K-Pop superstar G-Dragon (GD, Kwon Ji-yong) has been in the industry for 20 years since his debut in 2006. He’s created countless hit songs like "Heartbreaker," "Gossip Man," and "CRAYON," and has nearly 200 registered tracks under his name. Thanks to annual royalties of about 1.4 billion KRW (approx. RM 3.67 million), he wouldn’t have to worry about making ends meet even if he stopped working. However, he recently flew to London, UK, where he was spotted by passersby shopping for discounted clothes in a department store, shocking netizens who exclaimed: “GD actually buys clothes at 50% off?”
GD was recently seen in a London department store ignoring famous luxury brands in the background, instead browsing the central section full of discounted clothing, carefully selecting pieces prominently marked 50% off and rummaging through with great focus. Netizens found this hilarious: "He actually checks out clothes that are 50% off," "GD shops at a department store — and even in the sale section?" Long-time fans chimed in, saying GD not only buys discounted items but also goes treasure hunting in secondhand shops and even haggles at small stalls.
The reason GD's bargain-hunting made such a sensation is because he’s not only a top earner but also a savvy money manager. Having debuted in 2006, GD has around 200 songs registered under his name. Even if he didn’t work at all, he’d still collect at least 1.4 billion KRW in royalties every year, living a life of luxury in his sleep. In addition, when he joined the tech firm “Galaxy Corporation” in 2023, he didn’t take his full signing bonus in cash, opting instead for 1 billion KRW (approx. RM 26.29 million) in cash and converting the other half into equivalent company stock. After a year of collaboration—through albums, endorsements, and concerts—GD helped the company generate almost 300 billion KRW (approx. RM 780 million) in revenue, personally earning about 60 billion KRW (approx. RM 150 million) in settlement money.
“Galaxy Corporation” consequently turned profitable, expanding its business from existing AI tech research to signing stars like Cannes Best Actor Song Kang-ho, “SHINee” member Taemin, Kim Jong-kook, and most recently, MLB player Lee Jung-hoo. As its operations have grown, so too has its stock price, allowing GD to profit alongside the company thanks to his decision to take half his signing bonus in shares. Besides endorsements, personal brand management, stocks, and real estate, GD will also embark on a world tour with “BIGBANG” starting in August, resulting in a highly diversified income portfolio.
News source: NOWnews Today Entertainment