ENTERTAINMENT
G-Dragon "Establishes a foundation to eradicate drugs"
On the 21st, a G-Dragon-Galaxy Corporation press conference was held at the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul in Banpo-dong, Seoul. Galaxy Corporation executives attended, but G-Dragon did not attend.
Regarding the reason for G-Dragon's absence, Galaxy Corporation's director Cho Sung-hae said, "I was planning to greet fans and reporters on New Year's Day," and added, "We made a hasty decision to hold a press conference yesterday, and it was inevitably difficult to coordinate the schedule. We ask for your understanding in this regard." “I will give it to you,” he said. He continued, "Soon, at the beginning of the New Year, Kwon Ji-yong will have time to greet you all. Kwon Ji-yong is also looking forward to appearing in front of the public and speaking soon. Please wait a little while."
Regarding G-Dragon's activity plans for next year, he said, "Kwon Ji-yong will make a comeback next year."
Oh Hee-young, director of Galaxy Corporation, said, "Ji-Yong Kwon wanted to speak directly in front of his fans. As I said, he was unable to attend due to unavoidable circumstances. Instead, Ji-Yong Kwon wrote a hand-written letter yesterday about his actions. Although he could not attend, Ji-Yong Kwon's story was shared instead. “I would like to read to you,” he read G-Dragon’s letter.
G-Dragon wrote in a handwritten letter, “I wanted to meet you in person this time, say hello, and talk, but I am very disappointed that I couldn’t.” He continued, "As we welcome the new year, I had a lot of worries about how to greet you and what story I would tell. As you know, I've been through a difficult time recently, but I was able to overcome it thanks to the people around me who worried and supported me a lot. “Thank you to everyone,” he said.
G-Dragon said, "After this incident, I saw places I had never seen before. Watching the news, I saw that the average number of drug offenders per year was about 20,000, and that the number of juvenile drug offenders was increasing at a alarming rate, and that many of them were going to treatment facilities. “I learned the heartbreaking fact that less than 500 out of 20,000 people can receive treatment each year,” he said. “That’s why I thought I had to take action. I want to protect the teenagers who are exposed without protection, and those who are scared and don’t know that it is the wrong path.” We want to actively work to combat and eradicate drugs. We want to share opportunities with many people who do not have the opportunity for treatment. We also want to protect the powerless and weak to prevent the unfair events they experience from being repeated. “I want to play a systematic role in standing next to someone and protecting them as an older brother, older brother, younger sibling, or colleague,” he said.
At the same time, G-Dragon said, “I decided to create a foundation to carry out this activity sincerely and continuously.” He continued, "At the foundation, we stand on the side of those who suffer and suffer damage due to prejudice and injustice in the world and seek to create a society where all people are equal, respected fairly, and live together."
G-Dragon said, "I solve social problems such as anti-drugs, inequality, and unfairness through music and art activities that artist Kwon Ji-yong likes and fans like, and that I support artists who do not have opportunities by giving them opportunities, and do things like me." “We plan to carry out activities to nurture future generations who will do this,” he said. He continued, "If the foundation sows the seeds through these activities, together with many great fellow artists and fans around the world who sympathize with good activities, we will spread things like the Peace Campaign and the Prejudice-Free Earth Campaign to the world, and create a world without prejudice that harmonizes diversity. “I think we can make our dreams come true,” he said. He also asked, "Kwon Ji-yong wants to start 2024 like this. I will fulfill my responsibilities and make a comeback to fulfill both my responsibilities as an artist and my social responsibilities. I hope that you will also fulfill your responsibilities in your respective positions."
G-Dragon said, “I believe that the world changes when these thoughts and feelings come together and take action,” and reflected, “It was a very eventful year for me as well.” He continued, "The reason I was able to organize it so well is because I thought that I was not alone and that we were together all over the world, so let's never give up and work harder. Thanks to the VIP fan club, who treated it like it was their own business from start to finish and surrounded us with love. “I want to tell you that I did not lose energy and that I did not feel lonely. I am grateful to you all, so as a singer, of course, I want to strive to make the world a better place through music, and after establishing this foundation, I want to make my first donation in your name.”
G-Dragon also expressed his gratitude to his former agency, YG Entertainment, saying, “I was able to make such a meaningful start with my new partner Galaxy Corporation because of YG, who made me who I am today.” He continued, "This was possible because I worked with the entire YG family to achieve countless results through a lot of hard work through the hardships and ups and downs of over 20 years as a trainee, member of Big Bang, and as a solo artist. I will keep this in my heart for the rest of my career." He said.
G-Dragon said, “I hope you all finish 2023 well with your family and colleagues, and join us in our steps toward a brighter society.” He also concluded the letter by saying, “Let us all love one another!”
Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr
