Power – The Declaration of the “King of K-pop” After 7 Years of Absence
“Guess who’s back? – It’s our boy – G.D.” The intro of Power rings out, signaling the official return of the “King of K-pop.” It took 7 years for G-Dragon‘s beloved fan community to hear new music. Each time, hope turned to disappointment, and finally, they erupted with joy when G-Dragon confirmed the new single Power would be released at 6 PM on October 31, 2024 (Korean time).
G-Dragon himself knows just how long the public has waited for him. This is the reason that compelled him to make a comeback this year—the Year of the Dragon, a symbol that embodies the name G-Dragon—despite still having much more he wants to achieve.
The time of 6 PM on October 31, 2024 (Korean time) is not a random moment; G-Dragon chose this specific time to release his new song to mark 88 months since his last EP, Kwon Jiyong. When combined, we have 6 PM and 88 months, which corresponds to the date and year of “Dragon’s” birth. This fateful number has always been cleverly embedded in G-Dragon’s musical products, showcasing his interesting and multi-layered artistic mindset as Korea’s number one star.
G-Dragon chose the exact time of 6 PM on October 31, 2024 (Korean time) to release his new song to mark 88 months since his last product.
At 2 minutes and 47 seconds long, shorter than most previous title tracks or lead singles, Power is a pure hip-hop piece about G-Dragon’s own identity. An unparalleled declaration of power, it fits perfectly with his uncompromising personality, accentuated by impressive trumpet sounds. The word “power” is repeated strategically, not merely to stretch the song or fill beats.
With his true hip-hop strengths, G-Dragon allows his incredible rap skills to “carry” the entire song. Regarding uniqueness, G-Dragon asserts that he still has no rivals after nearly two decades in the industry.
The most striking aspect of Power lies in its lyrics, filled with sharp and profound satire. G-Dragon uses the term “Übermensch” in the intro line, “When G.D’s in the house (Übermensch),” along with the letter “Ü,” which appears multiple times in the music video (MV). This is a deeply meaningful detail. In philosophy, “Übermensch” refers to a “superman”—a superior human being. However, “Übermensch” is not the same as Superman. An “Übermensch” does not need to possess supernatural powers; he is simply a person who transcends himself, finds strength in adversity, and thus becomes the master of himself. This mirrors G-Dragon’s 20-year journey in the industry. The recurring image of “Ü” in the MV may very well be the central concept for the upcoming album.
We must also discuss the media critique in the song Power. This is the first MV that G-Dragon shot in one continuous take, using a single camera angle to showcase his performance abilities and convey emotions through expressions and body movements. The MV was crafted in a set designed to mimic a broadcasting studio, where G-Dragon brazenly “creates chaos.” Notably, he wears the glasses he used when he went to the police station to cooperate in the investigation regarding illicit substances.
Boldly declaring himself as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), G-Dragon powerfully stands up after countless trials over two decades of activity. The media has elevated G-Dragon to the clouds but can just as easily bring him down. This rap was written immediately after G-Dragon was criticized for an unjust drug allegation at the end of 2023.
“You’re a limited edition of Gen 2, a masterpiece of this century”; “Like a flying dragon masterpiece, wherever you land is hot”—if it weren’t for G-Dragon, who else could confidently declare himself a Gen 2 masterpiece, achieving success everywhere?
The answer is no one. G-Dragon knows who he is and where he stands. Even after a 7-year absence, the throne remains unchanged. It must be acknowledged that only G-Dragon can rap Power without making the message “cringeworthy.”
There Are Still Doubts
The effect G-Dragon has created with Power is proven by the numbers. Seven years without solo music, G-Dragon still beats the latest digital music algorithms, debuting at #2 on MelOn—the largest music streaming platform in South Korea. In China, the song Power sold 100,000 copies just 5 minutes after its release on QQ Music—the largest online music platform in the country. After more than an hour, G-Dragon achieved Platinum certification from QQ Music; Power is the K-pop single to reach this milestone the fastest in 2024.
The effect G-Dragon has created with Power is proven by the numbers.
In recent days, the keyword “Quyền Chí Long” has dominated Weibo’s hot search. In Vietnam, G-Dragon and the song Power were among the most discussed keywords over the two days of October 31 to November 1, according to YouNet Media statistics. Causing a stir across Asia, G-Dragon proves that while form may be temporary, class is forever.
However, G-Dragon’s comeback still raises many doubts. Firstly, there are concerns about the song itself. Since the teaser was released, Power has received mixed reviews in South Korea. Many believe it has a rather outdated sound; although it’s still G-Dragon, it lacks the trendiness he once led. The keyword “hard to digest music” even hit #1 on Weibo’s hot search, indicating how much attention this opinion garnered.
People are wondering if G-Dragon has become “has-been.”
Despite causing a sensation in the digital music realm across Asia, G-Dragon’s international success seems less favorable. On Spotify, Power did not create a significant impact. The official MV on YouTube garnered only 12 million views after more than 2 days of release—a relatively disappointing figure for a top K-pop star.
From this, questions arise about whether G-Dragon has become “has-been.” In his home country of South Korea, the throne may still be secure. But in the position of a “GOAT” he confidently claims to be, his international influence cannot compare to that of younger groups like BLACKPINK.
Clearly, G-Dragon is not the “king” of streaming platforms. However, the status of a “king” is not solely measured by numbers. G-Dragon is validated by what he has created and what the public anticipates. Whether it’s 7 years or 10 years, the people of Korea still crave G-Dragon’s return.
Even before announcing the release date, G-Dragon was confidently at the top of searches, “all-killing” every top search in South Korea. He released music spontaneously, even promoting in peculiar ways, but still made the public overlook the deception, leading to the ultimate goal of hearing new music from G-Dragon.
Is G-Dragon out of time? We must look at how he is received. Not every name will be honored with a top Asian award, having to “make peace” after a decade since being dissed in a rap battle. MAMA, once a prideful accolade that elevated the status of Korean stars, now seeks G-Dragon to upgrade its own recognition. Rap that critiques the media, but the media does not abandon him; this is the true caliber of a “king.”
From the cradle of K-pop, G-Dragon may not be as famous or viral internationally as younger artists
Source: K14
