G-Dragon performs onstage at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Navada
Courtesy of GALAXY CORPORATION
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of KCrush.
On Sunday, August 31, 2025, South Korean entertainment icon Kwon Jiyong, globally known as G-Dragon, transformed the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas into his personal stage for the Übermensch World Tour. The “King of K-pop” announced the tour earlier this year, on February 6, through his self-founded entertainment agency, Galaxy Corporation.
G-Dragon’s tour marked his first world tour in eight years, celebrating his comeback album released later that month. For longtime fans, this was more than just a concert—it was a long-awaited reunion. In my case, after last seeing him in concert in Seoul with BIGBANG, it was an emotional experience that I did not expect to tear up about.
KCrush was on the scene to capture the energy, the artistry, and the storytelling that unfolded across the four-act show. With 30 tour dates scheduled worldwide, Las Vegas was just one stop, but was monumental because it was his first time there.
G-Dragon performs onstage at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Navada
Courtesy of GALAXY CORPORATION
A Devoted Crowd
Walking into the arena, the crowd reflected the passage of time since G-Dragon’s last major tour. Predominantly Asian women of Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese heritage, the audience’s average age leaned toward the late 30s, though families and friend groups of all ages filled the space. Many were longtime fans who proudly waited for over an hour to purchase official merchandise, especially the daisy-shaped daisybong lightstick. Some cosplayed iconic looks from G-Dragon’s music videos, too. From robes and silk scarves under snapback caps, to handmade replicas of his red rose jacket, fans outwardly celebrated both his fashion legacy and his music.
Speaking of fashion, G-Dragon was stunning! We will get to that later.
The K-pop concert tradition of exchanging fanmade gifts was also alive and well. One woman cheerfully approached groups of attendees, saying, “Are you excited for the concert? I want to give you a keychain!” The community spirit of fandom, regardless of the soloist or group, reinforces souvenirs and tokens of connection. You are quickly made to feel like you are amongst your kind of people, which was welcoming for first-time concertgoers.
Even those not deeply in fandom culture were caught up in the moment. In our guest section, a woman attending in support of a friend who worked with the Vegas tour team shared, “I’m not really a fan.” She admitted, “Still, it’s amazing to see a legend and the fruits of everyone’s labor.” That sense of pride rippled across the arena as anticipation grew.
G-Dragon performs onstage at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Navada
Courtesy of GALAXY CORPORATION
Act I: The Reminder
As the lights dimmed and the first act began, G-Dragon reasserted his legacy. This opening segment was a reminder of who he is and the powerful eras he has shaped in K-pop. Through a mix of strength-driven imagery, iconic visuals, and high-energy performances, he revisited some of his most dynamic work. My all-time favorite G-Dragon song, “MichiGO,” came rumbling through the speakers and I lost control with excitement! Rapping lyrics I remember studying years ago when I was early in my days of learning the Korean language was an indescribable feeling. I’ve heard him perform it live before during his last U.S. concert, but this time was different – I’ve grown up with this and so has he.
G-Dragon performs onstage at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Navada
Courtesy of GALAXY CORPORATION
Act II: The Declaration
The second act took on a more dramatic, almost biblical tone. With heavy use of battle iconography and ascension themes, G-Dragon declared his endurance. There was a moment of showing him take a drastically high walk up a flight of steps, as if moving towards the heavens. It felt unexpectedly burdensome yet wholly inevitable. This was a statement that, despite years away from the stage, he still believes that he carries a responsibility to the industry and to his fans.
What made this act particularly thrilling was the choice of deeper album cuts. “I Love It” (너무 좋아) from Coup d’Etat—a collaboration with Zion.T and Boys Noize—echoed through the arena. Even more surprising was “Today,” a track from his 2012 mini-album One of a Kind, originally featuring Kim Jong Wan of Nell. G-Dragon even sang Kim Jong Wan’s high vocal parts! By this point, longtime fans were wrapped up in nostalgia. These were tracks I never imagined hearing live, and they instantly bridged the gap between past and present.
Throughout Act II, he also remixed songs with references to music greats, weaving in Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl intro to “They Not Like Us” and nodding to The Jackson 5. It was a reminder that while he is a K-pop pioneer, his artistry is global and continues to have an array of influences. After all, this is the man who said he sounded out the English words of Wu-Tang Clan’s songs as a youth as he fell in love with rap and hip-hop. By the way, did you know that he’s wearing Wu-Tang Dunks in the “Too Bad” music video? He’s been in the industry for decades and still references his early inspirations. (Again, the fashion! Wait, everyone, we’ll get to it.)
