G-Dragon is a legendary South Korean rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is known as the “King of K-Pop” worldwide. His unique voice and style changed Korean music forever. His real name is Kwon Ji-yong. Fans call him G-Dragon or GD for short.
He was born on August 18, 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. His age in 2026 is 37 or 38 years old. He stands approximately 177 cm tall (5 feet 9 inches). His weight is around 58 kg (128 pounds). G-Dragon works as a rapper, singer, songwriter, producer, and fashion designer.
His career started as a child actor at age 5. He debuted with BIGBANG in 2006 as leader and main rapper. His family includes his parents and one older sister. He is not married and has no children. His net worth is estimated at $30 million or higher. His main income sources include music royalties, concerts, endorsements, and his fashion brand PEACEMINUSONE.
G-Dragon Wiki/Bio
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kwon Ji-yong (권지용) |
| Birth | August 18, 1988 |
| Age (2026) | 37-38 years |
| Height | 177 cm (5’9″ / 5’10”) |
| Weight | 58 kg (128 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (changes frequently) |
| Body Type / Build | Slim / Lean |
| Shoe Size | 260-265 mm (US 8-8.5) |
| Chest Size | 36 inches (approx.) |
| Waist Size | 28 inches (approx.) |
| Biceps Size | 12 inches (approx.) |
| Skin Tone | Fair / Pale |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Occupation | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Fashion Designer |
| Education | Gyeong Hee University (Postmodern Music) |
| Career Highlights | BIGBANG Leader, 8 MAMA Awards, First Korean Soloist to Tour Japanese Domes |
| Net Worth (2026) | $30 million + |
| Wealth Sources | Music Royalties, Concerts, Endorsements, PEACEMINUSONE |
| Notable Skills | Songwriting, Music Production, Rapping, Fashion Design |
| Family | Kwon Young-hwan (father), Han Gi-ran (mother), Kwon Dami (sister) |
| Social Presence | Instagram: @xxxibgdrgn (20M+ followers) |
G-Dragon Real Name
Kwon Ji-yong is G-Dragon’s complete Korean birth name. The name Ji-yong means “wisdom” and “courage” in Korean. His stage name G-Dragon comes from his real name. “Ji” sounds like the letter G in Korean pronunciation. “Yong” translates to Dragon in English.
He adopted this stage name as a young trainee. The name fit his powerful stage presence perfectly. He is almost never called Kwon Ji-yong by fans. Even his close friends call him GD or Jiyong. His legal name remains Kwon Ji-yong on all documents.
The G-Dragon brand is worth millions today. He named his 2017 solo album “Kwon Ji Yong” after his real name. This album sold over 500,000 copies worldwide. His signature includes both names on merchandise. Fans respect his choice to keep both identities separate yet connected.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Real Name | Kwon Ji-yong (권지용) |
| Stage Name Origin | Ji = G / Yong = Dragon |
| Chinese Name | 權志龍 |
| Nicknames | GD, G-Dragon, King of K-Pop |
| Legal Name | Kwon Ji-yong |
| Name on Passport | Kwon Jiyong |
G-Dragon Early Life and Education
G-Dragon was born in Seoul, South Korea on August 18, 1988. He showed musical talent from a very young age. At just 5 years old, he appeared on children’s TV shows. He joined the children’s group “Little Roora” as a child performer. His stage presence was obvious even as a kid.
He became a trainee under SM Entertainment at age 8. SM founder Lee Soo-man personally recruited him. He trained at SM for about 5 years. However, he felt “out of place” in the SM system. The agency focused on polished, perfect idols . This style did not fit his raw talent.
At 12 years old, he switched to YG Entertainment. He released his first rap song “My Age is 13” at this time. People called him “Korea’s youngest天才 rapper” . He trained at YG for 6 more years. He attended Seoul Korean Traditional Arts Middle and High School. He later majored in Postmodern Music at Gyeong Hee University. His total trainee period was 11 years before debut.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Elementary School | Seoul (undisclosed name) |
| Middle School | Seoul Korean Traditional Arts Middle School |
| High School | Seoul Korean Traditional Arts High School |
| University | Gyeong Hee University |
| Major | Postmodern Music |
| Total Trainee Years | 11 years (SM + YG) |
G-Dragon Parents and Siblings
G-Dragon’s father is Kwon Young-hwan. His mother is Han Gi-ran. His parents supported his entertainment career fully. They allowed him to train under SM at age 8. They also supported his move to YG Entertainment. His parents rarely appear in public or media.
