G-DRAGON proved once again that his influence goes far beyond music — performing a one-of-a-kind, history-making stage for world leaders at the 2025 APEC Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea.
A Performance That Made History
As the official cultural ambassador of APEC, G-DRAGON took the stage during the welcome banquet on October 31 at the Lahan Select Hotel in Gyeongju. His performance fused traditional Korean sounds with powerful K-POP energy, opening with “PO₩ER” and continuing with “HOME SWEET HOME (feat. Taeyang & Daesung)” and “DRAMA.”
His look was just as symbolic — a modernized traditional gat, red bow tie, and blue-white-black velvet tuxedo ensemble inspired by the Korean flag. The sophisticated styling and cultural symbolism instantly caught the attention of global leaders in attendance.
World Leaders Filming in Awe
During the show, several dignitaries — including Chile’s Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney — were spotted taking out their phones to record the moment. Even President Lee Jae-myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping were seen watching together, smiling and applauding — a striking image of soft diplomacy through culture.
“Peace with Create” — Art Beyond Borders
At the event, G-DRAGON also gifted APEC leaders special “Peace with Create” light-stick packages, carrying his message that “peace is not stillness, but a creative process.” The phrase reflects his long-time vision of art as a universal language that connects people beyond nations and politics.
G-DRAGON described his performance as an extension of his Übermensch philosophy — “Beyond Myself” — where creativity becomes a force for unity and healing.
“Music transcends language and borders,” he said. “As a Korean artist, I’ll keep singing higher and farther for a better future.”
The Global “GD Power” Continues
After making headlines at APEC, G-DRAGON continued his sold-out G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch], performing encore shows in Taipei on November 1-2 that drew 76,000 fans across two nights. He next heads to Vietnam, where anticipation is already soaring.
The tour will close with a three-day finale at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome (December 12–14), presented by Coupang Play, marking the grand culmination of his 16-city world tour.
Editor’s Insight: G-DRAGON and the New Era
What strikes me most about the Gyeongju performance wasn’t just the hits like “PO₩ER” or the nostalgic reunion of “HOME SWEET HOME” with Taeyang and Daesung; it was the stability of symbolism. Wearing a modernized gat and a tuxedo inspired by the Taegeukgi (Korean flag) wasn’t just a fashion choice it was a visual manifesto. G-DRAGON didn’t just perform at APEC; he conducted a masterclass in how an artist can become a bridge for international relations. This is the global standard for cultural diplomacy, and the crown has never looked more secure.