G-Dragon:From B-Boy Debut to Global Icon

G-Dragon has made the transition from hip hop to global icon.
G-Dragon has made the transition from hip hop to global icon.

G-Dragon stands apart from many other artists in Korean pop music due to his concepts which are constantly evolving. As he continues develop into a more distinct solo artist, G-Dragon has began to draw comparisons from critics to the late David Bowie and the late Michael Jackson for possessing a fashion identity as individualistic as his music. G-Dragon has gained the attention of many within the enclosed fashion commentary community and captured the attention of hipster music critics. Those critics who normally view the splashy visuals of K-Pop as contrived are welcoming of his risk-taking image. G-Dragon did not emerge on the K-Pop scene with a readily established style persona. It is his journey towards becoming one of Korea's most fashion-forward artists that has placed G-Dragon on the path towards international stardom.

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Big Bang on MBC Music Core November 2006.


When Big Bang made their debut in 2006, G-Dragon's style was not unique from other artists. As the leader of Big Bang, he maintained a fresh-faced and boyish appeal which won fans over.

G-Dragon's concept was once 'boy-next-door' turns hip-hop.
G-Dragon's concept was once 'boy-next-door' turns hip-hop.

G-Dragon slowly evolved from the hip hop concept that was consistent with the group into an enigmatic pop star. Following great success in 2007 and 2008, G-Dragon focused on a solo release with 2009's Heartbreaker. The concept behind Heartbreaker deliver G-Dragon into the haute couture image he is now synonymous with.


While Heartbreaker was like a journey through Alice's looking glass, the 2010 sub-unit project of GD&TOP presented a futuristic version of G-Dragon's old hip hop persona.

International playboys, GD and TOP for 'Knockout'.
International playboys, GD and TOP for 'Knockout'.

Big Bang's 2012 release Fantastic Baby remains one of the most watched K-Pop videos on YouTube and with good reason. The video is one of the most dynamic in the industry, with Big Bang appearing as the leader who is facing opposition from various aspects of Korean media and society. His otherworldly appearance in the video translated to live performances which maintained the concept.


In 2012, G-Dragon made a solo comeback with the EP One of a Kind. The concept behind the comeback featured an image that referenced 1990s American hip hop. 

G-Dragon returned to hip hop fashion for 'One of a Kind'.
G-Dragon returned to hip hop fashion for 'One of a Kind'.

While the fashions featured in One of a Kind were whimsical,  the most interesting fashions were featured in the music video for Crayon. Crayon exhibited a psychedelic, cartoon-like concept that helped to further define G-Dragon as a solo artist.

  

G-Dragon won 'Album of the Year' at 2013's 'Seoul Music Awards'.
G-Dragon won 'Album of the Year' at 2013's 'Seoul Music Awards'.

One of G-Dragon's biggest fashion risks in recent years was made during in January 2013 during the Seoul Music Awards. While there is mutual admiration between the idol and designer Thom Browne, the sea-faring plaid meets rugby player wardrobe that was utilized to style Big Bang was definitely the focus of fashion criticism. The wardrobe was from Thom Browne's Spring/Summer 2013 menswear line and was best worn by G-Dragon, as well as Taeyang.

G-Dragon's Coup D'Etat has served not only as a turning point for the artist musically, but in terms of his fashion. To promote the album, G-Dragon maintained a very consistent pop and rock idol image. As he prepares for the release of Big Bang's summer comeback album, G-Dragon has the opportunity to reinvent himself, once again. Will the most revolutionary artist in Korean entertainment transition to even more futuristic music than dubstep? Can G-Dragon achieve global domination to reach the level of fame held by artists such as Justin Timberlake? Only time and the impending Big Bang comeback will tell.


Source : kpopstarz[dot]com

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