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G-Dragon trades K-pop stardom for AI innovation as KAIST professor

A K-pop legend steps into academia, redefining creativity at the crossroads of music and cutting-edge tech. What's next for G-Dragon's bold career pivot?

The image shows a group of people posing for a photo with certificates in their hands, surrounded...
The image shows a group of people posing for a photo with certificates in their hands, surrounded by chairs and a wall in the background. It appears to be a graduation ceremony, with the people likely being the winners of the 2019-2020 academic year.

G-Dragon trades K-pop stardom for AI innovation as KAIST professor

K-pop icon G-Dragon has taken on a new role as a visiting professor at KAIST, one of South Korea's top science and technology universities. Known for his music career with Big Bang and solo work, he now focuses on blending entertainment with advanced technology. His latest move follows years of success in the industry and a recent album release in early 2023.

G-Dragon first rose to fame as a member of Big Bang in 2006 before launching a solo career. His third full-length album, übermensch, dropped in February 2023, further cementing his status in the music world.

In June 2024, he joined KAIST's Department of Mechanical Engineering as a visiting professor. His role involves bridging K-content and entertainment with fields like AI and robotics. At the university's 2024 commencement, he delivered a video message encouraging graduates to take unique paths rather than follow trends.

Beyond teaching, G-Dragon has led discussions on AI entertainment at Innovate Korea in 2024 and 2025. He also partnered with Galaxy Corporation to launch an AI Entertech Research Center. The center explores digital twins, AI avatars, and metaverse applications for entertainment research.

G-Dragon's appointment at KAIST marks a shift from music to technology-driven innovation. His work in AI and entertainment research aims to shape future advancements in the industry. The collaboration with Galaxy Corporation and his academic contributions reflect a growing intersection between pop culture and scientific progress.

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