G-Dragon Shares Filming Details Behind Viral APEC 2025 Promo Video with Jang Won-young
BIGBANG's G-Dragon revealed that the international cast scene from the widely discussed APEC 2025 Korea promotional video wasn't CGI-everyone actually filmed together. The K-pop star shared behind-the-scenes insights from the star-studded production in W Korea magazine's November issue, released October 28.
What Surprised G-Dragon Most About Filming
The promotional ambassador for APEC 2025 Korea reflected on shooting the viral video featuring President Lee Jae-myung, director Park Chan-wook, and IVE's Jang Won-young. "I also enjoyed watching it. While filming, I was curious about how the final product would turn out," G-Dragon told W Korea.
Despite minimal dialogue, the role required genuine acting. "There were hardly any lines, but acting was definitely necessary," he explained. Director Shin Woo-seok provided continuous guidance without excessive retakes, creating a comfortable filming environment.
One moment stood out. "The scene where I appeared with several foreigners was strangely the most fascinating to me," G-Dragon shared. "It might look like it was created with CG effects, but we actually all gathered together and filmed that scene."
His comment confirms the diverse group representing APEC member nations were physically present during production, not digitally inserted.
The Star-Studded 75-Second Video
Released October 2 by the APEC 2025 Korea Preparatory Office, the promotional video became an immediate sensation with over 19 million YouTube views. Dolphiners Films director Shin Woo-seok orchestrated the unprecedented casting, featuring G-Dragon as a pilot entering a hanok-style Korean restaurant.
Inside, Cannes-winning filmmaker Park Chan-wook, football legend Park Ji-sung, and DJ Peggy Gou were dining. Michelin three-star chef Ahn Sung-jae-famous from Netflix's "Culinary Class Wars"-appeared as the restaurant's chef. Jang Won-young played a hanbok-clad cashier who humorously tells G-Dragon to "move your vehicle for 2025."
President Lee Jae-myung made a surprise cameo as an aircraft marshaller, symbolically guiding planes from APEC member countries behind South Korea's aircraft.
All participants appeared without payment to support the summit. Shin explained the challenging logistics: G-Dragon filmed immediately after returning from New York before departing for Las Vegas, while Park Chan-wook squeezed shooting into his film promotion schedule.
"To deliver the message effectively, we needed figures who not only represent Korea's pop culture but also enjoy global recognition," Shin stated.
From Ambassador to Summit Performer
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok appointed G-Dragon as promotional ambassador for APEC 2025 Korea on July 23. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders' Meeting occurred October 31 to November 1 in Gyeongju, hosting leaders from 21 member economies.
At the summit's gala dinner October 31, G-Dragon performed as the only K-pop artist invited to the exclusive event. His 10-minute set included "Power," "Home Sweet Home," and "Drama." World leaders filmed and shared the performance on social media-Malaysia's Prime Minister posted clips with "K-POP FOREVER," while Japan's Foreign Minister praised the event.
The promotional video successfully showcased Korea's cultural influence globally ahead of the summit.
