YG Entertainment once again proved it is the "heart of K-pop." Executive producer Yang Hyun-suk, as well as Big Bang, G-Dragon and BLACKPINK all made the list of the "Golden Disc Powerhouse 40," showcasing the overwhelming presence of the YG family.
'K-pop system architect' Yang Hyun-suk
Executive producer Yang Hyun-suk, who had led stage direction and performance innovations since the Seo Taiji and Boys era in the 1990s, is the very person who changed the structure of the K-pop industry after founding YG Entertainment. He created idol groups that captured the global market such as Big Bang, 2NE1 and BLACKPINK, turning the goal of "the globalization of music" into reality.
His rigorous producing system has been praised with evaluations such as "YG is remembered for its philosophy rather than its music," and it remains a role model for junior planners to this day.
'20-year legend' Big Bang's presence
Since their debut, Big Bang has changed the paradigm of Korean idols with music centered on self-composed songs. Hits such as "Lies," "Haru Haru" and "FANTASTIC BABY" have remained timeless classics, and with all members participating in creation, they achieved both musicality and popularity. Even after 20 years, Big Bang is still synonymous with the "K-pop icon" and continues to receive steady support from global fans.
'Dual selectee' G-Dragon's unrivaled symbolism
The most eye-catching figure in this "Golden Disc Powerhouse 40" is undoubtedly G-Dragon. He is the only "dual protagonist" selected both as a Big Bang member and as a solo artist. In addition to hits like "Heartbreaker," "Crooked" and "Bbijjakhage" (Crooked/Off-center), his cultural influence across fashion and the arts — G-Dragon has established himself as more than just a singer, becoming "the trend itself." His name has become a brand.
'Global brand' BLACKPINK's stature
BLACKPINK is recorded in K-pop history as a "symbol of globalization" beyond a fourth-generation girl group. Hits such as "DDU-DU DDU-DU," "Kill This Love" and "How You Like That" represent the global streaming era, and with 99 million YouTube subscribers and 58 million Instagram followers, they boast an overwhelming fandom size. They are now cultural icons that stand alongside global luxury brands, not just a K-pop group.
'YG DNA' made K-pop history
This "Golden Disc Powerhouse 40" is not simply a list of awardees but a "map of influence" that shaped the structure and flow of Korean popular music over the past 40 years. At its center was the YG family. Yang Hyun-suk's planning skills, Big Bang's musical autonomy, G-Dragon's cultural expansion, BLACKPINK's global impact — all these elements combined to complete a single brand called "YG's strength."
Meanwhile, the 40th Golden Disc Awards, marking its 40th anniversary, will be held Jan. 10, 2026, at Taipei Dome in Taiwan. This "Powerhouse 40" list is the result that proves YG is still at the center of K-pop.<
[Photo] YG Entertainment
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