AceShowbiz - The agency representing G-Dragon has formally apologized following backlash after the K-pop icon wore a shirt featuring racially offensive imagery and language during a recent performance in Macau, China.

The incident occurred at the K-Spark event on May 2, 2025, where G-Dragon appeared on stage wearing a shirt with a Dutch racial slur on the back, a term often compared to the N-word in severity. The front of the shirt displayed an exaggerated, caricature-like image of a Black man, which many viewed as highly inappropriate and culturally insensitive.

On May 3, just one day after the concert, Galaxy Corporation, G-Dragon's agency, released a statement on the artist’s official website expressing regret for the oversight. The message said they “sincerely apologize for the inappropriate wording featured” on the shirt and acknowledged the importance of cultural sensitivity and responsible internal review.

The agency pledged to improve its internal processes, stating, “We will thoroughly reassess and strengthen our internal review and verification processes, including styling and related internal processes, and move forward with a higher standard of global respect and responsibility.” They emphasized a commitment to respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds and values of fans worldwide.

The apology concluded with the agency expressing remorse to “everyone who was hurt or disappointed by this incident.”

This controversy is not the first time G-Dragon has faced accusations of racial insensitivity. In 2013, he posted a photo of himself with his face painted black. At that time, his spokesperson denied claims of blackface, explaining the face paint was simply different colors used for an album cover and was “in no way meant to be a political or racial statement.”

Following the recent incident, some social media users resurfaced old images of G-Dragon wearing the same shirt with the offensive Dutch term, raising questions about why the issue was not addressed earlier.

Billboard has reached out to G-Dragon's representatives for further comment regarding the current situation.

As the controversy continues to unfold, it highlights ongoing discussions about cultural awareness and sensitivity within the global music industry, especially for artists with a significant international fanbase.