He has one older sister named Kwon Dami. She was born before G-Dragon in the 1980s. Kwon Dami is a successful fashion entrepreneur. She runs her own accessory and lifestyle brand. The siblings share a close and supportive bond. G-Dragon has mentioned her in interviews many times.
His sister married actor Kim Min-joon in 2019. G-Dragon attended the wedding ceremony. He also gave a touching speech at the event. His parents are now retired. They live a quiet life away from celebrity circles. G-Dragon bought them a house outside Seoul. He often visits his family during holidays.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Father Name | Kwon Young-hwan |
| Mother Name | Han Gi-ran |
| Sister Name | Kwon Dami |
| Sister’s Job | Fashion Entrepreneur |
| Brother-in-Law | Kim Min-joon (actor) |
| Parents’ Status | Retired |
G-Dragon Wife or Girlfriend
G-Dragon is not married as of 2026. He has no children currently. He keeps his dating life very private from the public. He rarely confirms or denies relationships directly. Several dating rumors have surrounded him over the years.
His most public rumored relationship was with Japanese model Kiko Mizuhara. They were linked from 2010 to 2015. Neither party confirmed the relationship officially. Fans spotted them together multiple times. He was also rumored to date BLACKPINK’s Jennie. Both agencies denied these dating rumors strongly.
Currently, he appears focused on his music and business. He has no confirmed girlfriend in 2026. Past relationships include reports about Nana and Lee Joo-yeon. All these rumors remain unconfirmed. His private life stays out of headlines nowadays. He prefers to let his music speak for itself.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Children | None |
| Rumored Ex-Girlfriends | Kiko Mizuhara (2010-2015, unconfirmed) |
| Rumored Dating | Jennie (BLACKPINK) – Denied |
| Current Relationship Status | Single (reportedly) |
| Public Confirmation | Never confirms relationships |
G-Dragon Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
G-Dragon turns 37 years old in 2026. His birthday is August 18, 1988. He will turn 38 in August 2026. He looks much younger than his actual age. Fans praise his “honey skin” and boyish charm . His skin remains smooth without blemishes. He defies typical aging signs completely.
His height is approximately 177 cm (5 feet 9 inches). Some sources list 177 cm or 180 cm . His weight is around 58 kg (128 pounds). He has a slim, lean body type. His official measurements are 36-28-35 inches approximately. He wears Korean shoe size 260-265 mm (US 8-8.5).
He has dark brown eyes and black hair. He changes his hair color constantly for comebacks. He has multiple tattoos across his body. His most famous tattoo is a dragon on his left chest. He also has a “Too fast to live, too young to die” text tattoo. His fashion choices influence global trends.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Age (2026) | 37 years (38 in August 2026) |
| Height | 177 cm (5’9″ / 5’10”) |
| Weight | 58 kg (128 lbs) |
| Body Type | Slim / Lean |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black / Frequently Dyed |
| Shoe Size | 260-265 mm (US 8-8.5) |
| Blood Type | A |
| Tattoos | Multiple (dragon, text, cross) |
G-Dragon Before Fame
Before fame, G-Dragon was a child actor and TV personality. He appeared on children’s shows at age 5. He joined the kids group “Little Roora” as a performer. This group performed on various TV programs. His entertainment career started incredibly early.
He became a SM Entertainment trainee at age 8. This is extremely young for any trainee. He trained alongside future Super Junior members. He even befriended Kangin during this period. However, SM’s system did not suit his style. He felt limited by their polished image requirements.
