From G-Dragon’s medals to Seungri’s scandals: 2 faces of BIGBANG’s legacy

G-Dragon, left, and Seungri / Xportsnews

Once sharing the spotlight as part of one of K-pop’s most iconic groups, G-Dragon and Seungri are now making headlines for very different reasons.

On Oct. 23, G-Dragon received the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit, Korea’s second-highest honor in the arts, at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul. The medal recognizes artists who have made exceptional contributions to the nation’s culture, spanning fields from music and performance to film and broadcasting. G-Dragon, celebrated for writing many of BIGBANG’s biggest hits as well as a decorated solo career, became the award’s youngest recipient.

In his acceptance speech, he said, “When I was young, I admired singers so much — and I still do. I’m proud to be a singer, and I love what I do.” Reflecting on his journey, he added, “The seniors who inspired me were like shining stars every night. I grew up listening to their songs, and now I’ve become one of those stars. Next year marks BIGBANG’s 20th anniversary, and I want to share this honor with my members.”

G-Dragon, center, poses after receiving the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit. Courtesy of Galaxy Corporation

BIGBANG, formed under YG Entertainment in 2006, reshaped the K-pop scene with chart-topping hits such as “Lies,” “Haru Haru,” “Tonight” and “Bang Bang Bang.” Many of these were written or produced by G-Dragon himself, solidifying his reputation as both idol and artist.

But while G-Dragon’s career continues to earn national recognition, former member Seungri remains mired in controversy. Once a rising star in the same group, Seungri’s image collapsed in 2019 after he was implicated in the Burning Sun nightclub scandal. He left BIGBANG, terminated his contract with YG Entertainment and was later convicted on nine criminal charges, including habitual gambling, prostitution mediation, embezzlement and violation of foreign exchange and food sanitation laws. He served an 18-month prison sentence before being released.

Seungri / Captured from online community

Even after his release, Seungri has continued to stir public anger. At a recent event in Cambodia, he was criticized for comments perceived as flippant and for casually referencing his former bandmates. He has also faced rumors about new business ventures, romantic relationships and overseas club openings, fueling ongoing public scrutiny.

As BIGBANG’s 20th anniversary approaches, the contrast between the two former bandmates feels especially stark. While G-Dragon stands on stage as a decorated cultural figure, Seungri remains a symbol of fallen fame — a reminder of how differently two paths can unfold from the same beginning.

This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.