G-Dragon Reveals the Loneliness Behind Fame in Rare 'Knee-Drop Guru' Interview
BIGBANG's G-Dragon opened up about profound feelings of isolation in a revealing September 30 appearance on the YouTube show 'Knee-Drop Guru,' his first reunion with host Kang Ho-dong in 16 years.
Stage Persona vs. Private Self
When asked to distinguish between his G-Dragon stage identity and his real self, Kwon Ji-yong, the 37-year-old artist admitted the two aren't dramatically different. He described himself as talkative, quirky, and someone who takes time to complete tasks-traits that exist both on and off stage.
The Reality of Constant Loneliness
The conversation shifted when Kang asked whether G-Dragon or Kwon Ji-yong ever feels lonely. Without hesitation, the artist responded that both experience loneliness frequently-not occasionally, but regularly. He predicted he'd feel that emptiness as soon as he got in the car after filming ended.
G-Dragon explained that his personality naturally tends toward loneliness, a tendency amplified by his entertainment career. Despite receiving massive amounts of love from fans and being constantly surrounded by people, he experiences a jarring contrast: performing before tens of thousands at concerts, then returning to an empty hotel room that feels hollow.
Career Context
The interview aired on Hana Bank's YouTube channel 'Hana TV' as part of their modern reinterpretation of the beloved MBC variety show 'Knee-Drop Guru,' which originally ran from 2007 to 2011. The production reunited original staff members and narrator Ahn Ji-hwan.
G-Dragon, who debuted with BIGBANG in August 2006, recently returned to music after a seven-year solo hiatus. His 2017 EP titled 'Kwon Ji Yong' notably explored themes of identity and the emotional toll of fame-topics that continue to resonate in his candid conversations about life as one of K-pop's most influential figures.
