G-Dragon, the legendary leader of BIGBANG and one of South Korea’s most influential cultural figures, is set to take center stage at one of the most prestigious international events of the year — the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.
According to his agency Galaxy Corporation, G-Dragon will deliver an exclusive performance at the APEC Welcome Dinner on October 31 at the Lahan Hotel Grand Ballroom in Gyeongju, where heads of state and senior officials from 21 APEC member economies will gather. He will be the only K-pop artist featured in the event’s lineup, marking another historic moment for Korean pop culture on the global stage.
“G-Dragon will elevate Korea’s cultural prestige through a creative and forward-thinking performance that reflects the spirit of the APEC Summit,” Galaxy Corporation said in an official statement.
Appointed as an APEC Promotional Ambassador in July, G-Dragon has already made waves through the summit’s promotional video — which has surpassed 19 million views on YouTube — highlighting his global impact and charisma as a cultural ambassador.
An official from the APEC Summit Preparatory Committee shared,
“G-Dragon’s global influence and innovative artistry make him the perfect figure to communicate APEC’s values of connection, creativity, and sustainability. We expect an outstanding performance that will leave a lasting impression on leaders worldwide.”
Known for continuously redefining artistry, G-Dragon’s influence spans music, fashion, art, and technology. His participation at APEC underscores how K-pop has evolved beyond entertainment — becoming a key pillar of Korea’s soft power diplomacy.
Despite his busy schedule on his ‘G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch]’, which recently wrapped up shows in Osaka, the artist has been actively involved in APEC-related projects, even traveling between Korea and the U.S. to film promotional materials.
Following his APEC performance, G-Dragon will continue his world tour with concerts in Taipei and Hanoi in November, before returning to Seoul for the grand finale in December.
As anticipation builds, fans and observers alike are looking forward to seeing how G-Dragon — the icon who redefined what it means to be a global K-pop artist — will blend music, art, and diplomacy in one unforgettable night.