Probe Launched Against YG Leader G-Dragon on Suspected Copyright Theft Allegations
G-Dragon and YG Entertainment are currently under police investigation for alleged copyright infringement related to the inclusion of a song without authorization on G-Dragon's 2010 concert album Shine a Light.
The investigation was initiated following a complaint made in November 2024 by a composer, who claims that YG Entertainment unlawfully reproduced his song titled "G-DRAGON," altered the title to "My Age Is 13," and included it in the album without permission or credit. The song in question was registered with the Korea Music Copyright Association in 2001, with the individual composer and arranger listed as the registered owners.
The investigation includes police raids on YG Entertainment's headquarters in Seoul's Mapo-gu, with those involved in the case being questioned by the police. YG Entertainment denies unauthorized reproduction, explaining that the issue arose from confusion over two different songs sharing the same title "G-DRAGON" during crediting for the 2009 solo concert setlist. They assert there was no intent to infringe copyright and no unauthorized copying of the actual audio track occurred.
Producing and distributing albums without the permission of the music creator violates Article 136 of the Copyright Act. The claim is based on G-Dragon including two different songs with the same title in his 2009 solo concert setlist.
G-Dragon of Big Bang and Yang Hyun-suk, the head of YG Entertainment, are being investigated for alleged copyright law violation. The official from YG Entertainment declined to provide further information on the ongoing investigation, while Galaxy Corporation, G-Dragon's agency, also echoed the same remarks and declined to comment further on the issue.
The case is ongoing, according to an official at Seoul's Mapo Police Station, with the police analyzing evidence and interviewing involved parties. Specific details and outcomes are not yet confirmed.
[1] Seoul Mapo Police Station press release, August 2025 [2] YG Entertainment statement, August 2025 [3] Galaxy Corporation statement, August 2025 [4] Composer's complaint, November 2024 [5] Korea Music Copyright Association records, 2001
- The ongoing police investigation at Seoul Mapo Police Station involves allegations of copyright infringement against G-Dragon and YG Entertainment, focusing on the unauthorized use of a song titled "G-DRAGON" by a composer, as noted in the composer's complaint from November 2024.
- As part of the defense, YG Entertainment, in their August 2025 statement, asserts that the confusion over two songs sharing the same title "G-DRAGON" led to the alleged copyright infringement, denying any intentional copying or unauthorized reproduction of the music.
