The former frontman for the K-pop band BIGBANG, known as G-Dragon, appeared for police questioning on Monday (Nov 6) over allegations of illegal drug use, the latest in a string of South Korean artistes embroiled in high-profile narcotics cases.
The investigation against the singer and rapper, whose given name is Kwon Ji-yong, comes amid ongoing crackdown on illegal drugs by the government of conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol.
After the allegations in late October, shares of some K-pop agencies, including Kwon’s former agent YG Entertainment, fell, though they have since rebounded.
Kwon is not the first member of BIGBANG to face criminal charges.
In 2017, TOP, whose legal name is Choi Seung-hyun, received a suspended 10-month jail sentence for marijuana use, after he pleaded guilty and sought leniency to avoid a prison term.
Seungri, whose real name is Lee Seung-hyun, was convicted in 2021 of collusion in a tax evasion, bribery and prostitution scheme and served an 18-month prison sentence.
BIGBANG dominated the K-pop scene after their debut in 2006. Kwon and four other former and current members have pursued solo careers.
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