G-Dragon’s ‘Übermensch’ Brings the Drama to Newark Past and Present Collided for two electrifying nights

The legendary global icon’s, and pioneering member of K-Pop’s 2nd gen group BIG BANG, much-awaited ‘Übermensch G-Dragon 2025 World Tour’ finally arrived in Newark, New Jersey for two sold-out nights. It marked the first stop of the U.S. leg, at the mecca of K-Pop venues for the tri-state area, the Prudential Center. The sold-out crowds of nearly 17,000 were on hand to witness the unparalleled artistry we have come to expect from the star, after an 8 year hiatus from the stage.

ⓒ GALAXY CORPORATION

V.I.P.s packed the venue, with anticipation building, they erupted in a roar when G-Dragon finally made his entrance on a center-stage lift, complete with fog and pyrotechnics, 25 minutes after the scheduled start time. Adorned with a crown, fit for the King of K-Pop, he kicked off the show with his award winning single, ‘Power’. The live band and dance crew, featuring this writer’s favorite Kwon Twins (Deukie & Dony) - staples of GD’s group and solo career performances, were also highlights of the night. The crowd stayed on their feet for a venue shaking performance of ‘Home Sweet Home’, featuring video screen appearances from fellow BIG BANG members, Taeyang and Daesung, and then moving on to ‘Go’ before taking a break to address the crowd for the first ment of the night. GD addressed the enraptured crowd with his all-English ments. Even in a non-native language, he conveyed to the crowd repeatedly his appreciation and gratitude, that we waited for him. In turn, the crowd gave the love right back by singing Happy Birthday, to the star, multiple times through the night, as he turned 37 just 4 days before the show.

Lasers, pyro, fog, confetti, multiple lifts, 10 screens - 8 of which were modular, and a faux steam grate, only enhanced the level of showmanship that G-Dragon has been known for during his decades spanning career. Each stage had its own vibe - whether it was the lasers and pyro during ‘Home Sweet Home’, fog with subdued colors for ‘Bonamana’, hologram of beatboxer WinG during ‘Heartbreaker’, samples from Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ during ‘Bullshit’, or fan favorite choreo during ‘Too Bad’, GD kept us guessing and enthralled all night. His VCRs between stages, gave a more intimate feel and featured home videos from his childhood and early days of his career. One video in particular, nearly 9 minutes in length, gave a peek behind the curtain of the creation of the ‘Übermensch’ album and world tour. Übermensch, a word coined by philosopher Nietzsche, and its meaning, while subjective, initially meant to describe an ideal future human. G-Dragon explained that it was a mentality that he adopted to connect and honor his past self while creating the best version of his present self.

ⓒ GALAXY CORPORATION

The nearly two and half hour show was stacked with the best songs from G-Dragon’s past, accented by the tracks from his Übermensch album, released in February of this year. He showcased his versatile vocal style - featuring his deep singing tone and his distinct rapping that allowed him to be playful with his voice throughout the night. We were treated to genre-defying performances of ‘One of a Kind’, ‘Crayon’ , ‘I Love It’, ‘WHO YOU?’, ‘Crooked’ and more before the star teased the supposed last song of the night ‘Drama’ featuring his haunting vocals. His 5-song encore was a crowd pleaser, as he took to the floor during ‘This Love’ (a Maroon 5 cover) and ‘One Year Station’ to meet the fans who waited 8 long years for him to return. This proximity sent the crowd into a frenzy, with a piece of lower level railing giving way and a fan falling, all to get closer to the K-Pop deity. Luckily, no one was hurt, G-Dragon and his staff made sure the fan was ok, before continuing back to stage, and eventually ending with ‘Untitled, 2014’ which he renamed ‘Untitled, 2025’ for the night.

Another highly anticipated feature of the show was the fashion. Known as a trendsetting fashion icon, G-Dragon’s stage ‘fits did not disappoint. Only adding to the already phenomenal performances were a jacket made of realistic red roses with white rose accents around the cuffs, a pearl adorned moto-style jacket, a navy military inspired jacket, a double-breasted red suit with with classic straw hat, and ended with custom pajama look complete with a teal robe with Übermensch embroidered on the back and shoes that resembled slippers. And can’t forget to mention the accessories - glasses, bracelets, custom broaches and huge blinding diamond rings all had the star shining even brighter.

ⓒ GALAXY CORPORATION

After 8 years of disconnection, G-Dragon’s ‘Übermensch World Tour’ theme was one of reconnection. Reconnecting with the fans, with his musically creative side since his last solo album release in late 2013, and with himself as a person, honoring young Kwon Ji Yong and the present G-Dragon, the spirit of the Übermensch itself. This comeback and tour, after years of self-proclaimed soul searching, marks a bold new chapter in his career, and solidifies his global legacy as an innovative, groundbreaking, driving force in K-Pop.

Missed out on G-Dragon’s first stop in the U.S.? There is still time to catch his remaining shows in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. G-Dragon has also given V.I.P.s a reason to stay turned in 2026, teasing events and content celebrating BIG BANG’s 20th Anniversary.