YG Entertainment has finally provided clarity in response to the growing concerns of fans who noticed BigBang's G-Dragon missing from the agency's official list of contracted artists for 2023.
G-Dragon, whose real name is Kwon Ji Yong, has been the only remaining member of BigBang with a contract under YG Entertainment, as the other members pursued different paths.
Back in March 2019, Seungri decided to exit the group and the K-pop industry amidst a scandal involving prostitution. T.O.P. decided to part ways with the agency in February 2022 and later confirmed his departure from the group on May 29.
BigBang's Taeyang and Daesung continue to be part of the group but have moved to different agencies. Taeyang left YG Entertainment for The Black Label in December 2022, while Daesung joined R&D Company's D-Label in April 2023.
However, when the Quarterly Report published by YG Entertainment in March 2023 surfaced online, fans noticed the absence of G-Dragon from the list, causing speculation about his status with the agency.
The report included other singers such as Blackpink, Akdong Musician, Winner, Sechskies, Jinusean, and Treasure, but there was no mention of G-Dragon, leading to confusion among fans, especially in light of his announced solo comeback through YG Entertainment in January.
Fans reacted with mixed emotions, some expressing relief, and others confusion, "Jiyong is finally free from that f*n company? Tell me it's true," says one fan. "BIGBANG, GDYB, and G-Dragon are still on their site [though]," another fan responded.
Yet, it was noted that despite his absence from the current artist list of YG Entertainment, G-Dragon's name and profile are still visible on the YG Family's artist page.
Responding to the speculations, YG Entertainment issued a statement, "G-Dragon is the only member of Big Bang to remain with YG but his name has been omitted from the report due to the company report system."
It was clarified that although G-Dragon's exclusive contract had lapsed, he was still collaborating with the company through a separate contract. The agency stated that they intend to "discuss additional contracts when we resume our music activities."
Earlier this year, the rapper thrilled his fans with a video titled "GUERRILLA DESK: G_Division," where he disclosed his plans for a new album and increased fan engagement. G-Dragon reassured his fans, promising them "I'll be returning with different kinds of activities in the new year. I'm working on a new album. I'll be back in the new year with good news."
