It's official. G-Dragon is the highest paid active songwriter-performer in K-pop, according to the publication eNEWS.
The Big Bang rapper and frontman was the only performer to be mentioned on a list of South Korean composers earning the most from songwriting royalties in 2012.
G-Dragon was listed as number five on the list, compiled by the Seoul Broadcasting System program "Good Morning," with total earnings of $744,000.
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SM Entertainment staff producer Yoo Young Jin, responsible for writing hits for major acts like Shinhwa and Super Junior, landed the number four spot with $782,000 in 2012 songwriting royalties.
YG Entertainment's star producer Hong Jun "Teddy" Park was third on the list with $886,000. Teddy has composed hits for girl group 2NE1 and Big Bang. While Zia and 2BiC producer Cho Young Soo was number two with $914,000.
The top earning South Korean songwriter in 2012 was JYP Entertainment CEO Park with royalties of $1.1 million. Park, although not currently active as a touring artist, formerly had a lucrative performing career under the name JYP.
All amounts were calculated before taxes.
At age 25, G-Dragon is the youngest on the list of top-earning songwriters.
And the K-pop superstar appears to have no intentions of slowing down, most recently composing and producing "Ringa Linga," the title track off of his Big Bang bandmate Taeyang's new album.
In a press release published on YG Entertainment's website on Friday, a representative for Big Bang's record label explained why G-Dragon's active role in Taeyang's new single is noteworthy.
"As a producer, G-Dragon has composed countless songs for Big Bang and also for himself, but him being involved in writing and composing the song for Taeyang's title track is unprecedented."
Later this month, T.O.P. will become the fourth member of Big Bang to release a solo album this year, making Daesung the only member of the group not to drop his own record in 2013.
Singer Seungri's solo album "Let's Talk About Love" dropped in August and G-Dragon's wildly successful double album "Coup D'Etat was released in September.
Big Bang kicks off their Dome Tour of Japan on Nov. 16 at the Seibu Dome in Tokorozawa City, opening up for the group will be YG's newly-crowned boy band WINNER.
