BIGBANG's G-Dragon Becomes Youngest Ever to Receive Korea's Jade Crown Cultural Merit Award
SEOUL - In a career-defining moment, BIGBANG leader G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-yong) has been awarded the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit, becoming the youngest musician in history to receive this prestigious honor from the South Korean government.
The 36-year-old K-pop icon accepted the award on October 23 at the Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards ceremony, held at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul. He shared the honor with voice actor Bae Han-sung and the late comedian Jeon Yoo-sung, who received it posthumously.
From Six-Year-Old Dreamer to National Icon
Taking the stage with characteristic humility and humor, G-Dragon lightened the formal atmosphere by admitting he'd just rushed back from the restroom. But his acceptance speech quickly turned heartfelt as he reflected on a journey that began at age six.
"I remember being around six years old when my mother took me by the hand to my first audition," he said. "From that day until now, I've been dreaming the same dream."
He traced his evolution through the decades: achieving his dream of becoming a singer in his teens, receiving commendations in his twenties, and now, in his thirties, accepting one of Korea's highest cultural honors. "That's why I'm really looking forward to my forties," he added with a smile.
Stars That Lit His Path
G-Dragon spoke emotionally about the senior artists who inspired him. "The singers I admired growing up were like shining stars every night," he said. "I grew up listening to their songs, and after becoming one of those stars myself, I want to share this glory with my members."
The timing carries special significance-2026 will mark BIGBANG's 20th anniversary since their debut in 2006. The group, now performing as a trio with Taeyang and Daesung, has already confirmed they'll headline Coachella 2026 as part of their anniversary celebrations.
The Power of Dreaming
Currently midway through his Übermensch world tour, G-Dragon shared a philosophy that's carried him through nearly three decades in entertainment. "I always say 'sleep well, dream good dreams' before bed, and I think those words have tremendous power," he explained. "Even if good dreams don't always become reality, doesn't it feel good to dream good dreams?"
He closed with characteristic wit: "This year I may be the youngest recipient, but I've got some experience now. I hope everyone dreams good dreams."
Historic Achievement and Continued Impact
The Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Korean culture and arts. G-Dragon's receipt of this award acknowledges his role in propelling K-pop onto the global stage and his lasting influence on music, fashion, and popular culture.
He's the first K-pop idol to receive this fourth-class cultural honor, adding to previous recognitions including the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation (2010) and the Prime Minister's Commendation (2016). He was also recently appointed Honorary Ambassador for the 2025 APEC Summit.
The Comeback Story
The award arrives during a triumphant return for G-Dragon. After a seven-year solo hiatus, he released "POWER" in October 2024, followed by "HOME SWEET HOME" featuring Taeyang and Daesung. His third full-length album "Übermensch" dropped in February 2025 to widespread acclaim, featuring collaborations with Anderson .Paak, Nile Rodgers, and aespa's Karina.
His current world tour includes stops across Asia, North America, and Europe, with performances at major venues like Los Angeles's Crypto.com Arena, Las Vegas's T-Mobile Arena, and Paris's La Défense Arena.
As G-Dragon continues proving that good dreams can become reality, his message resonates beyond music: keep dreaming, keep creating, and stay curious about what the next chapter might bring. For someone who's spent 30 years in entertainment and shows no signs of slowing down, his excitement about his forties says it all.