At 12 years old, he left SM for YG Entertainment. He released his first rap track “My Age is 13” the same year. This song impressed YG founder Yang Hyun-suk. He and Taeyang trained to debut as a duo. Their duo name was “GDYB” (G-Dragon & Young Bae) . The debut was canceled at the last minute. Instead, Yang formed BIGBANG as a 5-member group. This changed his destiny completely.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| First TV Appearance | Age 5 (BOBOBO children’s program) |
| First Music Group | Little Roora (child group) |
| SM Trainee Period | Age 8 to 13 (approx. 5 years) |
| YG Trainee Period | Age 13 to 19 (6 years) |
| First Rap Song | “My Age is 13” (2001) |
| Original Debut Plan | Duo “GDYB” with Taeyang |
G-Dragon Career
G-Dragon debuted as BIGBANG’s leader in 2006. The group’s first album had mild success. Their 2007 song “Lies” changed everything . He wrote and composed “Lies” himself. The song became a massive national hit. It won Song of the Year at MAMA. BIGBANG became Korea’s top boy group overnight.
He released his first solo album “Heartbreaker” in 2009. The album was a huge commercial success. It won Album of the Year at MAMA. He faced plagiarism accusations from Sony Music . Critics said “Heartbreaker” sounded like Flo Rida’s “Right Round” . However, Flo Rida’s label did not press charges. He later collaborated with Flo Rida on a remix.
His 2012 EP “One of a Kind” showcased his unique style. The title track “Crayon” became a signature song. His 2013 album “Coup d’Etat” featured Missy Elliott. He became the first Korean soloist to tour Japanese domes . His 2017 album “Kwon Ji Yong” sold 500,000 copies. He enlisted for military service in 2018. He was discharged in October 2019. He left YG Entertainment in 2023. He now works under Galaxy Corporation. He released new singles “POWER” and “HOME SWEET HOME” in 2024. His third album “Übermensch” came in February 2025.
| Era | Album / Work | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debut | BIGBANG Debut | 2006 | Leader / Main Rapper |
| Breakthrough | “Lies” (BIGBANG) | 2007 | Song of the Year MAMA |
| Solo Debut | Heartbreaker | 2009 | Album of the Year MAMA |
| Solo Peak | One of a Kind / Coup d’Etat | 2012-2013 | First Korean soloist to tour Japanese Domes |
| Comeback | Kwon Ji Yong | 2017 | 500,000+ copies sold |
| Return | “POWER” / “HOME SWEET HOME” | 2024 | Post-military singles |
| Latest | Übermensch (Album) | 2025 | Third studio album |
G-Dragon Social Media Presence
G-Dragon has over 20 million followers on Instagram. His handle is @xxxibgdrgn. He posts fashion, art, and music content. He also shares rare personal photos occasionally. His feed is aesthetic and carefully curated.
He is not very active on other platforms. He has no official Twitter account. He does not use TikTok or Facebook personally. Most updates come through his Instagram stories. Fans also follow his label’s announcements.
He once deleted all Instagram posts in 2020. This caused major media attention worldwide. He later returned with new artistic content. His Instagram is his main communication tool. He uses it to promote music and fashion. Fans love his raw, unfiltered posts.
| Platform | Handle | Followers (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| @xxxibgdrgn | 20 million + | |
| Twitter (X) | None (unofficial fan accounts only) | N/A |
| TikTok | None | N/A |
| None (unofficial pages exist) | N/A | |
| YouTube | BIGBANG official channel | 10 million+ (group) |
G-Dragon Net Worth and Achievements
G-Dragon’s net worth in 2026 is estimated at $30 million or higher . Some sources suggest his real net worth is much larger. He earns millions from song royalties alone. He receives passive income from over 180 copyrighted songs . He reportedly earns 1.4 billion KRW (about $14 million) annually from royalties alone .
He bought a luxury villa in Cheongdam-dong with cash. This property is one of the most expensive in Seoul. He also earns from brand endorsements and concerts. His fashion brand PEACEMINUSONE adds significant income. He has collaborated with Nike multiple times. These limited sneakers sell out instantly.
He has won 8 MAMA Awards including Artist of the Year. He won Album of the Year for “Heartbreaker” . He received Best Male Artist twice (2012, 2013) . He won the Golden Disc Award for Album Bonsang. He was the first Korean soloist to perform at the Gocheok Sky Dome. His influence on K-POP is immeasurable.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2026) | $30 million + |
| Annual Royalty Income | ~1.4 billion KRW ($14 million) |
| MAMA Awards | 8 wins |
| Golden Disc Awards | Multiple wins |
| Seoul Music Awards | Album of the Year (One of a Kind) |
| First Korean Soloist | Japanese Dome Tour (2013) |
G-Dragon Legacy and Impact
G-Dragon changed how K-POP artists are perceived globally. Before him, K-POP was seen as manufactured and artificial. He proved that idols can write and produce their own music. He inspired countless young artists to become creators.
