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Singer G-Dragon takes part in the “Innovate Korea 2024” event held at KAIST’s main campus in Daejeon, Wednesday. Yonhap
When asked about returning to the stage, G-Dragon responded with, “Soon” 
By KTimes
G-Dragon of Big Bang took the stage at KAIST in Daejeon, Wednesday, captivating the audience with his plans for integrating entertainment and technology, and hinting at his solo comeback.
He took part in Innovate Korea 2024, an annual event attended by over 1,000 experts from ICT, science and technology fields, government officials, startups, academia, and KAIST students, focusing on the beginning and future of new scientific technologies.
This year’s event, themed “The Arrival of New Humans,” centered on the future where science and humanity coexist in an era of new humans meeting artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
The highlight was G-Dragon’s participation in a talk show session where he, along with KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung, Galaxy Corporation CEO Choi Yong-ho, and students, discussed the future of “Entertech,” the integration of AI technology and K-content.
G-Dragon’s agency Galaxy Corporation and KAIST have agreed to establish the Galaxy Corporation-KAIST Future Technology Research Center to collaborate on AI and other future technology research and commercialization.
G-Dragon shakes hands with KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung at the “Innovate Korea 2024” event at the university’s main campus in Daejeon, Wednesday. Yonhap
G-Dragon’s ‘Entertech’ journey
Amid cheers from the students, G-Dragon introduced himself as “Singer G-Dragon.”
When asked about his first visit to KAIST, he said, “This isn’t a place one can visit easily. I took a brief tour of the campus yesterday and was repeatedly impressed. It exceeded my expectations. Seeing the students and the research environment, felt similar to my own work environment.”
G-Dragon previously made headlines with his surprise appearance at the world’s largest IT and electronics show, CES 2024, in Las Vegas this January.
Reflecting on the experience, he said, “I attended CES just like everyone else, to explore. It was fascinating to witness the past, present and future all in one day. It provided a great opportunity to broaden my vision not only in my current work but also in how technology integrates into everyone’s daily lives, enhancing comfort and convenience.”
In 2017, G-Dragon released his mini-album “Kwon Ji Yong” in USB format instead of the traditional CD. “It wasn’t just about merging tech and K-pop; I wanted to offer more collectible value and a different experience,” he said. “I enjoy challenges, and while listening to music and watching performances are fun, I wanted people to think more about the value of the album. This mindset has brought me to where I am today.”
G-Dragon was appointed as a visiting professor to the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KAIST during the event. His appointment as a visiting professor will involve delivering leadership lectures to undergraduate and graduate students and conducting joint research to integrate various KAIST technologies into art and cultural content.
After signing a contract with his current agency, G-Dragon has shown interest in AI technology. Recently, he drew attention by announcing plans for an AI concert at the large Sphere venue in Las Vegas.
Regarding this, Galaxy Corporation CEO Choi said, “Experiencing the Sphere with G-Dragon earlier this year was eye-opening. It made us think about what a ‘future concert’ might look like and what the ‘next concert’ could be. We aim to hold an AI concert at the Sphere by the end of next year, hoping to communicate more diversely with the world and deliver new messages to the public. We ask for your keen interest.”
G-Dragon poses during an event at KAIST. Yonhap
Returning after seven years!
After receiving his appointment certificate, G-Dragon said, “I haven’t lived that long, but it’s something to live long and see. Even if students are not in the same field, I hope to be a mentor and bridge who encourages them to challenge (themselves to) new things with creativity, benefiting not only themselves but everyone. As a professor here, I will ensure my role brings no harm and will help students understand the immense benefits and future potential of technology in our daily lives.”
Given his anticipated use of various technologies, there is curiosity about how G-Dragon will integrate them into his performances.
“As a singer, my role is to work hard within the limits of what I can do. All the various effects and LED screens help express what I want to convey,” he said. “Although the best technologies were used in my last concert, the rapidly advancing technology has greatly expanded the possibilities and my ambitions.”
He added that with so many options available, he will explore how to make the most of them in a fun and harmonious way without causing a disconnect. “But first, I need to perform,” he said. This statement reinforced his intention to hold future concerts.
Earlier this year, G-Dragon announced plans to release a solo album in the second half of the year, marking his return after seven years. When asked by a student about when they could see artist Kwon Ji-yong, he cautiously responded, “Soon.”
However, considering the nature of the event, he did not provide specific details about the timing or form of his return to the stage.
G-Dragon, center, speaks at a KAIST event in Daejeon, Wednesday. Yonhap
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, sister publication of The Korea times, is translated by generative AI and edited by staff of The Korea Times.
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