, it is astonishing that he sees the music industry as a whole and tries to find his place in it. However, his mature thinking does not stop there. His duty is even heavier now that K-pop and K-fashion are getting attention from all over the world, much recognized as “K-wave.”

“In Korea's current state, whatever you do will work and people are going to pay attention to it. Rather than considering it as a temporary “wave,” we should grow this so that our Korean music can have its voice in the world. If all the musicians can work together to show good music and grow the music industry well, we can make a market that is as big as Japan’s, and even further, we might be able to lead the world’s music market. We are now given a really good opportunity and I am so worried that we might blow it.”

This is why he's working on his solo album in a slow pace. He wants to produce good music and to be a standard, and because he wants to pull Korean popular music a step higher, he has lots of thoughts and worries. Nobody asked or forced him to do it, but why is he carrying this enormous and heavy responsibility on his shoulder? An enthusiastic cheer-up for GD, who is stepping forward one by one each time with the heavy load.

Translated by KAYLI for bigbangupdates.com
Thanks Kayli for offering to translate! Appreciate it a lot! ♡

NOTE: This interview was done BEFORE the marijuana issue broke out.

Filed under: G-Dragon, Magazines, News

  • fiasayshello

    ;___; I wonder how long we'll have to wait for his solo album. 

  • tabilove

    ohh GD <3

  • http://twitter.com/too_glare Shizuka

    Oh mai god!! he's so cool ♥_♥ I love him so much :3 thank you for the enterview :) We'll be waiting for him no matter what...until whenever ♥

  • GDMINE

    GD, I'll wait for your album and I know you'll achieve your dreams. You're one talented person, Kwon Jiyong. :'D

  • eelinglovesGD

    what can we say ? this is GD :) 

  • http://www.facebook.com/asphyxiated Tamara Tran

    Oh GD... You have no idea how much of a standard you ALREADY are. 

    I love how straightforward he is with the fact that he wants to be a standard. He's talking being in the ranks of Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Elvis etc. obviously... But he's already pretty much the Freddie Mercury of K-Pop. Just sayin'. As a VIP, I am totally dedicated to supporting him :)

    GD FIGHTING! <3

  • tshidi

    GD & Top should go into business together. I'm curious to see what chicness they'd come up with :0).

  • Jess

    I read this news article about Steve Jobs this morning, and will like to quote something that Obama said about him:

    "Steve was among the greatest of American innovators -
    Brave enough to think differently,
    Bold enough to believe that he could change the world and
    Talented enough to do it."

    I truly think that it applies to GD as well :)
    whatever it is, Good Luck Jiyong shi! We will be here for you.

  • missdreah

    As expected from GD, he always brings out the best in him, 1000%! The best leader in K-wave history!

  • http://twitter.com/zhelappers Liezel Albay

    i will always love GD!!! wish he will stay strong and get trough with all the difficulties he is facing now.,,

    i admire him for being able to endure many trials in life even in his young age.,,

    please be strong!! we VIP's are here for you.,, FIGHTING!!

  • Missdez89

    read it really make me more and more love him 
    GD.. no matter what happe i will always support you <33

  • http://twitter.com/ditadiAdrian Dita Adriana

    GD you look so hansome, Love yaa <3

  • Kayli

    No problem at all!
    My goodness!!!! You made it look so beautiful!!!! Thanks for posting this (and proofreading too!). :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1654912319 PLyn Purple

    GD is daebak!!!
    Please give us your best as soon as possible. Cant wait to hear your hip-hop based songs!!

  • bigbangupdates

    It's a wonderful interview and it's the least that I could do :) Thank you so much again!!

  • muggledore

    well said! =) 
    that quote does apply to GD as well...GD is really mature beyond his age~

    YG is my Hallyu Wave <3

  • http://twitter.com/adri_adrienne Adriana 아드리아나

    his talent in various fields has put him in the place where He is, being admired beyond Korea.I love his dreams, his project of making a cool place sounds Awesome ^^I just wish the best for him, that he can achieve his dreams and  more!
    god bless you Dear Jiyong :)

  • trang

    GD HWATING!

  • http://nianism.tumblr.com/ randomnia

    This interview is a very good example of why I admire and respect G-Dragon. He's wise beyond his years. To be so young and to have such a clear vision of what he wants out of life and how he's going to get it, to me is truly and admirable thing. Even if those things had to be put on hold I hope he doesn't lose sight of them and remains committed to his art and to his vision. 

  • tytoo

    W.O.W

  • forsake_me

    Respect to KWON Leadah!!~ Major respect!

  • http://twitter.com/ChristineRara christine destyara

    GD was think a step higher than others
    that's the reason why i LOVE him so much , ...
    because talented of KWON JI YONG my life colorful
    always and always support GD

  • http://bigbangheaven.tumblr.com/ TotoBearTop

    GD is so matured and wise. It's good that he sets high standard for himself but i hope he doesn't work himself out. I also admire his ability to create music that is well-loved by everyone. GD is really is the best leader in K-Pop! 

    Heeh how adorable he wanted to become a singer because the singers look cool to him back then, and now GD, you're living your dream with your talent! 

    His new project sounds interesting too. I'll definitely visit that place when it's done when i go to Korea one day!

  • guest

    dun forget to vote big bang guys

  • wintersecrets

    even though i want to hear his album now, i can wait.
    take your time Gd, make it perfect...and initially it was a mini right? now you can make it a full...

