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T.O.P.
Artist

T.O.P.

T.O.P. (탑), born Choi Seung-hyun (최승현), brought a baritone gravity to BIGBANG that no other K-Pop act has replicated. As the group's lead rapper from their 2006 debut through 2022, his deep voice and deliberate delivery provided the perfect counterweight to G-Dragon's rapid-fire flow. Together, they formed one of K-Pop's most celebrated rap duos.

Beyond BIGBANG, T.O.P. established himself as a legitimate actor. His film debut in 71: Into the Fire (2010) earned critical praise, and he followed it with Tazza: The Hidden Card (2014) and the period drama Commitment (2013). His collaborative EP with G-Dragon, GD&TOP (2010), remains a cult classic in the K-Pop canon.

T.O.P. is also one of K-Pop's most prominent art collectors, known for his refined taste in contemporary art and his patronage of young Korean artists. His Instagram, before he began limiting his public presence, doubled as a curated gallery of art, fashion, and architecture.

He confirmed his departure from BIGBANG via Instagram in May 2023, closing a 17-year chapter. Currently unaffiliated with any major label, T.O.P. announced his long-awaited return to music on January 1, 2026, teasing a new solo album titled Another Dimension. The announcement marked his first solo project in over 13 years and coincided with BIGBANG's 20th anniversary year. Music videos are reportedly directed by the production team behind Squid Game's visual design.

BIGBANG
Lead Rapper (former member, left 2023) of BIGBANG
3 articles8 creditsDebut: December 14, 2010South Korean

Gallery

Discography

2013
Doom DadaSingle
Solo ArtistYG Entertainment
2010
GD&TOPAlbum
Co-Lead ArtistG-DragonYG Entertainment
2010
Turn It UpSingle
Solo ArtistYG Entertainment

Filmography

2014
Tazza: The Hidden CardFilm
Lead Actor
2013
CommitmentFilm
Lead Actor
2010
71: Into the FireFilm
Lead Actor
2009
IrisK-Drama
Supporting Actor

Other Credits

2026
ANOTHER DIMENSIONStudio Album
Lead ArtistTOPSPOT PICTURES

Fans Also Ask

Who is T.O.P. from BIGBANG?
T.O.P. (탑), born Choi Seung-hyun, is the lead rapper of K-pop group BIGBANG. His deep baritone voice and deliberate delivery became one of the group's most distinctive elements from their 2006 debut through 2022. He departed BIGBANG in May 2023 after 17 years with the group.
Is T.O.P. releasing new music in 2026?
Yes. T.O.P. announced his return to solo music on January 1, 2026, teasing an upcoming album titled Another Dimension. The project marks his first solo release in over 13 years and arrives during BIGBANG's 20th anniversary year. Music videos are reportedly helmed by the visual team behind Squid Game.
Why did T.O.P. leave BIGBANG?
T.O.P. confirmed his departure from BIGBANG via Instagram in May 2023, declining to join the remaining members' contract renewal with YG Entertainment. He left after 17 years with the group. The remaining members G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung continued as a trio for BIGBANG's 2026 comeback.
Has T.O.P. acted in any movies or dramas?
Yes. T.O.P. has a film career alongside his music. He debuted in 71: Into the Fire (2010), earning critical praise, then appeared in Commitment (2013) and Tazza: The Hidden Card (2014). He also appeared in the K-drama Iris (2009). His acting has been widely recognized as a distinct pillar of his career.
What is T.O.P.'s connection to the art world?
T.O.P. is one of K-pop's most prominent art collectors, known for his deep engagement with contemporary art and support for emerging Korean artists. