Why G-Dragon Left SM Entertainment And Joined YG Instead

During his most recent appearance on the popular variety show You Quiz on the Block, G-Dragon talked about his training period at SM Entertainment before joining YG that not many people know about.

Appearing as a guest to promote his highly-anticipated upcoming release, G-Dragon opened up quite a bit about how he ended up under SM Entertainment — shocking host Yoo Jae Suk when he revealed Lee Soo Man himself was involved.

G-Dragon explained that his journey into SM began somewhat unexpectedly. Recalling his entry into the entertainment world, he shared that he had been active as a child performer on MBC’s Bbo Bbo Bbo. The unexpected early exposure eventually led him to join “Little Roo’Ra” — a popular child dance group at the time — further cementing his place in the competitive world of child performers.

However, his entry into SM Entertainment came purely by chance. While on a family ski trip, he participated in a dance contest at the resort. The event’s host turned out to be none other than SM founder Lee Soo Man, which led to his signing as a trainee.

Despite spending time with SM, G-Dragon did not see a clear path forward there. Over time, he felt his potential was being underutilized and couldn’t picture a future within the company. Eventually, he decided to dive into rap, realizing it offered him a new direction.

[I didn’t train with SM for five years], not with the senior trainees. Over time, they started calling me in less frequently, and I couldn’t figure out my path there. I realized I needed to learn something else, so I decided to study rap.

— G-Dragon

His dedication led him to join a compilation album project at thirteen, where he performed a track aptly titled “I’m Thirteen.” The project would eventually become his stepping stone to YG Entertainment, where he would later debut as the legendary leader of BIGBANG.

Reflecting on his SM days, G-Dragon noted that the concept of a structured trainee system didn’t exist then. He recalled having to stay prepared at all times, ready to showcase his skills whenever the opportunity arose.

Back then, there wasn’t a formal concept of ‘trainees’ like there is now. You had to fend for yourself, and always be prepared, just in case they called on you suddenly. If they tested you, you had to be ready to show up on the spot.

— G-Dragon

Thanks to his dedication and hard work, G-Dragon ended up becoming one of the most influential K-Pop idols of all time… and fans wouldn’t have it any other way.

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