G-Dragon faces backlash for mentioning Yang Hyun Suk in ‘2024 MAMA Awards’ speech.

G-Dragon has sparked controversy by mentioning Yang Hyun Suk, the executive producer of YG Entertainment, during his acceptance speech at the ‘2024 MAMA Awards.’

On November 23rd, G-Dragon performed on the Chapter 2 stage of the ‘2024 MAMA Awards’ held at Kyocera Dome in Osaka, Japan, and was awarded the “Music Visionary of the Year.”

In his acceptance speech, he said, “I first stood on the ‘MAMA’ stage in 2007, and this marks my comeback stage after seven years. I’ve been part of this for 17 years. Thank you for giving me this award on such a meaningful day, leaving me with good memories.”

He continued, “I’d like to thank [Yang] Hyun Suk hyung, the YG family, our new members at Galaxy Corporation, The Black Label, and many others who have helped me along the way. I also want to express my gratitude to the members I love and to VIPs (BIGBANG’s fan club) who made this triumphant return possible.”

The controversy stems from his mention of Yang Hyun Suk. Critics argue that while G-Dragon’s growth and success may be linked to YG, it was inappropriate to publicly express gratitude toward Yang, who has been embroiled in multiple scandals, including overseas gambling and drug-related allegations.

Online commenters reacted harshly to the speech, with comments such as: “I don’t understand this,” “Is he ignoring the countless victims?” “Why did he bring up Yang Hyun Suk?” and “Yang has several ongoing trials right now.”

Yang Hyun Suk was fined 15 million won in 2019 for overseas gambling charges. He was accused of gambling 24 times, amounting to hundreds of millions of won, in Las Vegas and Macau. Currently, Yang is also facing trials for allegedly covering up singer B.I’s drug investigation and for tax evasion related to luxury watches.

Meanwhile, G-Dragon recently made a full-fledged comeback with his solo single ‘POWER,’ released on October 31st, marking his first solo release in seven years and four months.

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