Rapper, boyband member, and now, professor?
Yes, you heard that right. South Korean singer G-Dragon aka Kwon Jiyong is adding lecturer to his cap after accepting the role of visiting professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST).
In an agreement signed between KAIST and the 35-year-old’s agency, Galaxy Corporation, that’s set to last till 2026, he will be under the university’s mechanical engineering department delivering lecturers on leadership.
The BigBang frontman will also be tasked with organising cultural events for the KAIST’s students while promoting the university abroad.
By the sounds of it, the school’s students might soon boast some famous performers in the coming months.
A BigBang reunion, perhaps?
The agreement will also have GD involved in research involving AI, robotics, the metaverse and the development of artiste avatars in a joint venture with KAIST.
“It is an hour to be appointed as visiting professor at KAIST, a cradle for numerous scientific geniuses,’ said GD during his acceptance speech on Wednesday (June 5).
“I look forward to the great synergy, or “Big Bang”, that will occur when my expertise in entertainment meets with top-notch science and technology experts,” G-Dragon added.
Though class details have not been released, he shared during a panel discussion that his lectures will provide students with the vision and insights into the world that will allow them to pioneer in their own fields.
This isn’t the first time KAIST has appointed showbiz hotshots to their teaching roster.
Previously, former SM Entertainment chief producer Lee Soo Man and opera singer Jo Sumi were visiting lecturers too.
Late last year, G-Dragon was accused of illegal drug use but has since been cleared of all allegations by South Korean police.
Other than his new role as a professor, the King of K-pop is getting ready for a comeback with plans for a new solo album, his first in seven years.