Musician envisions new future for art in age of AI at Innovate Korea 2025
"I like to think of myself as a medium that connects new technology with the public through art — creating content that makes innovation more approachable and fun. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be part of that journey."
K-pop artist G-Dragon, or professor Kwon Ji-yong, shared this vision on Wednesday during his first lecture as a visiting professor in the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology's mechanical engineering department, speaking at Innovate Korea 2025.
The event is one of the nation's largest annual forums spotlighting the convergence of art and technology, jointly hosted by Herald Media Group, KAIST and the National Research Council of Science & Technology. Marking its ninth anniversary, this year’s edition drew some 10,000 participants — including scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs, government officials and students — to KAIST’s Lyu Keun-chul Sports Complex in Daejeon on Wednesday.
Kwon's appearance that day marked his first lecture as a KAIST professor since being appointed to the role at last year’s Innovate Korea 2024, part of the university’s push to pioneer what it calls "enter-tech" — a field that merges art and artificial intelligence.
The yearlong wait appeared to pay off, with the K-pop artist offering remarks shaped by reflection and exploration.
“I’ve felt a sense of pressure and responsibility since last year. I wanted to be the first to experiment with new ideas — and share that journey with the public," Kwon said, opening up about his decision to step into an entirely new realm.
Any initial hesitation, however, was quickly overtaken by curiosity — a force he described as the driving value of his life — ushering him into a new world of imagination.
“I believe science and art converge at a single point: in their pursuit of creating something new,” he said. “Both strive to offer something meaningful to people, whether it’s sparking joy or improving their lives in some way.”
For Kwon, technology has become a key part of expanding his creative potential. Working with an AI program, he said, has allowed him to speed up the creative process without sacrificing quality. “It almost felt like having multiple versions of myself brainstorming together,” he said.
That same mindset extended to his live performances.
“When I design a stage, I’m always thinking about how technology can help me connect with everyone in the audience, since I can’t physically be everywhere at once,” Kwon said.
“At my last concert, I tried to incorporate cutting-edge technology — staying true to the KAIST spirit — and create an experience where art and technology come together to spark new emotions.”
Kwon, who appeared visibly shy at first — barely capable of lifting his head as he stepped onto the stage, still adjusting to the unfamiliar title — gradually grew more comfortable as he shared his thoughts on his greatest passion, art, and his growing curiosity for technology.
Toward the end of the lecture, Kwon even expressed his hopes of getting closer to the students, saying, “I’d love to have the chance to talk directly with the students,” before asking with a smile, “Where’s the classroom?” — drawing loud cheers from the packed audience.
Kwon used the lecture as an opportunity to share his philosophy with young scientists.
“Life doesn’t come with an instruction manual or a set direction. It’s about figuring out how to turn the abstract ideas in your head into something real,” he said. “For me, that’s music, and I’ve spent my life doing just that. It’s in those moments of creation that I feel most alive.”
For Kwon, it’s asking questions, not finding answers, that has guided him -- a mindset he described as his personal motto.
“It’s more like exploring than studying — chasing whatever sparks your curiosity or just makes you happy,” he said. "And if you keep imagining — I can tell you this from experience — there comes a moment when that imagination becomes real. Keep expanding your imagination.”
During the event, Kwon unveiled several collaborative projects with KAIST, including the space transmission of his song "Home Sweet Home" and the premiere of an AI-generated music video for the same track.
Kwon’s tenure as a visiting professor in KAIST’s department of mechanical engineering runs through June 2026.
jwc@heraldcorp.com
