G-Dragon Recognized as a Cultural Icon by EMPIRE CEO Ghazi Amid Signing with Pro-Palestinian Music Label

Kwon Ji-yong, widely recognized as G-Dragon by fans globally, has recently made headlines by joining the San Francisco-based record label EMPIRE. The label’s CEO, Ghazi Shami, a Palestinian-American music technologist and producer, has shown his support for the cause by using the Palestinian flag as their profile image on their official X account. EMPIRE actively engages in discussions about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine.

EMPIRE, known for its pro-Palestinian position and varied roster of artists, has built a reputation for supporting independent musicians like Shaaboozey, who has topped the Billboard Hot 100. Importantly, G-Dragon stands out as the first K-pop idol to align with a record label that advocates for Palestinian rights during the current Israeli-Palestinian humanitarian crisis.

This partnership signifies G-Dragon’s dedication to creating a globally conscious and socially aware form of music. Nevertheless, the artist has not yet publicly shared his viewpoints on the situation.

On October 31, 2024, G-Dragon marked his return to the music scene with the release of his solo album, POWER, under EMPIRE, after a seven-year break. This collaboration signifies a pivotal change for the K-pop icon, who originally gained fame as a member of the legendary group BIGBANG under YG Entertainment.

Ghazi has praised G-Dragon, referring to him as a noteworthy “cultural force,”stating to Billboard:

“G-Dragon is a cultural force that has shaped K-Pop’s rise on the global stage. This partnership strengthens EMPIRE’s commitment to collaborating with artists that will redefine the future of music worldwide.”

G-Dragon departs YG Entertainment and joins Galaxy Corporation following drug abuse allegations

In December 2023, G-Dragon ended his 18-year tenure with YG Entertainment, where he had been since BIGBANG’s inception in 2006. Following his departure, he signed with Galaxy Corporation, confirming his comeback to music in 2024.

A report from Outlook included a statement from Galaxy Corporation’s CEO Jo Sung-hae about G-Dragon’s future projects, emphasizing that the artist had encountered immense challenges due to unfounded drug abuse allegations.

“This press conference serves as a preparatory measure for G-Dragon’s safe return to the public eye after a time of adversity. Kwon Ji-yong has no connection to the drug allegations, yet he faced significant difficulties due to rampant rumors.”

For those unfamiliar, in October 2023, G-Dragon found himself at the center of a controversy involving an investigation into alleged drug use. He was questioned by the police multiple times and was charged without detention.

The Incheon Police Narcotics Investigation Unit sought a search warrant and conducted tests on G-Dragon’s hair and urine samples, all of which returned negative results.

Despite G-Dragon’s persistent denials regarding drug use, authorities allegedly dismissed his claims, even accusing him of attempting to alter evidence. Ultimately, after grueling months of investigation, the BIGBANG artist was exonerated of all allegations.

As reported by Yonhap News in December 2023, G-Dragon contributed 300 million won (about $217,655.49) to establish the JusPeace Foundation, aimed at combating drug abuse in South Korea.

The JusPeace Foundation focuses on assisting young individuals affected by South Korea’s growing drug misuse crisis, providing them with the necessary treatment and rehabilitation.

Source

Images Credit: Sportskeeda.com