G-Dragon’s Unexpected Middle School Connection: The Actress Who Taught the K-Pop Icon

South Korean actress Lee Il-hwa recently revealed a surprising personal connection to G-Dragon, confirming that she served as his middle school teacher before he rose to global stardom. The actress shared details of their past student-teacher relationship during a recent appearance on the variety show Strong Heart VS, shedding light on the early life of the Big Bang leader, whose legal name is Kwon Ji-yong.

The Connection Between Lee Il-hwa and Kwon Ji-yong

During the broadcast, Lee Il-hwa recounted her time working as a teacher at an arts middle school. She identified Kwon Ji-yong as one of her former students, noting that even at that young age, his talent and distinct personality were evident. According to the actress, the young Kwon Ji-yong was a memorable presence in her classroom, standing out among his peers long before he debuted as the leader of the genre-defining group Big Bang in 2006.

The revelation sparked significant interest among fans, as Lee Il-hwa is widely recognized for her prolific career in K-dramas, most notably for her role as the mother in the popular Reply series. Her transition from an educator to a veteran actress provides a unique perspective on the formative years of one of the music industry’s most influential figures.

G-Dragon’s Early Artistic Development

Before achieving international fame, G-Dragon’s path was marked by extensive training and a focus on performing arts. His enrollment in an arts-focused middle school was a critical step in his development as a musician and performer. While G-Dragon has often discussed his rigorous training period at YG Entertainment, anecdotes from his academic life remain relatively rare.

The confirmation of his time in Lee Il-hwa’s class offers a humanizing look at the transition from a student to a trainee. For fans, this detail highlights the intersection of Korea’s education system and the entertainment industry’s development pipeline, where young artists like Kwon Ji-yong were balancing standard arts education with the demands of intense musical preparation.

Contextualizing the Reveal

The story gained traction following its airing on SBS, reflecting the public’s enduring fascination with the pre-fame lives of K-pop icons. In the entertainment industry, such connections often serve to bridge the gap between the polished public persona of a celebrity and their grounded, everyday background.

While G-Dragon has moved on to become a multifaceted artist, producer, and fashion icon, the acknowledgement from a respected industry peer like Lee Il-hwa serves as a reminder of his roots. As of 2026, G-Dragon continues to maintain a significant presence in global pop culture, with fans frequently revisiting stories that document his journey from a student in Seoul to an international sensation.

Key Takeaways

• The Teacher: Actress Lee Il-hwa confirmed she taught G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-yong) during his middle school years.
• The Setting: The interaction took place at an arts middle school before the singer debuted with Big Bang.
• Public Reaction: The story was shared during an episode of Strong Heart VS, drawing attention to the singer’s early life.