Once upon a time, a young boy named Kwon Ji-yong dreamt of becoming a singer. He trained hard for many years and became G-Dragon, the leader of Bigbang, one of the most influential K-pop groups that propelled Hallyu globally. He became the idol of idols, a trailblazer, and the King of K-pop.
But once he realized his dream, the king felt worn out. He decided to take a step back and live an ordinary life. Even kings need time away to remember who they are without the crown. This period allowed him to feel motivated again. He repeated the word “Übermensch” as a mantra and as a shield. According to G-Dragon, “Übermensch” isn’t something you can physically see; it’s a philosophical concept.” By embracing each day as an opportunity to enjoy, learn, and grow, he achieved a sense of clarity and freedom.
Return
On May 17, 2025, after eight long years, Filo VIPs (Bigbang’s fandom) and FAMs (GDs fandom) finally welcomed his majesty back. With his return, G-Dragon made history once again for being the first K-pop male solo artist to perform at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, the largest indoor arena in the world. The G-Dragon 2025 World Tour (Übermensch) in Bulacan was promoted by Applewood Philippines and AEG Presents Asia.
G-Dragon appeared wearing his crown, and a jacket that resembled a garden of red roses in full bloom and performed ‘Power.” The multi-sided screen showed GD being struck by lightning highlighting his dragon-like fire and unstoppable power that ignited the venue. The crowd erupted in cheers for the king they had missed so deeply.
Several LED screens on the stage, synchronized laser, beam lights, smoke effect, and other special effects enhanced the audience’s experience of the show. It was a grandiose version of an immersive exhibit.
He removed his crown for “Home Sweet Home.” Members Taeyang and Daesung appeared on the large screens during their part in the song, adding to the excitement of the crowd.
Signature swag
“What’s up, Philippines? Kumusta Bulacan? This is G-Dragon, baby!” With his signature swag, he continued to rap, “When I said I would be back, and I’ll never let you go, pick a petal off a flower, do you love me.” He repeated “Do you love me?” and everyone cheered loudly in affirmation. Finally, the king came home. To the stage, his people, and his kingdom.
He performed “Michigo” and “One of a Kind,” songs that convey that it’s okay to be different.
“From Seoul to Tokyo, and now, the Philippines.” He spoke without a translator as he greeted everyone with a mix of English and Filipino words.
The next set saw him performing “Crayon,” a high-energy track about letting go and embracing your cray-zy colorful self. The LED screens were splashed with colors as he performed. It matched the audience wearing “I Love GD” and “Übermensch” shirts, scarves in different shades worn like GD, and Daisy-laden dresses. Some came wearing flamboyant outfits and others came in plain clothes but all represented G-Dragon’s message of celebrating individuality.
The next performances showed GD being vulnerable (“Bonamana”), heart-fluttering (“Butterfly”), and sexy (“I love it”), a contrast to his bold image. Everyone sang along to another crowd favorite, “Who You?” He went down the stage for “Today” to be closer to his fans. Fancams were probably shaky during “Crooked” because everyone was dancing and singing along to it like crazy. The song released a decade ago was also the anthem of the protest rallies in South Korea last year after the former president declared martial law. This is the kind of influence he wields.
Heartbreaker
He returned to the stage in an elegant shimmery suit and a light-colored boater hat giving a classic showman feel. He performed ‘Heartbreaker,” a track released in 2009 during his 21st birthday. He was accompanied by beatboxing champion Wing, who appeared on the screens like a large avatar. The vibe continued with “Bullsh*t.” He grooved to the music with “Take Me” and “Too Bad.”
He sat down and listened to the crowd screaming. He tried saying “galing” asked the crowd if he said it correctly. He then repeated “galing-galing-galing” saying it to the tune of “Ringa Linga,” a song he composed for Taeyang. The audience sang with him but found his improvisation hilarious so he hid his face behind his arms, laughing at what he just did.
“I guess everyone knows it already but one side is me from the “Heartbreaker” era and the other is me right now, brand new but not old,” he said while looking up at the giant inflatable structures that resembled the cover design of his album. He then talked about Bigbang’s 20th anniversary but reminded the audience —not today. “Today is mine, You’re mine.” He said he had fun but will be singing his last song which is “Drama,” another song from the “Übermensch” album.
A video of GD giving his honest thoughts about being away for eight years played on the LED screens. The crowd piped down and listened to every word he said.
Full of dreams
He talked about how he missed the young Ji-yong, who was full of dreams. “He’s someone I’m a little afraid to face. But at the same time, he’s someone I long to meet again.” If he meets him again, he will tell him:
“I am you, and you are me. You’re going to become like this. So don’t worry too much. I hope you grow up in peace, feeling loved. You’re allowed to.”
The audience cheered, Kwon Ji-yong! Kwon Ji-yong!
For the encore, he sang “This Love,” 1 Year Station, “I BelongIIU,” and “Gyro-drop.” He thanked his “Übermensch” crew and went down the stage the second time. He said “Salamat po” as he bowed with the dancers. But the crowd continued calling his name.
“Mahal kita. So, do you love me?” It was obvious that he did not just memorize because he also spoke in Taglish. “Mahal me?” The king’s humility and effort to connect with his people is admirable.
Everyone started singing the “Ooohhh” part of “Bang Bang Bang”. He tried convincing them that the song should be saved for next year, but he later gave in, singing highlights of the song. When the crowd sang “We Like 2 Party,” it did not take that much time for him to sing, this time with the band joining. He drew the line when the crowd started singing “Boom shakalaka” (from “Fantastic Baby”). “Calm down. I have one more song, then I can go home.” He laughed after realizing how funny it was that he was negotiating with his audience.
He said he felt happy to meet his fans in the Philippines again and promised to come back soon. He sang ‘Untitled, 2014” for his last encore. It was like a pause —a time to find within ourselves that precious thing.
It was a night of giving his fans the royal treatment. Because being a king is not only about wearing a crown, but knowing your people and helping them become masters of their lives. That’s what power is all about. As G-Dragon said, “Übermensch” is not a grand thing or something unreachable.” It’s something inside of us. There’s no need to look far for it. The king is on this path. And he hopes everyone can find it too.
