G-Dragon has fully acquired the trademarks to his name. The K-pop idol left YG Entertainment as a solo artist in late 2023.
An exclusive report from Tenasia reported that YG Entertainment (home to acts like BLACKPINK and BABYMONSTER) transferred the trademark rights to the terms G-Dragon and GD to G-Dragon (real name Kwon Ji Yong). The representative of the company wrote in a statement, “It is my understanding that the trademark has been handed over to him. There should be no issues with him using the name G-Dragon.”
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G-Dragon shot into fame with the K-pop group BIGBANG. Dubbed the Kings of K-pop, the group debuted in 2006 with the entertainment company and produced major hits like “Bang Bang Bang” and “Fantastic Baby.” The group’s current lineup consists of G-Dragon, Taeyong, and Daesung. Former members include Seungri and T.O.P.
Why did G-Dragon leave YG Entertainment?
G-Dragon left YG Entertainment in December 2023 after his contract expired. He’s now signed with Galaxy Corporation and is set to have a comeback sometime later in 2024.
YG announced his departure in a statement. “G-Dragon was one of our iconic artists since his debut with Big Bang in 2006,” they wrote. “It was an honor to spend this past time with him. We sincerely wish G-Dragon blessings for his new chapter. We ask for a lot of support and encouragement from his fans.”
G-Dragon was the last member of the group to be signed to YG Entertainment. T.O.P. announced earlier in 2023 that he had “already withdrawn” from the group. Taeyang is signed to YG’s subsidiary The Black Label, while Daesung is signed to R&D Company. Seungri left the group before he was convicted during the Burning Sun scandal.
Though he just left YG Entertainment, G-Dragon has had a hefty solo career. He’s released several albums under his own name like Heartbreaker, Coup d’etat, and Kwon Ji Young.