According to an announcement from his management company, Galaxy Corporation, on 5/12, the four-credit regular course, "COMM 400: Crooked Studies of K-pop: The Case of G-Dragon", will be taught in next year's spring semester. Professor Lee Hye Jin will lead the course, which offers an in-depth analysis of G-Dragon, recognized as one of the most influential and creative artists in K-pop history. The curriculum also aims to explore new discourses on Korean music.
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G-Dragon performing during the "G-Dragon 2025 World Tour [Übermensch]". *Photo: Galaxy Corporation*
A representative from the singer's management company stated that USC's inclusion of the course in its curriculum acknowledges G-Dragon's cultural and industrial value in the art world. This move is similar to courses on Beyonce at Yale University or Taylor Swift at Harvard University.
G-Dragon's "Untitled" music video, which has over 168 million views on YouTube. *Video: YouTube BIGBANG*
G-Dragon, 38, whose real name is Kwon Ji Yong, is known as the "King of K-pop". He became a trainee at five years old, debuted at 13, and led the group Big Bang for 19 years. For nearly two decades, he has consistently captivated audiences across Asia. In March, he held the first night of his World Tour Übermensch – his third world tour – at Goyang Stadium, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, attracting approximately 33,000 people. On 8-9/11, two G-Dragon concerts in Hung Yen drew about 100,000 audience members. This show ranked second in his tour for attendance, only surpassed by his performance at Tokyo Dome, Japan.
In October, G-Dragon received a medal from the Korean Government for his contributions to expanding the Hallyu wave. According to JoongAng Ilbo, he "transformed K-pop idols into true artists," breaking idol group molds and composing a string of hits, including Lies, Haru Haru, Fantastic Baby, and Bang Bang Bang. G-Dragon paved the way for a generation of self-producing idols, asserting individuality through solo albums. His music blends hip-hop, rock, electronic, and R&B, incorporating introspective and rebellious themes, which has garnered international appeal. Professor Kim Heon Sik described him as a rare artist who composes, produces, and builds a distinctive creative brand.
Trailer for G-Dragon's global tour "Ubermensch". *Video: YouTube G-Dragon*
Beyond music, G-Dragon has been dubbed the "King of K-pop Fashion" by Vogue Korea, consistently pushing gender boundaries and setting fashion trends. He serves as a global ambassador for Chanel, frequently appearing in the front row at major shows. W Korea has called him an "icon transcending all limits." Despite facing past controversies involving prohibited substances, military enlistment, and departing YG Entertainment, G-Dragon has maintained his influence, broadening the standards of what an idol can achieve.
The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California was founded in 1971 with support from Walter H. Annenberg. It is one of the leading institutions in the US for communication, journalism, public relations, strategic communication, and digital media studies. USC Annenberg is known for its practical curriculum, modern labs, and extensive network with international media organizations. The school currently enrolls approximately 2,300 students, guided by a team of scholars and experts.
Cat Tien (according to Chosun Daily)
