South Korean rapper and K-pop icon Kwon Ji-yong, popularly known as G-Dragon, has been arrested on drug charges, according to reports from South Korea. The arrest was made by the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency, who booked G-Dragon without detention. Authorities have declined to comment further, citing an ongoing investigation.
G-Dragon’s representatives have not acknowledged the reports, but a spokesperson from YG Entertainment, the agency G-Dragon was previously associated with, stated that he is currently not an artist under their agency, making it difficult for them to provide an official response.
This is not the first time G-Dragon has faced a drug-related scandal. In 2011, he tested positive for marijuana, which led to a temporary halt in his promotional activities. However, he received an indictment rather than a charge due to it being his first offense.
South Korea has strict regulations regarding drug usage, and citizens are prohibited from using recreational drugs both within and outside the country.
G-Dragon’s last music release was in April 2022 with the comeback single “Still Life” by BigBang. He has not publicly signed with any talent agency since his exclusive contract with YG Entertainment expired earlier this summer.
G-Dragon’s arrest is a significant development in the K-pop industry, where he played a pivotal role in putting K-pop on the global map with his group BigBang. The group, consisting of G-Dragon, Top, Daesung, Taeyang, and Seungri, has garnered millions of fans and achieved chart-topping success in South Korea with hits like “Bang Bang Bang.”
The outcome of G-Dragon’s latest drug offense remains uncertain, but it highlights the strict stance South Korea takes against drug usage.
