"We sincerely apologize for the inappropriate wording": G-Dragon's representatives issue apology after offensive shirt in Macau sparks backlash

2026 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival - Weekend 2 - Day 3 - Source: Getty
2026 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival - Weekend 2 - Day 3 - Source: Getty

G-Dragon's agency has issued a formal apology after the Korean superstar's shirt blunder during his recent performance.

On Saturday, May 2, the BIGBANG leader performed at K-SPARK in Macau. The lineup also includes his co-member Daesung, as well as chart-topping groups P1Harmony, KISS OF LIFE (KIOF), and KiiiKiii.

However, G-Dragon, whose real name is Kwon Ji-yong, quickly made noise after he wore a shirt decorated with a Dutch racial slur. The Power hitmaker found himself under fire online due to the offensive language.

On Sunday, his label Galaxy Corporation released an official statement, apologizing for the misstep.

"We sincerely apologize for the inappropriate wording featured on the performance outfit worn by the artist at K-SPARK in Macau on May 2. This incident has once again reminded us of the importance of cultural sensitivity and responsible review."

The agency continued:

"We will thoroughly reassess and strengthen our internal review and verification processes, including styling and related internal processes, and move forward with a higher standard of global respect and responsibility."
Chanel: Photocall - Paris Fashion Week - Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 - Source: Getty
Chanel: Photocall - Paris Fashion Week - Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 - Source: Getty

Galaxy Corporation also vowed to respect the fans' "diverse cultural backgrounds and values," saying:

"We remain committed to approaching all artist-related activities with greater thoughtfulness and accountability, while ensuring that the diverse cultural backgrounds and values of our global fans will always be respected. Once again, we sincerely apologize to everyone who was hurt or disappointed by this incident."

G-Dragon has not personally spoken out on the incident.


G-Dragon performs at Coachella with Daesung and Taeyang

Meanwhile, G-Dragon fired up the Coachella stage with his co-BIGBANG members Daesung and Taeyang.

Their set marked their comeback to the stage following their scheduled (but cancelled) 2020 appearance at the music and arts festival.

On Apr. 12 and 19, the trio performed some of their greatest hits, including Bang Bang Bang, Fantastic Baby, Sober, Haru Haru, Lies, and Loser. They also sang their solos, such as Taeyang's Ringa Linga and G-Dragon's Power.

During their Coachella set, G-Dragon also confirmed a 20th-anniversary world tour for BIGBANG starting in August 2026.

BIGBANG wrapped up their set on a sad note with the poignant Still Life, their last song as a group (alongside T.O.P.) under YG Entertainment.

2026 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival - Weekend 2 - Day 3 - Source: Getty
2026 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival - Weekend 2 - Day 3 - Source: Getty

The "K-pop King" released his third solo album, Übermensch, in 2025 through the Galaxy Corporation in collaboration with the independent label EMPIRE. At the time, he received flak for the term.

For context, the word was coined by philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche in Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883), which depicts a kind of super-human, unweighed down by physical and societal limits. Later, it was claimed by the Nazis and remains popular among white supremacists.

In a press release, however, amid the release of the album, he explained:

"This album represents the idea of presenting a stronger and tougher version of ourselves to everyone. I hope the power I bring through my music can reach all my fans."

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Edited by Gladys Altamarino