The South Korean entertainment community is mourning the loss of Ji Byung-soo, the beloved viral sensation affectionately known as “Hal Dam-bi” (Grandfather Son Dam-bi).
It was revealed on December 17, 2025, that Ji passed away on October 30, 2025, at the age of 82.
The Viral Sensation of “Korea Sings”
Ji Byung-soo became an overnight star in March 2019 following a legendary appearance on the long-running KBS program Korea Sings (National Singing Contest).
Then 77 years old, he shocked and delighted the audience with a passionate, highly synchronized performance of Son Dam-bi’s 2008 hit song “Crazy.”
His infectious energy, rhythmic “chair dance,” and genuine joy earned him the nickname “Hal Dam-bi.”
The performance went viral globally, amassing millions of views and turning him into a symbol of “aging gracefully” and finding passion at any age.
A Life of Resilience and Artistry
Beyond his brief stint as a viral star, Ji Byung-soo’s life was marked by both artistic talent and personal hardship:
- Diverse Career: Born in Gimje, he worked in construction and managed various businesses, including a boutique in Myeong-dong and a bar in Sinchon.
- Traditional Dance: Long before his K-pop fame, he was a trained traditional dancer and was once selected for a team that performed in Japan.
- Overcoming Adversity: Despite losing his fortune to fraud and living as a basic livelihood security recipient in his later years, he remained positive, eventually publishing a book titled “Grandpa Dambi, You Never Know What Life Has in Store!”
Relationship with Son Dam-bi
Ji Byung-soo’s fame led to a heartwarming connection with the original artist, Son Dam-bi. After his performance went viral, Son Dam-bi posted a video response thanking him for his passion.
The two eventually shared the stage for a special collaboration on a news program, a moment Ji often cited as one of the happiest of his later years.
Final Farewell
According to his longtime manager and friend, Song Dong-ho, Ji passed away due to natural causes (old age) at the National Medical Center.
Although he never married, his two adopted sons and his manager served as chief mourners during his funeral.
His remains were enshrined at the Byeokje Municipal Cemetery columbarium on November 15, 2025.
Fans across South Korea have taken to social media to pay tribute to the man who reminded everyone that it is never too late to dance.
On December 16, 2025, global fashion and lifestyle authority Hypebeast unveiled its prestigious “Hypebeast 100” (HB100) for the year, confirming G-Dragon’s continued dominance as a premier force in contemporary culture.
By securing a spot on the 2025 list, the BIGBANG leader has achieved an unprecedented ninth appearance, setting a historic record that remains unmatched by any other K-pop artist.
A Historic Milestone in Global Influence
The HB100 is an annual curation of 100 individuals who have most significantly shaped the world of fashion, streetwear, music, art, and design over the past twelve months.
G-Dragon first entered this elite circle in 2013 and has been consistently recognized in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and now 2025.
What makes this ninth selection particularly notable is the nature of G-Dragon’s influence.
While the list is typically dominated by professional designers, creative directors, and industry executives, G-Dragon stands as a rare example of an artist whose recognition is rooted in his “music-driven creative trajectory.”
Hypebeast highlighted that throughout 2025, he demonstrated a “singular presence” that transcends the boundaries between pop culture and high-end luxury.
2025: The Year of “Übermensch”
The Hypebeast selection credited much of G-Dragon’s 2025 momentum to his monumental musical return.
In February 2025, he released his long-awaited third full-length studio album, Übermensch—his first solo LP in 12 years.
G-Dragon (Credit: YouTube)
The album, which translates philosophical themes of self-transcendence into avant-garde hip-hop and pop, was hailed by critics as a masterpiece of identity and artistry.
Following the album’s release, G-Dragon embarked on the “G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch].” The tour was a massive commercial and cultural success:
- Global Reach: The tour spanned 39 shows across 17 cities in 12 countries.
- Attendance: He met over 825,000 fans worldwide, proving that his star power has only intensified during his hiatus.
- Symbolic Finale: The tour concluded with three nights of sold-out encore concerts at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul from December 12 to 14, 2025.
Beyond the Stage: Fashion, Art, and Diplomacy
G-Dragon’s impact in 2025 extended far beyond concert arenas. Hypebeast emphasized his role as a “creative benchmark” through several high-profile projects:
- Exclusive Collaborations: He partnered with Jacob & Co. to release the bespoke PEACEMINUSONE Pendant collection and collaborated with Gentle Monster on custom, non-retail eyewear.
- Artistic Expansion: His creative label, PEACEMINUSONE, continued to lead fine art projects that bridged the gap between streetwear and high-end gallery culture.
- Cultural Diplomacy: In October 2025, he delivered a symbolic performance at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, showcasing how his artistry has expanded into social and diplomatic realms.
Setting the Direction for 2026
By standing alongside global icons like Pharrell Williams, Travis Scott, and A$AP Rocky on the HB100, G-Dragon has reaffirmed that he is not just a “K-pop star,” but a definitive architect of modern culture.
As he prepares for upcoming appearances at the Melon Music Awards (MMA) on December 20, the industry is watching to see how the “King of K-pop” will continue to redefine the standards of global creativity in 2026.
