BIGBANG’s G-Dragon Makes History Again—K-Pop Fans React

“Say what you will, but it’s true…”

BIGBANG member G-Dragon has officially become the youngest recipient in history of the prestigious “Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit,” the second-highest honor in the cultural arts field given by the South Korean government for his contributions to the development of K-Pop culture and the global spread of hallyu.

G-Dragon | Sports Khan

On October 23, 2025 (KST), G-Dragon was awarded the medal at the “16th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards,” hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The “Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit,” received by the K-Pop superstar, is granted to figures who have made significant national and societal contributions across fields like music, performance, broadcasting, and the arts. With this honor, G-Dragon has cemented his status as a “generation-defining artist and cultural icon.”

| News1

Accepting the award, G-Dragon mentioned his fellow BIGBANG members, sharing the honor with them in celebration of their 20th anniversary.

When I was six, my mom took me to an audition. That’s where it all began. Since then, I’ve been chasing the same dream. In my teens, I achieved my dream of becoming a singer. In my twenties, I received awards. In my thirties, I’ve now received this Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit. Now, I’m really looking forward to my forties…

…When I was young, I admired singers so much. And I still do. I’m proud to be one, and I love what I do. The sunbaes who inspired my dreams were shining stars to me. 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

G-Dragon then emphasized the power of dreaming as he wrapped up his thoughtful speech.

가수 지드래곤 | 문화훈장 옥관 수상소감 full

2025 대한민국 대중문화예술상 pic.twitter.com/jpaQQX1Ws0

— 피플원 (@peacepIusone88) October 23, 2025

I often say, ‘Good night, and sweet dreams.’ There’s power in those words. A good dream can one day become reality, or lead to a new dream. Even if it doesn’t come true, the act of dreaming makes life shine. I hope you all have good dreams tonight.

— G-Dragon

As for K-Pop fans, there is no doubt in their minds that G-Dragon was the right person to take the medal home.

| theqoo

• “Totally well-deserved, congrats congrats.”
• “The host introduced him as ‘the first artist in history who’s never failed to take No. 1 in any group, unit, or solo album over 20 years.’ That was amazing. Huge congrats.”
• “And the way he talked about his dreams and mentioned his 40s in the speech? So classy.”
• “GD really deserves it, yeah.”
• “👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻”
• “That introduction was so cool. Congrats! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏”
• “He deserves to win it ten times over.”
• “He truly deserves it…”
• “Congrats congrats, that’s so awesome.”
• “Congratulations! It’s amazing how he’s still thriving even after a break.”
• “Considering the influence G-Dragon has had on the K-Pop industry, it’s only right he got it. He’s on another level.”
• “Say what you will, but it’s true he’s had a huge impact on K-Pop.”

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