Actress Kwon Kyung Ha has revealed that she was the middle school homeroom teacher of BIGBANG leader G-Dragon, recalling that the K-pop star displayed extraordinary talent and charisma long before his debut.
On July 8, the YouTube channel Lazy Rabbit uploaded a video titled “G-Dragon’s Middle School Homeroom Teacher Reveals the Young Kwon Ji Yong | Behind-the-Scenes Stories Shared for the First Time.”
Appearing as a guest, Kwon Kyung Ha surprised host Yoo Seung Min by revealing that she had taught Kwon Ji Yong, now known worldwide as G-Dragon, from his first through third year at Seoul Gugak Arts Middle School (now the National Traditional Arts Middle School), where she served as his homeroom teacher.
“He already had so much talent and stood out even back then,” Kwon recalled. “We even performed together in the play The Wedding Day, and he was an excellent actor.”
She explained that G-Dragon eventually transferred schools during his first year of high school because he needed to focus more on his entertainment activities.
“Whenever I see G-Dragon on television, I feel proud,” she said. “I have my own special memories because I knew him when he was very young. Even in his first year of middle school, he had remarkable talent and was clearly different from everyone else.”
According to Kwon, the future idol already carried himself like G-Dragon rather than simply being an ordinary student named Kwon Ji Yong.
“Many people may not know this, but G-Dragon was already very famous at the time,” she said.
She also recalled that G-Dragon was a regular performer at school events.
“Whenever the school held an event, G-Dragon was always on stage dancing,” Kwon said. “There was another student who often came with him, and I think that was Taeyang. They participated in the school’s performances every year for all three years.”
Kwon also remembered G-Dragon’s role as Samdol in The Wedding Day.
“He played the character with incredible energy and charm,” she said. “Even back then, his sense of fashion was exceptional. You could tell from a young age that he was someone destined to become a star.”
She added that G-Dragon’s mother’s unwavering support played a significant role in helping him become the artist he is today.
Concluding the interview, Kwon sent a heartfelt message to her former student.
“Ji Yong, I’m so happy to see the amazing person you’ve become,” she said. “It’s been such a long time since we last met, but I’ve always been cheering you on. I hope we’ll have the opportunity to reunite someday with your fellow alumni.”
