G-Dragon Donates 880 Million KRW to Support Youth Alcohol Addiction Treatment Through Highball Launch Event

LEAD PARAGRAPH:

International K-pop icon G-Dragon has pledged 880 million South Korean Won (approximately $635,000) to aid youth struggling with alcohol addiction. The donation was announced at the ‘PEACEMINUSONE Premium Highball Launch Party’ held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on June 13, 2025. In a remarkable show of philanthropy and commitment to social causes, G-Dragon’s contribution to the JUSPEACE Foundation will fund continued treatment and rehabilitation programs for young individuals battling alcoholism.

 

KEY FACTS AND STATISTICS:

- Amount Donated: 880 million KRW (approx. $635,000).  

- Recipient: JUSPEACE Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth alcohol addiction treatment.  

- Event: PEACEMINUSONE Premium Highball Launch Party.  

- Venue: Grand Hyatt Seoul.  

- Date of Announcement: June 13, 2025.  

- Purpose: To fund ongoing treatment programs, counseling, and support services for adolescents and young adults combating alcohol dependency.

 

CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND:

G-Dragon, born Kwon Ji-yong, is a trailblazing figure in the world of K-pop and fashion. As the leader of the chart-topping boy band BIGBANG, his influence extends beyond music into art, design, and social activism. His brand, PEACEMINUSONE, has gained recognition for its unique fusion of streetwear aesthetics and symbolic messaging. The brand’s signature daisy emblem, reinterpreted by G-Dragon himself, symbolizes imperfection and the idea that solidarity transcends individual flaws.

 

JUSPEACE Foundation

Established to address the rising incidence of alcohol abuse among South Korea’s youth, the JUSPEACE Foundation offers comprehensive treatment services, including detoxification, counseling, group therapy, and aftercare support. The foundation emphasizes early intervention and long-term rehabilitation to reduce relapse rates and foster healthier lifestyles.

 

THE LAUNCH EVENT:

The PEACEMINUSONE Premium Highball Launch Party, hosted at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, drew an exclusive crowd of industry professionals, influencers, and fans. The event celebrated the debut of a limited-edition highball beverage, designed in collaboration with a leading spirits company. Each bottle’s label features G-Dragon’s reinterpretation of the daisy motif—a commentary on life’s inherent imperfections and the collective strength found in unity.

 

During the launch, G-Dragon addressed attendees:  

"I wanted this project to go beyond a simple collaboration. The daisy is imperfect, just like we are all imperfect. It stands for the beauty in our flaws, and the idea that through solidarity we can transcend our individual battles. Alcohol addiction is a battle many young people face silently. I hope this donation can bring them hope and real, lasting support."

 

ARTIST QUOTES AND INSIGHTS:

- On the Symbolism of the Daisy:

  "The daisy artwork expresses that everyone lives with their own forms of incompleteness. That shared imperfection can unite us in solidarity, which is a central theme of my brand and this initiative."

 

- On His Philanthropic Vision:

  "I believe artists have a responsibility to contribute positively to society. Music and art can inspire, but real change happens when we back inspiration with action. Supporting youth through JUSPEACE is my way of taking that step."

 

- On Youth Alcohol Addiction:

  "Many of us have witnessed friends or peers struggle with dependency. Early intervention makes a world of difference. By funding treatment programs, we’re not just giving money; we’re giving these young people a chance at a healthier future."

 

DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF FUNDS ALLOCATION:

The 880 million KRW donation has been earmarked for the following:

1. Treatment Programs (Detox, Residential Care): 45%  

2. Counseling Services (Individual and Group Therapy): 30%  

3. Aftercare Support (Education, Job Training, Peer Support Groups): 15%  

4. Administrative and Operational Costs: 10%  

 

IMPACT PROJECTIONS:

Based on JUSPEACE’s historical data, every 100 million KRW funds approximately:  

- 50 individual detoxification courses  

- 200 hours of counseling  

- 25 participants in aftercare programs  

 

Accordingly, G-Dragon’s 880 million KRW donation is projected to support:  

- 440 detox courses  

- 1,760 hours of counseling  

- 220 aftercare participants

 

This level of support could directly benefit over 600 young individuals, considering some will partake in multiple services.

 

EXPERT OPINIONS:

Dr. Lee Min-ji, Clinical Director at JUSPEACE Foundation, commented:  

"G-Dragon’s generosity will significantly expand our capacity to reach at-risk youth. Early treatment and sustained counseling are critical to reducing relapse rates. This donation is a game-changer for our programs."

 

Professor Choi Hyun-seok, Sociology Department, Seoul National University, added:  

"Celebrity philanthropy raises public awareness. When a cultural icon like G-Dragon champions a social cause, it not only brings much-needed funds but also destigmatizes issues like youth alcoholism. That dual effect can spur broader societal support."

 

PUBLIC AND MEDIA REACTION:

Social media platforms lit up with praise for G-Dragon’s initiative. Hashtags like #GDforYouth and #HighballWithPurpose trended on Korean Twitter, with fans sharing personal stories of recovery and messages of gratitude. Entertainment news outlets highlighted the synergy between PEACEMINUSONE’s artistic vision and the charitable cause, noting the event’s elegance and heartfelt mission.

 

ANALYSIS AND INSIGHTS:

G-Dragon’s donation underscores several broader trends:

- Rising Awareness of Youth Mental Health and Addiction: South Korea has seen growing attention to mental health, particularly among young people facing academic and social pressures. This donation aligns with national efforts to improve access to treatment.  

- Celebrity-Driven Philanthropy: High-profile figures are increasingly leveraging their platforms for social good. Beyond financial contributions, their involvement elevates public discourse.  

- Brand–Cause Integration: PEACEMINUSONE’s daisy artwork and the limited-edition highball exemplify how brands can integrate symbolic messaging with real-world impact.  

 

FUTURE PROSPECTS:

G-Dragon’s collaboration with JUSPEACE may pave the way for ongoing partnerships and expanded initiatives. Potential developments include:

- Scholarship Programs for Youth Rehabilitation Education  

- Nationwide Campaigns on Responsible Alcohol Use  

- Art Therapy Workshops Led by PEACEMINUSONE-creatives  

 

CONCLUSION:

At the intersection of art, music, and social responsibility, G-Dragon’s 880 million KRW donation represents more than a generous gift—it marks a commitment to change. By supporting the JUSPEACE Foundation, he has not only provided vital resources for youth alcohol addiction treatment but also used his cultural influence to reshape the conversation around addiction and recovery. As the PEACEMINUSONE Premium Highball pours hope into glasses, it also pours hope into lives in need of healing and solidarity.