G-Dragon performs onstage at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Navada
Courtesy of GALAXY CORPORATION
Act III: The Arrival
If the first two acts looked outward—toward legacy and duty—the third act looked inward. Here, G-Dragon went back in time, referring to himself as a/the/that “boy.” This was not the voice of a boy striving for recognition, but of a man who has found peace within himself. He no longer has anything to prove; he has arrived. A bittersweet moment came in the form of a montage highlighting his lifelong dedication to entertainment. For fans who discovered him young, it was once charming to think of him as a child prodigy. But watching that same footage years later, one can’t help but reflect on the sacrifices he made. While his peers grew up with ordinary experiences, G-Dragon was on stage, acting, performing, and breaking records. His childhood was not his own—it was given to the craft. So much so, that whenever his left hand moved as he rapped, or took off his in-ear monitor (IEM) to encourage us to make more noise, the massive diamond ring on his hand almost made it seem like he’s married to it.
Act IV: The Farewell
The encore act tied everything together with tenderness. Similar to the time he took during his 2017 world tour, Act III: M.O.T.T.E., G-Dragon shared a recording of himself reflecting on the years he was out of the spotlight. He mentioned how overwhelmed and exhausted he was and how he was not certain when the time would be to return. There was still much that he wanted to say, but in his own way (hence, developing Galaxy Corp.). G-Dragon said that the little boy he was – now addressing himself as “Jiyongie”– can grow up reassured that everything would be okay. He is happy, free, and hopeful for the future.
The finale began with a special performance: a rock rendition of “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.” Standing at his mic, the audience joined in unison, evoking memories of when fans sang “Haru Haru” at BIGBANG’s last concert in December 2017. It was a communal, emotional release that underscored the bond between artist and audience. It closed with my favorite song from this year’s album, “IBELONGIIU,” where I stood and sang with pride until my vocal chords couldn’t produce more sound.
G-Dragon performs onstage at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Navada
Courtesy of GALAXY CORPORATION
Style, Symbols, and Superhuman Opulence
No G-Dragon concert is complete without a statement in fashion. Throughout the night, he appeared in an array of Asian designer ensembles, accented by his ambassador love affair with the House of Chanel. Accessories glittered, and the diamond studs in both of his ears were stunning — genuinely gasp-inducing sluggers of a rock that spoke to his wealth and passion for luxury..
One of the more symbolic threads of the night was his use of the “U” symbol, a motif he has carried throughout this 2025 era. By his own explanation, it represents his past and present self, from 2009 until today, looking upon one another. While the distance between then and now may not be vast in years, the transformation he has undergone in that span is both immeasurable and visible. So much has happened, and yet he continues evolving without abandoning what made him iconic.
G-Dragon performs onstage at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Navada
Courtesy of GALAXY CORPORATION
Closing Reflections
The Übermensch World Tour is more than just a concert series; it is G-Dragon’s living autobiography told through music, visuals, and performance. Each act spoke to different stages of his life: the meteoric rise, the trials, the acceptance, and ultimately, the reconciliation with self.
Walking out of the T-Mobile Arena, one thing was clear: happiness, on his terms, has finally found G-Dragon. And for fans who have grown alongside him, the night was not only about witnessing a comeback but also about affirming a shared journey. Indeed, our leader, our self-realized “Superman” has returned! And this time, Kwon Jiyong feels more human than ever.
Ashley Borjon, Host & Historian
Ashley is a content creator, educator, and public speaker. As an authority on the Hallyu phenomenon, she has collaborated on projects and events with various domestic and international companies and brands as a music historian. As the host of An Album a Day, she leads an English-language podcast promoting commentary on South Korean pop music. Learn more about her at https://www.a3daypodcast.com
#GDRAGONinLasVegas #LasVegas #kcrush #GDRAGON2025USTour #kpop #kfashion #kidol #Koreanidol #BIGBANG #TheSuperman #TheSupermanHasReturnedtotheUnitedStates #Korea #kcrushmagazine #kfashionista #kcrushamerica #GDRAGONFashion #GDRAGONShow #GDRAGONTour #GDRAGONOnStage #GDRAGON #ÜbermenschWorldTour #GDRAGONGalaxyCorporation #TmobileArenaLasVegas #KwonJiyong #MichiGO
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