G-Dragon poses with a skateboard for "That XX," the intro tune off his first solo mini-album "ONE OF A KIND" released on September 18, 2012. [YG Entertainment]

<#10_QMARK#>You’re only 25 now. In "CRAYON," you sing, “I’m an inspiration to people who have lost a sense of passion or inspiration.” I have to say, that’s a pretty confident remark for your age. How do you want to inspire people?
<#10_AMARK#>I grew up thinking that I want to become an artist like Seo Taeji & Boys, DUEX and Roo'Ra. That simple admiration led me to become a musician. Like the fresh impression I got from those Korean singers, I want people to be shocked to see a young-aged idol [doing well in the music scene]. I want them to think, “If he can do it, why can’t I?”

<#10LOGO#>“Why so serious.” Are you saying that to yourself or other people?
<#10_AMARK#>Both. I leave the interpretation to the listeners. [Thinking hard] I’m just who I am and I express what I want to show. But sometimes people exaggerate things and misunderstand the things I do. I’m just doing what I like and people can just enjoy it. There’s nothing more than that. “Why so serious” is a bit like satirical message to people who like to argue and make issues for nothing. That line by Joker also encourages me. I just love it. He’s a villain, and scary, but he’s saying something to the world. I think he’s much cooler than the batman.

<#10_QMARK#>In the first solo album, “Heartbreaker,” you sang about the pains and sorrows you had as a boy. “ONE OF A KIND” sings about break-ups quite emotionally. Did you make that change to appeal to the general public? You said in a past interview that you want to make a song that people don’t get tired of listening to.
<#10_AMARK#> I’m a pop artist so I’d have to make the general public comfortable when they listen to my music. Apart from how I’m seen on stage, my music has to be easy to approach and gives comfort to people. So I try to think it more simply, but that’s the hardest part. Yang [YG Entertainment C.E.O Yang Hyun-suk] finalizes the track order and it seems like he’s focusing on the flow of the tracks, like a concert or a movie. The song begins with a grand start, flows smoothly, reaches the climax and slowly draws out.

<#10_QMARK#>Do you think you’re cooler on the stage or off the stage?
<#10_AMARK#>On the stage of course! I don’t think I’m that cool off the stage. I have so many flaws and I think myself as a kid. But… I literally rock on stage. (haha)

G-Dragon poses with a skateboard for "ONE OF A KIND" off the first solo mini-album of the same name released on September 18, 2012. [YG Entertainment]

<#10_QMARK#>The phrase “wild and young” repeats in “ONE OF A KIND.” It seems like it’s like a moto for you. Do you think you have something to polish from the wild side?
<#10_AMARK#> Probably yes. First, I love that phrase. It’s the motto of my life. But it’s a bit difficult to go extreme in this culture. There’s a boundary for going wild and I’ve gotten used to that. I’m silently fighting with that boundary, but that never comes out in action. I do worry about how and what I’ll do next in the future. But for now I’m doing things I like without any problem so far. So far. Yes.

<#10_QMARK#>You’re literally “young and rich” [the rap lyrics in "ONE OF A KIND"]. Some pople think that you’re at the peak point of your career. Since you just mentioned that you worry about your success, how do you see yourself in the future, career-wise?
<#10_AMARK#>Like I always say, you never know what’s going to happen. This could be the start, or could be the end point [of massive popularity]. If people think that I’ve reached my limit, then I’d compliment myself for doing well. If I were at the peak point, then that means I’ve made my dream come true at an earlier age than average people. This means that I have nothing to lose, and can dream a bigger dream. Though I can’t foresee the future, I prepare a lot for whatever is to come. I think I’m crazy when I look at myself these days. I can see myself going wild and mad on stage. We [himself and other YG Entertainment officials] really like that. That crazy energy just erupts when I’m standing on the stage. It’s like… something’s about to break out from inside. But again, I don’t know how long that energy will last so I’m doing my best when I can. When people don’t get inspired by my music and style, I think that’s about time when I should get off the limelight and support other musicians grow. Right now, that energy is just overflowing.

<#10_QMARK#>Starting to dream about becoming a singer and reaching that goal all happened comparatively at an early age for you. You’ve gone through so many ups and downs to get here and must have had time to focus on yourself when preparing for the solo album. How much proportion does “Kwon Ji-yong” [G-Dragon’s Korean name] have in G-Dragon’s life?
<#10_AMARK#>Just 2 or 3 years ago, Taeyang and I often discussed about whether we’re on the right track or what we should do if we fall on the way. My conclusion is, this is just who I am. I can’t separate Kwon Ji-yong and G-Dragon’s life. My job is to bridge that gap in between the two. If I were to separate my life as G-Dragon and Kwon, I’d be very sad and devastated. Admitting that this is something I’ve been doing since young and what I’m good at, I’m happy. I want to tell myself, “You’re doing well.” (laugh)


Lee Tae-ho (myenclavies@10asiae.co.kr) contributed to this interview


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