During a recent appearance on You Quiz on the Block, G-Dragon opened up about his early training days with SM Entertainment and the path that ultimately led him to YG Entertainment. His revelations, shared with host Yoo Jae Suk, provided new insight into the journey of one of K-Pop’s most iconic figures, including his unexpected entry into SM, his move toward rap, and the challenges he faced as a young performer.
G-Dragon’s Start in SM Entertainment
G-Dragon’s entertainment career began at a young age, performing on MBC’s Bbo Bbo Bbo as a child. His early exposure in the industry led him to join Little Roo’Ra, a popular child dance group, marking his entry into the world of child performers. However, the turning point came during a family ski trip, where he entered a dance contest at the resort.
“I was just there on a family ski trip, and I decided to join the dance contest. The host turned out to be Lee Soo Man, and he ended up signing me as a trainee.”
This unexpected opportunity brought G-Dragon into the SM family, with Lee Soo Man himself initiating the signing.
Training Challenges at SM Entertainment
Despite the promising start, G-Dragon’s experience at SM Entertainment didn’t unfold as he had envisioned. He felt his talent was underutilized and struggled to find a clear path forward. Reflecting on his experience, he recalled a period where he trained without a structured system, which eventually led him to question his direction at SM.
“Back then, there wasn’t a formal concept of ‘trainees’ like there is now. You had to fend for yourself, always be ready, just in case they called on you suddenly.”
Without the formal support that current trainees receive, G-Dragon felt he was left to navigate his path on his own. Over time, he found himself attending sessions less frequently and grew uncertain about his future with SM. This period of ambiguity led him to explore rap, a genre that resonated more with him and offered new creative possibilities.
Finding His Voice through Rap
Driven by the desire to hone his skills in a direction that felt truer to his artistic identity, G-Dragon decided to focus on rap. He joined a compilation album project at thirteen, where he performed a track titled “I’m Thirteen.” This venture allowed him to express himself in ways that felt more authentic, eventually leading him to YG Entertainment.
“I realized I needed to learn something else, so I decided to study rap.”
His dedication to finding his voice through rap, combined with his natural talent, caught the attention of YG. It wasn’t long before he signed with the label, setting him on the path to debut as the leader of BIGBANG, one of the most influential K-Pop groups of all time.
The Legacy of G-Dragon’s Decision
Looking back, G-Dragon’s decision to leave SM Entertainment and pursue his passion for rap at YG became a defining moment in his career. His journey, marked by resilience and a strong sense of self, laid the foundation for his success and influence in the K-Pop industry. Fans today celebrate his contributions and the unique style he brought to the genre.
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