It is hard to believe but there is a whole generation of fans who have not been exposed to G-Dragon’s music. His last solo project, the EP titled “Kwon Ji Yong,” was released in 2017. After returning from his military service, he only released one single with his group, Big Bang. Noticeably, the song was not promoted by the group members or their agency. Finally, though, G-Dragon has returned with the bombastic prerelease, “Power.” The hip-hop song has quickly risen to iTunes charts worldwide, and the MV has already reached over 15 million views. It is clear that while G-Dragon was gone, he was certainly not forgotten.
Aesthetically, the MV for “Power” has all of G-Dragon’s signature traits; There are loud colors, dynamic sets, and many background dancers and actors filling up the spaces. G-Dragon is wearing his trademarked layered look created from a tan suit, a blue banana, and a beanie with horns. On anyone else, this outfit would be insane but on G-Dragon, it is his way of expressing his individuality. However, while G-Dragon is happily dancing in the MV, there is a deeper message underneath all the bright colors and lights. “Power” is not just a long-awaited return to music, but a critique on the media circus surrounding G-Dragon’s drug allegations in 2023.
There are many Easter eggs throughout the MV for “Power” – some of which even diehards may have missed on the first watch. There are references to his previous singles like the small car in “Crayon” and the subway from the song “Michigo.” Additionally, there are men in red hoods sprinkled throughout the MV. This is a clear reference to his single, “Coup d’etat.” The phrase “coup d’etat” means a seizure of power, and G-Dragon uses this symbol throughout his MV to indicate just that. After his scandal and leaving his long-time agency, YG Entertainment, G-Dragon has reclaimed his power.
Another more subtle reference in the MV is a pair of black glasses sitting on a table during a news segment. In this scene, G-Dragon interrupts a news show by jumping on the table with a red-hooded man. Throughout his drug scandal, news outlets and social media personnel were consistently posting about his every move, including what he wore to his trials. Funnily enough, the pair of black glasses he wore sold out in online stores. This quick scene references the ridiculousness of the media’s eye on him, as well as the influence he continues to have on the public.
The subway scene symbolizes a new beginning for G-Dragon with his new album. The graffiti across the walls include the titles of all the songs for his upcoming album. G-Dragon has always had an affinity for the number eight, and in the last scene, we see G-Dragon walking toward an “88” on the wall. There are eight tracks on the album, and it has been 88 months since his last comeback. To add, G-Dragon was also born in 1988. Potentially related is the image of two silhouettes staring at each other on the back of his shirt as he walks away. The two men resemble the Roman numerals II which has the same symmetrical aesthetic as 88. However, this could have more significance once his album is released.
While the MV is jam-packed with hidden messages, his lyrics are also an enigma to unravel. In the lyrics, he mentions the “receipts” which refers to the evidence he provided to ultimately clear his name of the accusations. During that time, he was not just criticized but even became a “meme” for public entertainment. He also cites that he is now “free,” likely a subtle dig at his former agency which he promptly left after the scandal. Throughout the chorus, G-Dragon reminisces about this situation, and expresses that he is now back in control:
Forcefully criticize, spread a meme, talk blah-blah, shout out
Pump up the power, I’m free (Yap-yap)
Do not waste your time, yeah, it’s gotta be me
Prove ’em all wrong, I’ve got all the receipts
I got the power, the power, power-up power
I’m beautiful just being myself (Yep-yep)
G-Dragon delivers a poignant critique to his haters, and gives fans, new and old, a nice introduction to his upcoming music. With the use of props and sets, he inserts many hidden images for fans to discover and dissect. G-Dragon’s lyricism also adds another layer to this song for listeners to hear his side of the story. If this is only the pre-release, we can certainly expect even more with his title track and upcoming album.
(YouTube, My Daily., Insight. Lyrics via Genius. Images via Galaxy Entertainment)
