G-Dragon
G-Dragon's renewal of his contract with YG could depend of their ownership of his powerful stage name. (Photo: 8thGravity [CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0)] cropped)

G-Dragon may be paving the way for Kpop idols' return to the Chinese market as it was confirmed that the BIGBANG leader was chosen as Nongfu Springs' latest celebrity endorser.

According to a report  by All Kpop, the development has become an open secret among advertising industry insiders and after the confirmation of a domestic official with knowledge on the Chinese CF industry.

G-Dragon has, reportedly, been tapped to endorse Nongfu Springs' latest drink Chapai. He, reportedly, shot the CF in secret with the formal announcement to be made soon.

Many consider G-Dragon's collaboration with the Chinese brand as a positive indication that China is slowly easing the ban on Korean celebrities and content in their media which has been in effect for several years now.

G-Dragon has always enjoyed tremendous support from Chinese fans. It can be recalled that prior to his enlistment, he released his solo album Kwon Jiyong before kicking off his MOTTE World Tour. Based on QQ Music records, GD's album 1.26 billion won from album sales in China in  just one day with 762,000 copies.

Kwon Jiyong is ranked as the second bestselling album in China with a total of 1,491,752 copies sold amounting to ¥14,917,520. G-Dragon's album is only next to BIGBANG's MADE album which generated ¥22,490,880 and sold 2,811,360 copies. Upon his discharge from the military last October, Chinese fans also spared no expense in welcoming him back into the entertainment industry, Koreaboo reported.

G-Dragon's Chinese fans lit up Shanghai's Twin Towers screens, China's largest LED lighting area with a congratulatory message and a smiling image of the BIGBANG leader. For his first project with Nike upon his return, Chinese fans also showed their support by selling out G-Dragon's Nike Paranoise limited edition sneakers in mere seconds, All Kpop reported. 

As a matter of fact,  the sneakers sold out in China in 0.06 seconds indicating fans' anticipation for G-Dragon's products. Prior to G-Dragon's CF with Nongfu Springs, it was also reported that he was collaborating with Chinese superstar Jay Chou for an online benefit concert for COVID-19. The proposed online concert spearheaded by KVLY and Chinese agency FREEGOS Entertainment will, reportedly, feature the two iconic artists from Seoul, Korea and Shenzhen, China.

The concert, with the working title We Are The World 2020: Let's Fight the Global Crisis of Coronavirus,  is also expected to feature other superstars from Asia who will perform in a set venue in Macau, Kpopstarz reported.