G-DRAGON’s Iconic Flower Turns into “818 BLOOM” Blocks with OXFORD

SEOUL, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 15, 2025--

MTREINC announced a collaboration between a global artist G-DRAGON and Korea’s leading block manufacturer OXFORD, bringing G-DRAGON’s iconic daisy bloom to blocks.

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Under this collaboration, OXFORD joined forces with PEACEMINUSONE, the fashion brand founded by G-DRAGON, to launch “818 BLOOM,” a limited-edition block flower. The release coincides with the International Day of Peace on September 21.

G-DRAGON was involved in the design, ensuring the product reflects the philosophy of PEACEMINUSONE. Each set includes a hologram certificate of authenticity bearing his signature to prevent counterfeiting and enhance collectible value. As the world’s first DIY product embodying the artist’s persona, it is attracting significant global attention from fans and collectors.

Founded in 1961, OXFORD has grown into a global brand, producing over 200 million blocks annually in more than 30 countries. The company is known for popular series such as the “Cultural Heritage Series” featuring Sungnyemun Gate (Korea’s historical landmark), Geobukseon (turtle warship during the Korean Joseon Navy), and the Colosseum; the “Heroes Series” highlighting figures like Admiral Yi Sun-sin; and the “War Series,” which recreated historical moments. OXFORD has also collaborated with major corporations and organizations, including Samsung, SK, LG, KT, CJ, Kia Motors, Korean Air, and the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, with many collections selling out.

The partnership between PEACEMINUSONE and OXFORD marks an unprecedented collaboration between a global cultural icon and a global brand, garnering significant domestic and international attention.

Jong-yeol Kim, CEO of MTREINC, a company behind the “818 BLOOM” project, said, “This product embodies G-DRAGON’s vision of PEACEMINUSONE—a crossroads between a peaceful utopian world and the reality of deficiency. We hope people around the globe will reflect on the value of peace as they build ‘818 BLOOM,’ infused with G-DRAGON’s message.”

Meanwhile, G-DRAGON, appointed as the honorary ambassador for the 2025 APEC Summit in Gyeongju, continues to be praised for his positive influence through various public initiatives.

The partnership between PEACEMINUSONE and OXFORD marks an unprecedented collaboration between G-DRAGON, a global cultural icon, and a world-class brand (Photo: MTREINC Co., Ltd.)

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — The U.S. military conducted a rapid response exercise involving Marines and military aircraft in Venezuela’s capital Saturday, over four months after the ouster of then-President Nicolás Maduro.

Two Marine Corps Osprey aircraft, which have characteristics of both a helicopter and a fixed-wing airplane, flew over the recently reopened U.S. Embassy in Caracas. They landed in the parking lot with the downdraft blowing tree branches. Forces then descended from the aircraft.

“Ensuring the military’s rapid response capability is a key component of mission readiness, both here in Venezuela and around the world,” the embassy said on Instagram.

Venezuela’s government had announced the drill earlier this week. Foreign Minister Yván Gil said the U.S. would conduct the exercise to prepare “in the event of medical emergencies or catastrophic emergencies.”

The drill comes almost two months after the U.S. formally reopened its embassy in Caracas. The reopening followed the restoration of full diplomatic relations with the South American country after Maduro 's ouster in early January.

Some Caracas residents Saturday gathered near the embassy to watch the aircraft, while a few dozen others gathered elsewhere in the city to protest the exercise. Protesters held a Venezuelan flag with the message “No to the Yankee drill” written over it.

U.S. military aircraft last flew over Caracas on Jan. 3, when elite forces rappelled down from helicopters and captured Maduro and his wife. Both were taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges. They have pleaded not guilty.

U.S. Embassy holds emergency and air evacuation drill in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)

U.S. Embassy holds emergency and air evacuation drill in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)

U.S. Embassy holds emergency and air evacuation drill in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)

A soldier looks down from a military aircraft as the U.S. Embassy holds an emergency and air evacuation drill in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)

U.S. Embassy holds emergency and air evacuation drill in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, May 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Pedro Mattey)