As G-Dragon from Big Bang and Jennie from BLACKPINK move to new ventures, the K-pop industry eagerly awaits the next act in their musical careers.
G-Dragon from Big Bang and Jennie from BLACKPINK are each gearing up for the second act of their musical lives in their respective new havens. As key artists formerly with the leading K-pop agency YG Entertainment, their future moves are drawing intense focus.
On December 24, Jennie formalized the establishment of her independent label 'ODD ATELIER' (OA). She shared on her official social media, "As one year filled with gratitude passes and a new one approaches, from 2024 onwards, I will embark on my solo journey with a company called OA."
ODD ATELIER aims to be a space "to create new things that can attract attention in unexpected or anticipated ways." Jennie is known as a representative 3rd generation K-pop artist. Debuting in 2016 as a member of the four-piece girl group BLACKPINK under YG Entertainment, Jennie received tremendous love for hit songs like 'Boombayah', 'Whistle', 'Ddu-Du Ddu-Du', and 'Pink Venom'. Known for her solid skills in rap, vocals, and dance, she has proven her powerful influence as a solo artist with her hit song 'SOLO' released in 2018. After her 7-year exclusive contract with YG Entertainment ended this year, she chose to walk an independent path as a solo artist, maintaining her activities with BLACKPINK for group endeavors.
G-Dragon has found a new nest with Galaxy Corporation, departing from YG Entertainment. Director Jo Sung-hae of Galaxy Corporation officially announced the exclusive contract with G-Dragon during a press conference held on the 21st at JW Marriott Hotel in Banpo-dong, Seoul. Jo emphasized that their relationship is beyond a simple agency affiliation and that they plan to embark on unprecedented and unattempted ventures together.
Established in 2019, Galaxy Corporation is known as an AI metaverse avatar company. They have produced shows like 'Avadream' on TV Chosun, Mnet's 'Sub-character Selection Contest', and TV Chosun's 'Sub-character Golden Age'. Jang Ho-ki, who directed Netflix's reality show 'Physical: 100', has also joined Galaxy's content label Studio27 as CCO (Chief Content Officer).
G-Dragon is regarded as one of the best outputs from YG Entertainment. He debuted in 2006 as the leader of the five-member boy group Big Bang and has produced countless hit songs. As a solo artist, he has shown prominence not only in singing and dancing but also in songwriting, composing, and unique fashion sense, standing tall as an icon of 21st-century pop culture. G-Dragon has been with YG Entertainment for 16 years since his debut, and over 20 years including his trainee days. With his new start with Galaxy Corporation, he didn't forget to express his gratitude towards YG Entertainment.
In a handwritten letter, he mentioned, "Being able to make such a meaningful start with my new partner Galaxy Corporation was possible because of YG, which made me who I am today. The numerous achievements gained through countless efforts over more than 20 years, as a trainee, as Big Bang, and as a solo artist, were possible because of all the family at YG. I will carry this in my heart for life."
As G-Dragon and Jennie, who grew from YG Entertainment trainees to global K-pop stars, embark on the second act of their musical lives, K-pop fans are heightening their voices in support. With their fresh start from new nests, the industry and fans alike are keenly watching what thrilling steps G-Dragon and Jennie will take to captivate K-pop enthusiasts in the coming 2024.