His fashion influence is as strong as his music. He popularized “normcore” and gender-fluid styling. The “GD effect” means any brand he touches sells out. His Nike collaboration shoes resell for 10x the price. He made high fashion accessible to K-POP fans.
He also paved the way for solo careers from group members. Many idols now pursue solo music while in groups. His songwriting credits exceed 180 songs. He holds the record for most copyrighted songs by an idol. His legacy as “King of K-POP” is undisputed . He remains the gold standard for artistic idols.
| Impact Area | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Music | First idol-producer to achieve mainstream success |
| Fashion | “GD Effect” – instant sellout of endorsed items |
| Industry | Paved way for self-producing idols |
| Cultural | Globalized Korean hip-hop and style |
| Record | Most copyrighted songs by K-POP idol (180+) |
G-Dragon Nationality and Religion
G-Dragon holds South Korean nationality by birth. He was born in Seoul, the capital city. He is an ethnic Korean. He has no dual citizenship with any other country. He completed his mandatory military service from 2018 to 2019.
His religion is Christianity. He was raised in a Christian household. His blood type is A according to official profiles. He does not publicly discuss his faith often. He rarely posts about religious topics on social media.
He served in the military as an active duty soldier. He was discharged in October 2019. His military service was without major controversy. He received standard training like all Korean men. He returned to music immediately after discharge.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Ethnicity | Korean |
| Military Service | 2018-2019 (active duty) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Blood Type | A |
G-Dragon Future Plans and Goals
G-Dragon plans a BIGBANG full group comeback in 2026. This will celebrate their 20th debut anniversary. He is also planning his first solo fan meeting. The fan meeting is scheduled for 2026. This will be his first-ever official solo fan meeting.
He continues to release new music under Galaxy Corporation. His 2025 album “Übermensch” was well-received. He may tour again in 2026 or 2027. His fashion brand PEACEMINUSONE will release new collaborations. He is reportedly working with Nike on another sneaker.
He remains private about long-term personal goals. He has not discussed marriage or family plans. He focuses on music production and creative direction. Fans expect more solo and group activities. His future looks bright as K-POP’s king.
| Future Plan | Target / Status |
|---|---|
| BIGBANG 20th Anniversary | 2026 (full group comeback) |
| Solo Fan Meeting | 2026 (first ever) |
| New Music | In production |
| World Tour | Possible 2026-2027 |
| PEACEMINUSONE Collab | Nike collaboration expected |
G-Dragon Awards and Achievements
G-Dragon won Artist of the Year at MAMA in 2013. He won Best Male Artist at MAMA in 2012 and 2013. His album “Heartbreaker” won Album of the Year in 2009. His EP “One of a Kind” won Album of the Year at Seoul Music Awards. He won Best Dance Performance Solo for “Crayon” .
He received the Golden Disc Award for Album Bonsang (2013) . He won the Korean Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Song . He received the Mnet 20’s Choice Award for 20’s Style. He won Cyworld Digital Music Awards for Artist of the Year.
He holds Guinness World Records for K-POP achievements. He was the most searched K-POP idol on Google for years. He received the Prime Minister’s Commendation in Korea. His 2017 MOTTE tour was the largest by a Korean soloist. He has over 30 major awards and 100+ nominations.
| Award | Year | Category |
|---|---|---|
| MAMA (Mnet Asian Music Awards) | 2009 | Album of the Year (Heartbreaker) |
| MAMA | 2012 | Best Male Artist |
| MAMA | 2013 | Artist of the Year |
| Seoul Music Awards | 2013 | Album of the Year (One of a Kind) |
| Golden Disc Awards | 2013 | Album Bonsang |
| Korean Music Awards | 2013 | Best Hip-Hop Song |
G-Dragon Category Section
G-Dragon is primarily a singer, rapper, and music producer. He is also a fashion designer and entrepreneur. His main category is K-POP idol and solo artist. He has been active in music for over 20 years.
