SINGAPORE— The legendary G-DRAGON is making his grand return with his new album, Übermensch. As a global icon in music, fashion, and art, his influence remains unparalleled. With this comeback, he reaffirms his status as the ultimate king of K-pop.
In his interview with VOGUE Taiwan, he shared insights about his fashion, art, and highly anticipated new album, Übermensch. Read the full interview below.
“I have many names—Kwon Ji Yong, G-DRAGON, GD… I want to showcase all the different versions of myself that people see. So, during this shoot, I was just my most natural, relaxed self. The concept also incorporates POWER and HOME SWEET HOME, blended with Chanel’s aesthetic. Of course, there’s also the signature ‘GD look’ that instantly comes to mind when people hear my name.”
Chanel and G-DRAGON: A Perfect Fashion Fusion
“I’ve collaborated with Chanel for a long time, and each show gives me fresh ideas. I’m always intrigued by the little details in their new collections. Trying new materials and combinations is exciting. Like today, wearing pieces that weren’t showcased on the runway gives me a chance to observe their textures and colors up close—it’s fascinating and always full of surprises.”
Despite wearing Chanel, GD always makes it unmistakably his style. How does he define his fashion philosophy?
“The present moment. I focus on what I want and like at that exact time, without overthinking. I make choices based on that feeling. But to be safe, I also take advice from experts around me—because I can’t always be right. Ultimately, it has to feel natural.”
A Statement Look: The Headscarf Trend Reimagined
“It’s not really about inspiration. Honestly, I’m not great at styling my hair, so headscarves naturally became a look I love.”
The POWER of Surprise: G-DRAGON’s Return to the Stage
“I can’t believe it’s already been a year. The night before POWER dropped, I did an impromptu Instagram live, giving a sneak peek of the song. Actually, I had already previewed a short clip on You Quiz on the Block, then spontaneously decided to go live at midnight. That’s just my style—I love surprising people. A month later, I unexpectedly dropped HOME SWEET HOME without any teasers and performed it the very next day at the MAMA Awards. I think I just enjoy keeping people on their toes. Even now, months later, those songs are still loved, which makes me incredibly grateful. Maybe it’s because they are truly GD songs—music that is authentically me.”
Staying True to Himself in a World Full of Expectations
Has he ever questioned his own choices? Wondered if he was influenced too much by society’s expectations?
“Of course, I’m not completely unaffected by others’ opinions. But because I trust myself, I have to work even harder. If I stay true to who I am, more people who understand me will naturally come into my life.”
30 Years in the Industry—Yet Music Never Felt Like a ‘Job’
Having spent over 30 years in the entertainment industry, G-DRAGON has never considered making music as just “work.” Many successful artists describe their careers as doing what they love—but for him, is music something deeper, something tied to his destiny?
“You could say that. Even when I don’t consciously pursue it, music always finds its way back to me.”
Listening to old songs often brings artists back to the time they created them. Does G-DRAGON ever revisit his past albums?
“Yeah, and when I do, I think, ‘Damn, that’s a great song.’”
Beyond Music: G-DRAGON’s Artistic Expression
His studio has always been his sanctuary, but recently, he has expanded his daily routines—taking walks, meditating, and reconnecting with nature.
“I’ve been trying to spend more time focusing on myself. Over time, I’ve realized the importance of setting aside moments where I can be completely present with my own thoughts.”
Curiosity has always been part of his DNA. Whether in art or technology, he constantly seeks innovation.
“When I explore new techniques, I think about how they can be integrated into my work. It’s always exciting to see what kind of sparks these collaborations create.”
Back in 2020, when Vogue’s global editions united under the theme of hope during the pandemic, G-DRAGON’s handwritten artwork was featured on the cover of Vogue Korea. Last spring, his 7-year-old piece Youth is Flower appeared at an auction in Seoul. What does visual art mean to him beyond music?
“Painting calms me. That’s really all there is to it. I don’t create art with a specific purpose, but if an interesting opportunity comes up, I’d be happy to participate.”
The Ultimate Kp-Pop Icon Returns
With Übermensch, G-DRAGON isn’t just making a comeback—he’s reclaiming his throne. More than an artist, more than a trendsetter, he remains an enigma, effortlessly bridging past, present, and future. His music, his fashion, his art—it all converges into one undeniable truth: G-DRAGON is and always will be the king of K-pop.
Check out the exclusive photoshoot pictorial down below now!
Article source, images courtesy of VOGUE TAIWAN
