G-Dragon's future steps with Galaxy Corporation revealed at press conference

On December 21 at 10 AM KST, director Jo Sung Hae of Galaxy Corporation appeared in front of the press at JW Marriott Hotel, representing Big Bang member/solo artist G-Dragon.

On this day, director Jo began by officially announcing, "Galaxy Corporation has signed an exclusive contract with artist G-Dragon."

The director then stated, "This press conference is meant to be a preparation step for G-Dragon, so that he may safely return and stand before the public after enduring difficult times."

First, director Jo addressed G-Dragon's recent involvement in a drug scandal. "In the end, justice prevailed. The police concluded that Kwon Ji Yong was not guilty. Kwon Ji Yong is entirely unaffiliated with the recent drug scandal. Nonetheless, as a result of numerous speculations and rumors, he suffered through difficult times. To ensure that an innocent person may reclaim normalcy in his life, we ask that you all refrain from referring to Kwon Ji Yong in any matters related to this drug scandal." 

The director continued, "Despite the numerous speculations and rumors running rampant, G-Dragon proved his innocence with multiple pieces of evidence. And yet, he was still forced to bear too much. He is still being targeted recklessly with malicious comments. The situation is a clear violation of human rights. He has held his ground firmly until now. As a result, Galaxy Corporation demands that all online posts and comments defaming the artist Kwon Ji Yong be removed by December 28. Any posts and comments which have not been removed by then will be subject to severe legal repercussions."

Next, director Jo responded to questions asking why there was a delay in announcing Galaxy Corporation's partnership with G-Dragon. "It would have been nice to announce our partnership right away, but [Galaxy Corporation] was waiting on a statement from the artist's former agency. Yesterday, the agency sincerely wished Kwon Ji Yong blessing on his new path, and we are also grateful toward YG Entertainment for this official announcement. It was only because of YG Entertainment that the artist Kwon Ji Yong exists today."

On why G-Dragon himself was not able to attend the press conference in-person, director Jo disclosed, "Due to the recent conclusion of his police investigation and the spread of numerous, conflicting reports, the press conference was scheduled as a rapid response to the situation, and there was not enough time to adjust his schedules. However, Kwon Ji Yong plans on greeting his fans in-person very soon in the new year. Kwon Ji Yong is eagerly anticipating this event." 

Finally, director Jo delivered a letter penned by G-Dragon, publicizing the musician's plans to establish a foundation dedicated to the eradication of illegal drugs from Korean society. In his letter, the musician revealed, "Watching the news, I learned that there are over 20,000 criminal acts related to illegal drugs a year in Korea, that illegal drug use among underaged youths is increasing rapidly, and that less than 500 of the 20,000 criminals charged with illegal drug use receive proper medical assistance. These facts troubled my heart, and I felt that I had to do something. Therefore, I've decided to act for those youth who are defenseless and exposed to dangerous paths, for those who choose a path without knowing that it is a frightening and mistaken path, by doing work to eradicate illegal drugs. I want to make opportunities for medical help available to everyone. I want to create a system where I can act as an oppa, hyung, dongsaeng, or just an acquaintance to those who are weak and defenseless, so that they may not fall victim to injustice once again. To make sure that I can sustain this role and this system, I have decided to establish a foundation."

G-Dragon continued, "Through the music and arts, something that I love and that my fans also love, this foundation will work to address societal issues such as illegal drugs, unfairness, and injustice, provide opportunities to those artists severely lacking in resources and support, and cultivate a future generation of artists such as myself." 

The letter concluded with, "This is how Kwon Ji Yong intends on beginning his 2024. I will fulfill my duties as both an artist and as a member of society, by making a comeback and by contributing to society, so I hope that you all will also do your best to fulfill your duties and responsibilities. I believe that when the collective will and actions of many people come together, change is possible."

Finally, G-Dragon will make his first, meaningful donation to the forthcoming foundation in the name of his fans, VIPs. 

G-Dragon, who spent the last 17-years as an artist at YG Entertainment, will be taking fresh steps in 2024 as an artist affiliated with Galaxy Corporation.