G-Dragon Songs List
- My Age is 13 (2001 – pre-debut)
- Heartbreaker (2009)
- Breathe (2009)
- A Boy (2009)
- Butterfly (feat. Jin Jung) (2009)
- One of a Kind (2012)
- Crayon (2012)
- That XX (2012)
- Black (feat. Jennie) (2013)
- Crooked (2013)
- Who You? (2013)
- Coup d’Etat (feat. Diplo & Baauer) (2013)
- Untitled, 2014 (2017)
- Bullshit (2017)
- Super Star (2017)
- Middle Fingers Up (2017)
- POWER (2024)
- HOME SWEET HOME (with Taeyang & Daesung) (2024)
- Too Bad (feat. Anderson .Paak) (2025)
- Drama (2025)
G-Dragon BIGBANG Songs List (as leader/composer)
- Lies (2007)
- Last Farewell (2007)
- Haru Haru (2008)
- Sunset Glow (2008)
- Fantastic Baby (2012)
- Bad Boy (2012)
- Blue (2012)
- Monster (2012)
- Loser (2015)
- Bang Bang Bang (2015)
- Sober (2015)
- If You (2015)
- Fxxk It (2016)
- Last Dance (2016)
- Girlfriend (2016)
- Flower Road (2018)
- Still Life (2022)
G-Dragon Hobbies
- Writing lyrics and composing music
- Drawing and painting (art collection)
- Collecting限量 sneakers (over 300 pairs)
- Playing video games
- Photography (film camera enthusiast)
- Reading fashion magazines
- Traveling to quiet destinations
- Listening to hip-hop and alternative music
- Shopping for vintage clothing
- Spending time with his dog Gaho (Shar Pei)
G-Dragon Favorite Things
- Color: Black and Red
- Food: Korean barbecue (samgyeopsal)
- Drink: Iced Americano
- Fashion Brand: Chanel (brand ambassador in Korea)
- Sneaker Brand: Nike (multiple collaborations)
- Artist: Pharrell Williams, Wu-Tang Clan
- Music Genre: Hip-Hop, Alternative Rock
- Tattoo Style: Fine line black and grey
- Animal: Dogs (especially his Shar Pei, Gaho)
- Travel Destination: Paris, France
G-Dragon Interesting Facts
- He was an SM Entertainment trainee for 5 years before YG.
- His stage name comes from his real name “Ji-yong” (G + Dragon).
- He writes and produces almost all of BIGBANG’s songs.
- He has over 180 copyrighted songs (most by any K-POP idol).
- He was the first Korean soloist to tour Japanese dome arenas (2013).
- His “Heartbreaker” album faced plagiarism accusations but was cleared.
- He bought a $7 million+ villa in Cheongdam-dong with cash.
- He served in the military from 2018 to 2019 as active duty.
- He left YG Entertainment in 2023 after 20 years.
- His sister Kwon Dami is a famous fashion entrepreneur.
FAQs
1. What is G-Dragon’s real name?
His real name is Kwon Ji-yong (권지용). He uses G-Dragon as his stage name.
2. How old is G-Dragon in 2026?
He is 37 years old. He will turn 38 on August 18, 2026.
3. What is G-Dragon’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at $30 million or higher. He earns over $14 million annually from royalties alone.
4. Is G-Dragon married?
No, he is not married. He has no children as of 2026.
5. Is G-Dragon still in BIGBANG?
Yes, he is still the leader of BIGBANG. The group plans a 20th-anniversary comeback in 2026.
Conclusion
G-Dragon is a 37-year-old South Korean rapper and K-POP icon. He stands approximately 177 cm tall and weighs 58 kg. He is not married and has no children. His net worth in 2026 is estimated at $30 million or more. He earns this through music royalties, concerts, and his fashion brand.
He debuted as BIGBANG’s leader in 2006. He wrote and produced “Lies,” “Fantastic Baby,” and “Bang Bang Bang” . His solo hits include “Heartbreaker,” “Crayon,” and “Untitled, 2014” . He won Artist of the Year at MAMA in 2013. He is the most copyrighted K-POP idol with over 180 songs.
He changed K-POP’s perception worldwide. He proved idols could be real artists and producers. His “GD effect” influences global fashion trends. He continues to make music under Galaxy Corporation. He remains the undisputed “King of K-POP” and a cultural legend in South Korea and beyond.
