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2025 is set to be a breakout year for second-generation K-Pop fans, especially those who love the YG Family. A host of legendary groups like 2NE1 and Big Bang are preparing for comebacks, bringing with them many exciting activities.
Recently, G-Dragon officially confirmed the news that has fans on the edge of their seats with the release of his solo album after a long break. This is GD's third studio album and also his first in over a decade since COUP D'ETAT.
The return of the "King of Kpop"
February 2018 marked the month G-Dragon took an indefinite hiatus – he had to fulfill his mandatory two-year military service, and BIGBANG's future in the years that followed became uncertain due to several scandals. However, before his hiatus, G-Dragon released a solo album in 2017 titled Kwon Ji Yong.
After a long wait, G-Dragon has finally made his comeback with new music and a new tour.
In 2022, in a long-awaited comeback, BIGBANG as a four-member group released "Still Life," their first song in four years. In late October 2024, G-Dragon released the single "Power."
After releasing the single "Power" at the end of October, it's no exaggeration to say that this song was just the prelude to G-Dragon's comeback – and more than three weeks later, that comeback reached its peak with his appearance at the 2024 MAMA Awards – one of the biggest K-Pop awards ceremonies held at the end of the year.
G-Dragon thrilled fans with his return to music after a long hiatus.
It's rumored that the overwhelming popularity of "Power" prompted the MAMA Awards to create a new award to bring BIGBANG's leader onto the stage. G-Dragon was honored with the "Music Visionary of the Year" award.
And his most recent album, released on February 25th, not only marks G-DRAGON's return after a long period of silence, but also continues an impressive musical journey in his career.
A colorful and versatile artist.
"Übermensch" - G-Dragon's third and most ambitious studio album - officially debuted to fans worldwide on February 25, 2025. The album marks the spectacular return of the "King of K-pop" after an 11-year hiatus since his last album, "Coup D'etat" (2013).
The list opens with two previously released singles, HOME SWEET HOME and POWER, followed by eight new tracks.
"Übermensch" comprises eight tracks, including two previously released singles, "Power" and "Home Sweet Home," from 2024. The remaining six tracks are entirely new compositions, promising listeners a unique and surprising musical experience.
G-Dragon's return this time is not just an album, but a musical "revolution," marking a new chapter in the career of the "King of K-pop." "Übermensch" is not just an album, but a work of art bearing the strong personal imprint of G-Dragon, a talented, charismatic artist who is always at the forefront of shaping musical trends.
"Übermensch," the title of this album and tour, is a German term derived from the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche.
G-Dragon hinted at the name Übermensch in October 2024 through his music video "Power." He used the term "Übermensch" in the intro line, "When GD's in the house (Übermensch)," and the letter "Ü" appeared multiple times throughout the video. This is a very profound hidden meaning.
"Übermensch," the title of this album and tour, is a German term derived from the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. In philosophy, Übermensch refers to a "superman"—a transcendent being. The word can also be understood as "superhuman" or "one who surpasses oneself," implying an individual who transcends conventional moral standards and social norms to define their own value and purpose in life. Perhaps this is also the message G-Dragon wants to convey through his bold innovations in music, art, and fashion.
Perhaps this is also the message that G-Dragon has wanted to convey throughout his career.
But "Übermensch" is not like Superman. "Übermensch" doesn't need to be someone with supernatural powers; it's simply a person who overcomes their inner limitations, finds strength in adversity, and thus becomes the master of themselves. This is similar to G-Dragon's 20-year journey. The recurring "Ü" imagery in the "Power" music video, and even featured on the MAMA 2024 stage, perfectly encapsulates the message G-Dragon is conveying for his upcoming album. In this music video, G-Dragon also hints that the album will have eight tracks, including the already released "Power" and "Home Sweet Home."
Not only did G-Dragon create a sensation with his album "Übermensch," but he also treated fans to two stunning music videos for the title track "Too Bad" and the love ballad "Drama." Each music video boasts a completely different style and vibe, showcasing the diversity of his musical talent and the limitless versatility of the "King of K-pop."
Not only did G-Dragon create a sensation with his album "Übermensch," but he also treated fans to two stunning music videos for the title track "TOO BAD" and the love ballad "Drama." Each music video boasts a completely different style and vibe, showcasing the diversity of his musical talent and the limitless versatility of the "King of K-pop."
The rebellious style of the "King of Kpop"
In contrast to the vibrant and energetic "TOO BAD," "Drama" is a melancholic love song, bearing the familiar style of "Untitled 2014." The song is G-Dragon's poignant and conflicted confession about love, expressed in four languages: English, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese. The "Drama" music video is minimalist, focusing on the emotions and inner feelings of the characters.
"Drama" is not just a sad ballad, but also a profound work of art that touches the hearts of listeners. G-Dragon authentically and subtly portrays the complex emotions of someone in love, from happiness to heartbreak, from hope to disappointment.
True to his reputation as one of Kpop's greatest icons, despite a long absence from the music scene, G-DRAGON still proves his irreplaceable status. Upon its release, the album "Übermensch," along with the music videos for the two title tracks, created a massive sensation on digital music platforms and social media, leaving both the media and fans stunned by the singer's powerful influence.
Karina (aespa) has been officially confirmed to participate in G-Dragon (Big Bang)'s music video, a collaboration with a nine-time Grammy-winning American artist.
Accordingly, within just one hour of their release, the two title tracks, "TOO BAD" and "Drama," quickly swept the digital music charts in South Korea, achieving incredibly impressive positions. Specifically, "TOO BAD" reached #1 on three leading South Korean digital music platforms—Melon, Genie, and Bugs—in just 5 minutes after its release.
Notably, according to the latest update, G-DRAGON has officially become one of only three artists in history to reach #1 on the Melon Top 100 chart upon debut, alongside two other icons, BTS and IU. This is not only a memorable milestone but also affirms G-DRAGON's "unbeatable" position in the Korean music industry.
With such brilliant achievements, it's undeniable that G-DRAGON remains one of the most influential artists in Kpop, and this comeback promises to continue setting new historical milestones in the coming days.