  • lolo_jose13

    maybe this is the reason why some media doesn't like him coz they think he's  rebellious and arrogant.but as for he wants to make a change for the korean music for its good future and only for himself but rather he wants also to make history about korean music to be known and appreciated around the world in a poitive way.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000033190427 Zyrah Zee Hugaholic

    He's G Dragon. What can you expect from him ? I can't stop loving GD. You're the BEST !! :3 < <3.

  • http://twitter.com/ameliaedriani amelia edriani

    beyond that thing I still believe his talent never reduce even a little.
    btw thank you KAYLI!

  • Miyuheartgd

    yes,.he is indeed g-dragon that i love,.i cant wait to visit the cultural place that he plan to do!!! :) and of course his album!  will always wait,JIYONG!!

  • http://twitter.com/AviWill Avi Will

    T__T he's such an amazing and inspiring person!
    Why do horrible things happend to wonderful ppl?... :\

  • http://twitter.com/chriszlchye anna

    Jiyong-ah VIP's are always here to support you!~ Stay strong!!! 

  • http://twitter.com/ohmygeedeebaby Eva

    T__T Jiyong Oppa, I support you until whenever !

  • http://twitter.com/EC_Enychung eny chung

    i don't care what happent in the future he's my 1st idol :)

  • http://twitter.com/Stellar_LeyM Ley Modequillo

    gosh.. i really admire this guys.. way too cool...

  • BabyBooGD

    G.DRAGON ;D

  • Khunpatt55

    kwon jiyong .. you are the best!

  • http://bigbangand2ne1.tumblr.com SeuBB4EVR♛♛♛♛♛

    GD is TRULY inspiring!!! and such a GREAT person! (had run out of words to express my admiration..kekeke~) ^O^ <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 

    and it's just sad that there are people who are trying to break his heart ='(

    *salutes him*
    just Stay Strong oppa~!!! Saranghae~!!!!!I'll NEVER forget him! I'm VERY thankful that i have been introduced to him and other members of BIGBANG (though, not physically)...

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Choi-MyungHee/1826233588 Choi MyungHee

    he is a man with a big dream..therefore i won't give up on believing him..#staystrongGD

  • http://twitter.com/jezkwon Jessica

    THIS is why i love you so much dearest kwon jiyong
    your way of speaking, so straightforward but don't seem arrogant and all
    i love you more more jiyong-ah ~
    and i'll always pray for the best for you achieving your dreams <3

  • Angel227563

    “I am preparing for my solo album, but because of lots of Japanese
    events and commercial schedules, it is getting delayed a little.”THIS MAKE ME WONDER IF DRUG THING IS A PUBLICITY STUNT COZ ALBUM NOT READY

  • http://twitter.com/demitrianixie Demitria D Paramita

    GD will pull koreans music up as high as a sky.. its cool.. Ganbante GD oppa. waiting for your New Album ^^

  • Anonymous

    ooooo... but so sad that we have to wait until he comes out with a new album. :'( 

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Cheryl-Teo/100000517551015 Cheryl Teo

    JiYong oppa hwaiting!!!!!

  • lolo_jose13

    yup!!!! CHANGE !!!!

  • http://twitter.com/_graim Rachel G

    you're not a wave for me gd you're the ocean :O

  • kayumanis88

    you're so futurealistic,hopefully your thoughts and your dream, may come true!! don't push yourself too much..stay healthy GD!!

  • http://twitter.com/YLyounglin Elaine Tan

    he sounds so innocent~~ we can feel his passion towards musics and his passion towards his country ..  he deserves our respect and love!! NOT HATREDSS!!! 

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=860350356 Surin Tong

    i am looking forward to the "fashion street"!

  • http://twitter.com/Vassa_S Vassa S

    GD is the best for me..^_^

  • xBrokenHallelujah

    G-Dragon = Perfection. <3

  • sanctuary1718

    STAY STRONG GD. TAKE YOUR TIME IN PRODUCING YOUR 2ND SOLO ALBUM. JUST REMEMBER THAT WE, VIPS ARE ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU. SUPPORTING YOU NO MATTER WHAT AND WE BELIEVE IN EVERYTHING YOU DO. WE'LL WAIT UNTIL WHENEVER :') TRUE VIPS IT IS ♥

  • Cherry Poh Yi

    his second solo album?OMG I CAN'T WAIT FOR IT :D

  • Ying-tan-ja

    G.D.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002442928366 Hatake Yuuki

    GD,
    U're the best.!!!
    Every impossible thing becomes possible in ur hands.
    I bet u will complete all ur dreams no matter what happens.
    Always supporting U and BIGBANG!!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002442928366 Hatake Yuuki

    GD,
    U're the best.!!!
    Every impossible thing becomes possible in ur hands.
    I bet u will complete all ur dreams no matter what happens.
    Always supporting U and BIGBANG!!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000660484849 Tarits Sim

    I really want to see you on stage here as well as your buddies. Please schedule one in LA!

  • http://twitter.com/shiellaii Shiella Valmeo ♡

    Oh my #GD!~ ;) He has many contributions on KPOP!~ Such a talented guy! :) ♥

  • JilLOVESBB

    Awesome awesome article..... wow!! GD, you're really the best!!

  • http://bigbangand2ne1.tumblr.com AYE♥BB4EVR♛♛♛♛♛

    same here!! ^O^b