BIGBANG's G-Dragon Earns Record Ninth Hypebeast 100 Selection

G-Dragon continues his unprecedented run on Hypebeast's annual influential figures list, marking his ninth appearance since 2013. The BIGBANG leader stands as the only K-pop artist featured in the magazine's 2025 edition.

Hypebeast, an American fashion and lifestyle publication, releases the "Hypebeast 100" each year to recognize individuals shaping contemporary culture across fashion, music, art, and design. The list evaluates cultural impact rather than commercial metrics.

Nine Appearances Since 2013

The rapper's Hypebeast 100 appearances span 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025-more than any other Asian musician. He became the first K-pop artist selected when the list debuted in 2013.

His sustained recognition is unusual even during periods of reduced public activity, indicating the magazine values lasting cultural influence over temporary media presence. The list typically features designers and creative industry professionals rather than performing artists, making his consistent inclusion notable.

This year, G-Dragon appears alongside Pharrell Williams, Travis Scott, and A$AP Rocky-figures whose influence extends across music, fashion, and lifestyle spheres.

What Hypebeast Cited

The magazine pointed to his work throughout 2025 as demonstrating "ongoing influence as a global cultural icon through creative work spanning music, art, fashion, and luxury."

Specific achievements mentioned include his album "Übermensch" and its philosophical messaging, his world tour performances, and his appearance at the APEC Summit. The magazine also highlighted his PEACEMINUSONE projects and collaborations with Jacob & Co. and Gentle Monster as examples of connecting pop culture with luxury markets.

825,000 Fans Across 39 Shows

G-Dragon's "Übermensch" world tour concluded December 12-14 with three Seoul encore performances at Gocheok Sky Dome. The tour spanned 12 countries, 17 cities, and 39 shows, drawing approximately 825,000 total attendees-the largest tour by a Korean solo artist.

The eight-month trek marked his first world tour since 2017. It covered Asia, Australia, North America, and Europe, with sold-out venues including Tokyo Dome, where he became the first Korean solo artist to achieve multiple sellouts.

The Seoul finale drew approximately 54,000 fans across three nights. BIGBANG members Taeyang and Daesung made surprise appearances to perform "Home Sweet Home" together.

APEC Summit Performance

On October 31, G-Dragon performed at the APEC Summit gala dinner in Gyeongju for world leaders from 21 member economies. He was the only K-pop artist invited to perform at the event, where he served as an APEC promotional ambassador.

Several world leaders posted about his performance on social media, including Malaysia's Prime Minister and Japan's Foreign Minister. Promotional videos featuring G-Dragon generated over 17 million views.

Luxury Brand Partnerships

In February, G-Dragon unveiled the Astronomia Solar G-Dragon watch at Jacob & Co.'s Seoul boutique opening. The $1 million timepiece features a turquoise rotating Earth encircled by a rose gold dragon, limited to nine pieces worldwide with three allocated to Korea.

The watch incorporates his PEACEMINUSONE daisy motif positioned at 8 o'clock-significant because of his August 18, 1988 birth date. The caseback reads "The World Is Mine" and "Übermensch."

Jacob & Co. also produced a PEACEMINUSONE pendant collaboration. Gentle Monster created custom eyewear for the "Übermensch" album featuring frames shaped like his daisy motif.

Cultural Impact Beyond Music

G-Dragon's ninth Hypebeast 100 selection over 12 years demonstrates sustained influence across music production, fashion design, visual arts, and luxury goods. His recognition continues not just as a participant in these industries but as someone who shapes their direction.

As the only K-pop artist on the 2025 list, his repeated appearances reflect what Hypebeast considers lasting cultural influence-impact on style, attitude, and trends that extends beyond typical entertainment industry cycles and media coverage patterns.