(JTBC)

K-pop star group Big Bang’s leader G-Dragon appeared Thursday as a guest on an evening news program, where he discussed his modern art exhibition and future plans for army enlistment.

In an interview with anchor Son Suk-hee of the 8 p.m. program “JTBC News Room,” the 26-year-old K-pop star spoke about his recent divergent activities concerning a self-arranged modern art exhibition.

(JTBC)

“Although not professionally, I have always enjoyed painting. I harbored aspirations for ‘beauty’ as I always had interests in creative music videos and fashion,” he said.

G-Dragon is exhibiting some 200 pieces of art created in collaboration with various artists.

His exhibition, “PEACEMINUSONE: Beyond the Stage,” was immediately met with negative criticism from the domestic professional art circle who disparaged his deviation from K-pop, calling his works ‘commercial products disguised as art.’

(JTBC)

“I have experienced in my music career that controversy can sometimes cast positive effects. I think the criticisms are there now because this is the beginning of my attempts at producing modern art. I’m sure in the long run, the perceptions will improve,” G-Dragon said.

“I don’t think something being ‘commercial’ is bad. Also, simply put, I’m still young and I believe I have ample time to grow. I merely want to deliver what I have learned from art in a friendly and accessible way to the public, just as how I would introduce what I find pretty or tasty to my friends.”

(JTBC)

He finished the interview with his plans for the two-year mandatory military service as an able-bodied South Korean male citizen.

“I will enlist when it’s time,” the pop star said. “I will try to preserve my thoughts and sensibility even after serving as a soldier.”

By Lim Jeong-yeo (kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)