G-Dragon and YG Entertainment Face Accusations of Composer Theft for 2010 Release ‘My Age Is 13’

G-Dragon and YG Entertainment Under Investigation for Copyright Allegations

G-Dragon, the iconic leader of K-pop sensation BigBang, along with YG Entertainment, is facing a formal police investigation. This follows serious accusations from a composer asserting that G-Dragon’s track “My Age Is 13, ”featured on a live album released in 2010, unlawfully incorporated his work.

Details of the Allegations

The composer, known only as Mr. A, lodged a complaint in November 2024 at Seoul’s Mapo Police Station. Mr. A claims that a song he registered in 2001, titled “G-DRAGON, ”was used without permission. He alleges that YG Entertainment not only neglected to credit him for his original composition but also altered the music to make it seem like a newly created piece. According to his statements, the song was renamed “My Age Is 13″and integrated into a medley alongside tracks like “Storm, ””Hip Hop Gentlemen, ”and his original song, effectively making it part of the fifth track in G-Dragon’s solo album, *Shine a Light*.

YG Entertainment’s Response

In light of these allegations, YG Entertainment has issued a public statement denying any malicious intent to violate copyright laws. The company characterized the incident as a misunderstanding regarding song titles, asserting that two separate tracks shared similar names during the planning phases of G-Dragon’s 2009 concert. They firmly declared that no intentional audio reproduction took place and expressed a willingness to cooperate with authorities if any accreditations were indeed mismanaged.

Ongoing Investigations

Following Mr. A’s complaint, the Mapo police initiated two search-and-seizure operations, one of which included a raid on YG Entertainment’s offices in Seoul. Investigators are currently examining documents and digital files relevant to the case. Law enforcement officials have also begun interrogating key individuals involved, including G-Dragon, YG’s founder Yang Hyun-suk, former CEO Yang Min-suk, and YG Plus CEO Choi Sung-jun. A police spokesperson confirmed that the interviews are still ongoing, and all evidence collected is under forensic analysis.

Context and Implications

This case has attracted considerable media attention, particularly as it surfaces after G-Dragon departed YG Entertainment in 2023 and joined Galaxy Corporation, following the resolution of an unrelated drug investigation. The plagiarism allegations represent a significant legal challenge related to G-Dragon’s earlier career and have sparked intense discussions about intellectual property rights within the K-pop industry.

Moving Forward

YG Entertainment has reiterated its commitment to providing full transparency and cooperation throughout the investigative process. As the police continue their evidence gathering, they anticipate concluding their inquiries soon, which will determine whether formal charges will be filed.