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G-Dragon Gets Real: Inside His Journey and Mental Struggles

Emily Kim Views  

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G-Dragon, returning with a solo album after seven years, appeared on You Quiz on the Block and candidly shared his thoughts on his journey.

On Wednesday’s tvN You Quiz on the Block episode, G-Dragon discussed the upcoming release of his digital single “POWER.” This is his first release in seven years and four months since his 2017 mini-album, Kwon Ji Yong.

This was his first talk show appearance in about 12 years since Healing Camp, Aren’t You Happy? G-Dragon reflected, “I’ve been a trainee since I was 6 and debuted at 19. I lived as Kwon Ji Yong for just 4-5 years, but for over 20 years, I’ve been either a trainee or G-Dragon. I wasn’t sure who I really was.”

He continued, “I’m loved and have everything I could want, yet I often questioned, ‘Am I happy? I should be happy.’ It was hard to feel mentally stable. It felt like I was living in a version of The Truman Show. Everything was going so well that I felt uncomfortable asking for help; it would have seemed like I was just complaining.”

During the show, G-Dragon indirectly addressed various rumors surrounding him, including drug allegations that emerged in 2023. 

Previously, he was investigated in 2011 for suspected marijuana use, claiming he was unaware he was inhaling it. He received a deferred prosecution decision due to the minimal amount involved.

In October of last year, an allegation surfaced involving a manager from a nightlife establishment in Gangnam, claiming that G-Dragon had used drugs. G-Dragon consistently denied these accusations and voluntarily appeared at the police station to undergo questioning.

Ultimately, after a detailed examination by the National ForensicServices revealed no drug components, G-Dragon received a non-indictment ruling in December. Following this, he held a press conference to announce the establishment of Just Peace, a foundation dedicated to combating and eradicating drug use. 

He remarked, “It was difficult to maintain my mental clarity.”

G-Dragon shared, “After living a glamorous life for more than half my life, situations beyond my control began to arise. I tried to manage everything, but it felt like I was constantly being pushed into a corner without finding any answers. I should have realized there was space behind me, but it felt like I was trapped at the time.”

He added, “I felt like I couldn’t move forward, and a wall was behind me. When I became mentally exhausted, I feared I might start thinking about dangerous things. I tried to force myself to stay centered, no matter what.”

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He concluded, “Now that has passed, my mind is clearer. For the sake of my health, I’ve changed in some ways—my appearance, my demeanor, and even my way of speaking have evolved. I might not be as sharp as I used to be, but personally, I feel it’s for the better.”

Later, G-Dragon donated the 1 million won (approximately $724) prize he received for answering questions on You Quiz on the Block to his drug prevention foundation, Just Peace.

Meanwhile, G-Dragon is set to release his new song “Power” on Thursday.

Emily Kim
emilykim@insightmsn.com

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