The highly anticipated variety show Good Day kicked off on MBC on February 23, 2025, with G-Dragon stepping into the spotlight as the lead host. Joined by a star-studded lineup of guests—all born in 1988, just like him—the episode was packed with camaraderie, laughter, and an unexpected moment that had fans buzzing. During the broadcast, G-Dragon made an indirect yet pointed reference to his iconic group BigBang, hinting at the trio lineup that wasn’t exactly planned.
Welcome to ‘88 Country’: A Gathering of Stars
[선공개] 88나라 이게 된다고?💞
<#굿데이> 일요일 밤 9시 10분 방송🌼#GoodDay #GD #지드래곤 #정형돈 #데프콘#조세호 #코드쿤스트 #황정민 #광희 #정해인#임시완 #이수혁 #김수현
MBC 250223 방송🔗https://t.co/vum3Chdwln
ⓒ MBC&iMBC 무단 전재, 재배포 및 이용(AI학습 포함)금지 pic.twitter.com/cnPK3Ixdx7— withMBC (@withMBC) February 23, 2025
G-Dragon welcomed his fellow “88-liners”—Kim Soo Hyun, Jung Hae In, Im Si Wan, Kwanghee, and Lee Soo Hyuk—into what he playfully dubbed “88 Country.” The premise? A rare chance for these busy celebrities, all born in the same year, to connect and bond. Im Si Wan set the tone early, marveling at the logistics of bringing six high-profile schedules together.
“It’s really not easy for us to coordinate, and it’s even harder for us 88-liners to gather like this,” he said. “I’m excited and very curious about how this combination came together.”
The group’s chemistry was instant, with moments of genuine connection shining through. Kwanghee, ever the candid one, opened up about the challenges of forming true friendships in the industry.
“Now it’s really hard to make true friends,” he admitted. “Even if you have feelings, it’s not easy to get close, and I’m grateful for this opportunity.”
The episode even saw the stars exchanging contact info, a sign they were already growing tighter as a crew.
Kwanghee’s Trio Dream Sparks G-Dragon’s Witty Clapback
The conversation took a turn when Kwanghee reminisced about meeting G-Dragon on a music show years ago. With a wistful tone, he added,
“If I were to be reborn, I would also like to be part of a trio group. I want to practice singing a lot.”
It was a lighthearted comment, likely meant as a nod to BigBang’s current three-member setup—G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung.
But G-Dragon wasn’t about to let it slide without a quip.
“It’s not that we ever wanted to be a trio,” he shot back bluntly, his deadpan delivery sending the room into fits of laughter.
The remark was a subtle but unmistakable reference to Big Bang’s history, hinting at the group’s evolution from its original five-member lineup to the trio fans know today. It wasn’t a choice—they simply adapted to the circumstances.
Laughter and Shock: The 88s React
G-Dragon’s bombshell caught everyone off guard. The 88-liners erupted in laughter, while Kwanghee, visibly flustered, played up the moment with a dramatic,
“How could you do this to me, someone who came to help?”
The exchange was pure variety-show gold—sharp, spontaneous, and a perfect showcase of G-Dragon’s quick wit.
soohyun led 88 members to swap phone numbers, which is totally why he got picked as leader🤗#KimSooHyun #GoodDay pic.twitter.com/GP5yWvHmIs
— ️️ً (@soohyunssimp) February 23, 2025
For fans, though, it was more than just a funny moment. It was a rare peek into G-Dragon’s thoughts about BigBang’s journey, delivered with his signature mix of humor and honesty.
Big Bang’s Trio Era: A Bittersweet Reality
Big Bang is currently celebrated as a powerhouse trio, with G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung carrying the torch. Their latest release, “HOME SWEET HOME (feat. Taeyang, Daesung),” dropped in November 2024 and quickly became a fan favorite, proving that even as a trio, their magic remains intact. But G-Dragon’s comment on Good Day subtly reminded viewers that this wasn’t the original plan. The group debuted in 2006 as five—G-Dragon, Taeyang, Daesung, T.O.P, and Seungri—before unforeseeable changes over the years left them as three.
While the trio has thrived, G-Dragon’s offhand remark suggests a lingering awareness of what once was—a nod to the past that resonates deeply with longtime fans.
‘Good Day’ Sets the Stage for More G-Dragon Gems
The premiere of Good Day delivered exactly what viewers hoped for: a fresh, fun platform for G-Dragon to shine as a host, surrounded by an engaging cast of peers. His indirect mention of BigBang was just one highlight in an episode brimming with personality and promise. If this is the tone for the rest of the series, fans are in for a treat—and maybe a few more candid insights into the mind of one of K-pop’s most iconic figures.
What do you think of G-Dragon’s trio comment? A playful jab or a poignant reflection?