G-Dragon / Courtesy of Galaxy Corporation

K-pop icon G-Dragon is reclaiming his throne with record-breaking success across music, television and live performances. Since releasing his solo track "Power" in October, the artist has dominated digital music charts, sold out massive concerts and drawn widespread attention through his first leading role on a variety show.

His comeback has earned him a new moniker in the industry, not just an idol, but a "super idol."

In the current digital music landscape, it's G-Dragon versus G-Dragon. His song "Home Sweet Home," which dethroned Rosé's hit "APT." in late November, continues to maintain its high chart position.

His latest release, "Too Bad," is now competing for the top spot, while "Power" also remains in the upper chart ranks. "Ubermensch," his first studio album in 11 years, debuted at No. 2 on Circle Chart's album ranking, selling 440,000 copies in its first week.

G-Dragon's upcoming world tour, his first in eight years, is also a runaway success. All 60,000 tickets for the opening shows on March 29 and 30 at Goyang Sports Complex sold out instantly.

Industry observers say G-Dragon is virtually the only male solo artist capable of simultaneously topping digital charts, album sales and concert box office figures.

A scene from the MBC variety show "Good Day" / Captured from MBC

Variety show success, broad appeal

G-Dragon is also drawing attention on television. His MBC variety show "Good Day," which marks his first main role in a TV program, has topped nondrama buzz rankings for four consecutive weeks, according to analytics firm GoodData Corporation.

"Good Day" has been likened to an expanded version of the "Infinite Challenge Music Festival," previously produced by "Good Day" director Kim Tae-ho.

His popularity spans generations. According to online music retailer Yes24, album buyers for "Ubermensch" were mostly in their 30s (28.1 percent), followed by those in their 20s (25.2 percent), 40s (18.9 percent) and teens (13.4 percent).

Ubermensch, a term borrowed from philosopher Nietzsche's concept of the "superman" or "transcendent being," reflects G-Dragon's intent to surpass himself. Though critics have been divided on whether the album breaks new artistic ground, public reception remains overwhelmingly positive.

K-pop icon G-Dragon / Courtesy of Galaxy Corporation

Overcoming odds to redefine K-pop stardom

"Even if this album didn't exceed expectations musically, G-Dragon maintains a strong connection with his audience through his signature style and cultural relevance," a senior executive at a K-pop agency said. "His variety show appearances have also strengthened his appeal among younger fans."

G-Dragon's resurgence is particularly noteworthy given the challenges he has faced, a past marijuana scandal, military hiatus and his move from YG Entertainment to Galaxy Corporation, a relatively unfamiliar name in the K-pop scene. Despite these hurdles, he has not only maintained his stature but redefined what it means to be a K-pop solo artist.

"G-Dragon is perhaps the only K-pop figure who writes, composes and produces his own music while building a distinctive brand as an artist," said Kim Heon-sik, a special professor at Jungwon University. "His creativity and evolving style have enabled him to maintain star power even after years away from the spotlight."

G-Dragon's current momentum suggests that he is not merely returning to the top, but is expanding the very boundaries of what an idol can be.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.