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Kwon Ji-yong, better known to fans worldwide as G-Dragon, has recently made waves by signing with the San Francisco-based record label EMPIRE. Ghazi Shami, the label's CEO, has displayed his support and his label's stance by keeping the Palestine flag as the profile picture on their official X account. The label continues to tweet about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Ghazi Shami is a Palestinian-American who is a music technologist, sound engineer, and record producer, apart from being the CEO of EMPIRE.
Known for its pro-Palestinian stance and diverse roster, EMPIRE has a reputation for championing independent artists like Shaaboozey, a Billboard Hot 100 topping musician. Notably, the G-Dragon is the first K-pop idol to sign under a pro-Palestinian record label amidst the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian humanitarian crisis.
The K-pop stalwart's decision to partner with a label that takes such a stance reflects his commitment to a more globalized, socially conscious form of artistry. However, the rapper-songwriter has yet to make an official statement regarding his views on the matter.
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On October 31, 2024, G-Dragon released his comeback solo single album, POWER, under EMPIRE, after a 7-year hiatus. This collaboration marks a significant shift for the K-pop superstar, who rose to fame as a member of the iconic group BIGBANG under YG Entertainment.
Meanwhile, Ghazi hailed the POWER rapper-singer as a "cultural force" to be reckoned with and told Billboard:
“G-Dragon is a cultural force that has laid the foundation for K-Pop’s global dominance. This partnership reinforces our mission at EMPIRE to work alongside artists that will shape the future of global music.”
BIGBANG's G-Dragon leaves YG Entertainment and signs with Galaxy Corporation after reported drug abuse scandal
In December 2023, G-Dragon parted ways with YG Entertainment after staying with the label for 18 years since BIGBANG's debut in 2006. After his exit, the POWER rapper signed with Galaxy Corporation and confirmed his 2024 musical comeback.
According to the report by Outlook, Galaxy Corporation CEO Jo Sung-hae issued a statement regarding the K-pop stalwart's future solo endeavors. The agency asserted that the idol faced harsh times due to false allegations of substance abuse.
“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. Despite Kwon Ji-yong having no connection to the recent drug scandal, he endured challenging times due to widespread speculations and rumors.”
For the unversed, in October 2023, G-Dragon was embroiled in a controversy and was investigated for alleged drug abuse. He was booked without detention for alleged drug abuse and was interrogated by the police several times.
Incheon Police Narcotics Investigation Unit had sought a search warrant and tested the K-pop idol's hair and urine samples. However, all test results came back negative.
The Statesman reported that the rapper repeatedly denied taking drugs, but the police reportedly ignored his pleas. The authorities accused him of allegedly tampering with the evidence. After several months of grueling investigation, the BIGBANG rapper was proven innocent and cleared of all charges.
Yonhap News reported in December 2023 that the POWER rapper-singer donated 300 million won (approximately $217,655.49) to set up an anti-drug foundation, JusPeace Foundation, to combat drug abuse in South Korea.
The JusPeace Foundation assists teenagers and youth who fall prey to South Korea's rapidly rising drug misuse culture in receiving the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation.
