G-Dragon to keep stage name for solo activities

K-pop star G-Dragon will continue using his stage name for upcoming solo projects, officials at his agency, Galaxy Corp., said Thursday. The officials said the company has acquired the trademark rights to "G-Dragon" and its abbreviation "GD" from his former agency, YG Entertainment, at no cost. YG also confirmed the transfer. The singer-rapper whose real name is Kwon Ji-yong is preparing to make a comeback as a solo artist later this year. He concurrently serves as a special professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in Daejeon, 139 kilometers south of Seoul. Galaxy Corp. said no date has been set for his comeback. G-Dragon debuted as a member of boy group BIGBANG in 2006. He joined Galaxy Corp. last year after his exclusive contract with YG Entertainment expired. Source: Yonhap News Agency