G-Dragon’s Behind-the-Scenes Look at APEC 2025 Performance
Singer G-Dragon, known as Kwon Ji-yong, recently shared a glimpse into his preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ welcome dinner. The event took place on the 31st of last month at the Lahan Select Hotel in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. A short video titled “GD’s Day” was released on G-Dragon’s official YouTube channel, offering fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the cultural performance.
In the video, G-Dragon expressed his excitement about returning to the stage after a year-long hiatus through live broadcasts. He mentioned that he would be performing on the APEC stage, highlighting the significance of the event. His appearance at the dinner marked a unique opportunity for him to showcase his talents on an international platform.
Upon arriving at the venue, G-Dragon underwent a body search conducted by broadcaster Noh Hong-chul. Surprised by the security measure, he asked, “Why are you here?” However, he quickly greeted Noh with a handshake and a warm hug, showing his friendly nature.
After the search, G-Dragon entered the event space and met Cha Eun-woo, a singer-actor who hosted the dinner performance. Cha, currently serving in the military, appeared in a suit instead of his uniform. He greeted G-Dragon with a bright smile and a salute pose. In response, G-Dragon held his hand and gave him a supportive hug, encouraging his junior artist.
Cha Eun-woo, who enlisted in July and is part of the Ministry of National Defense Military Band Corps Fanfare Unit, played a key role in hosting the official APEC leaders’ welcome dinner. His presence added a touch of professionalism and camaraderie to the event.
As G-Dragon prepared for his performance, he checked his outfit, which included a hat resembling a traditional Koreangatadorned with a pearl-decorated string and a fedora. He hesitated about wearing sunglasses, expressing concern that he might become flustered without realizing it. He worried that making eye contact with the leaders could be burdensome. After receiving advice from the staff, he decided not to wear the sunglasses and took the stage.
G-Dragon delivered a performance lasting approximately 10 minutes on the cultural performance stage themed “Journey of Butterfly: Together, We Fly.” He introduced himself as “G-Dragon, the APEC 2025 promotional ambassador” and performed hits such as “Power,” “Drama,” and “Home Sweet Home.” His performance stood out as the only K-pop artist to take the stage at the event, showcasing his versatility and global appeal.
Highlights of G-Dragon’s APEC Performance
- Cultural Performance Stage: The theme “Journey of Butterfly: Together, We Fly” symbolized unity and collaboration among APEC members.
- Exclusive Appearance: As the APEC 2025 promotional ambassador, G-Dragon had the honor of representing South Korea on an international stage.
- Unique Outfit: His choice of traditional Korean elements in his attire reflected a blend of culture and modernity.
- Performance Impact: G-Dragon’s performance not only entertained the audience but also highlighted the significance of K-pop on the global stage.
The event marked a significant milestone in G-Dragon’s career, as he continued to make waves in both the music and cultural spheres. His participation in APEC 2025 underscored his influence and the growing recognition of Korean artists on the world stage.