Happy Birthday G-Dragon: Rare Photos and Facts about the 'BIGBANG' Star

Rapper G-Dragon's name is synonymous with Korean rap music, and the Kpop star is at the forefront of the music scene. Of late, BIGBANG's accolades have been rising. The band has not only gained a huge fan base in Korea, but world over. Not many know that G-Dragon is one of the oldest members of BIGBANG. And as he turns 26 on 18 August, let's take a look at some shining moments in his young but illustrious life. 

1. G-Dragon's actual name is Kwon Ji Yong, and his alias is inspired by his real name. Yong means 'Dragon' in Korean. The star was also born in the year of Dragon according to the Chinese calendar. Yes, the similarities are astounding. It's almost as if he was destined to be named G-Dragon.
2. He has many nicknames. At school, GD was called Kwonjiral. But he really likes his nickname, "Kwon Leader." 
3. GD and Taeyang initially wanted to be known as a duo, but YG entertainment had other plans. They included three more members to their band, and voila, BIGBANG came into existence.
4. He is inspired by Jay-Z, Beyonce, Rihanna, Blackstreet, JO, Pharrell Williams, Maroon 5, Mondo Grosso, and 015B.
5. GD and Seungri share an intimate connection. He once shared his bed with Seungri when BIGBANG lived in their first apartment, and GD supposedly hugged his fellow band mate during nap time. GD has also said that he would most likely take Seungri out on a date if he was a girl.
6. BIGBANG's G-Dragon has the most female fans compared to his other band members. Taeyang even said that GD is a playboy. Although we don't know who he's dating currently, the star has been linked with Sandara Park of 2NE1, Ahn Shohee of Wonder Girls and Japanese model, Kiko Mizuhara. Nevertheless, the rapper has said that his ideal girl should definitely have short hair.
7. GD has been in the music industry ever since he was 12 years old. He started his career with SM Entertainment and moved to YG after 5 years of training.
8. The rapper has seven tattoos on his body up until now.
9. GD wants a daughter and has stated that he doesn't want to wait long to be married.
10. He is the youngest child in his family. GD has an older sister, Kwon Dami, who owns a boutique. The rapper often promotes Dami's collection at gigs.
11. He is a size Medium and his favourite colours are Yellow and White.
12. If he didn't make a career for himself in music, he would have studied fashion design.