G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-yong) has acquired the trademark rights for his stage names “G-Dragon” and “GD” from his former agency, YG Entertainment, without any compensation.
This transfer allows G-Dragon, who is planning to resume his solo activities later this year, to freely use his existing stage names.
A representative from G-Dragon’s current agency, Galaxy Corporation, confirmed on August 1, “It is true that Galaxy Corporation now holds the trademark rights for ‘G-Dragon’ and ‘GD.’ We received these rights from YG Entertainment’s Yang Hyun-suk, without any compensation.”
A YG Entertainment representative also stated, “The trademark rights for G-Dragon have been transferred to Galaxy Corporation.”
G-Dragon, who is currently serving as a visiting professor of mechanical engineering at KAIST, is preparing for a musical comeback in the latter half of this year. However, a Galaxy Corporation representative noted, “The exact date has not yet been determined.”
G-Dragon debuted in 2006 with the group Big Bang, producing numerous hit songs such as “Lies.” After his exclusive contract with YG expired, he joined Galaxy Corporation last year. He is conducting special lectures centered on leadership skills for undergraduate and graduate students at the university and is also contributing to the school’s cultural events.
Meanwhile, in the Korean music industry, there have been instances where artists have faced conflicts over stage names when changing agencies. For example, the group “Highlight” had to give up their name “Beast” due to a trademark dispute when changing agencies, but they recently regained the rights from their former agency.
BY JIHYE KIM, YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.jihye6@joongang.co.kr]
