On November 23, at the MAMA Awards 2024 Chapter 2 held at the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan, G-Dragon performed and received the award Musical Visionary of the Year prize.
In his acceptance speech, G-Dragon said, “I first took the stage at MAMA in 2007, and now I’m here again for my return to the stage after seven years. I am grateful for this meaningful day and to have received an award that will leave fond memories.”
He continued, “I would like to thank Yang Hyun Suk and the YG family, our new partners at Galaxy Corporation and The Black Label, and everyone who supported me. Of course, I deeply appreciate my beloved members and VIPs (the BIGBANG fan club), who made this triumphant return possible.”
The controversy centers on his mention of Yang Hyun Suk. While it is true that YG Entertainment has played a significant role in G-Dragon’s growth and artistic success, critics argue that recognizing Yang, who has been involved in controversies including overseas gambling and related scandals to drugs, was not necessary in a public speech.
Netizens expressed their disappointment, commenting, “I can’t understand it,” “Are you ignoring all the victims?” “Why did he have to mention Yang Hyun Suk?” and “Yang still has several studies underway.”
In 2019, Yang Hyun Suk was fined KRW 15 million for illegal gambling abroad. He was accused of gambling 24 times in Las Vegas and Macao, totaling billions of won. Additionally, he is currently facing trials for allegedly covering up drug investigations related to singer BI and for tax evasion related to luxury watch transactions.
Meanwhile, G-Dragon recently made his long-awaited solo comeback on October 31st with the single “POWER,” marking his comeback after 7 years and 4 months.
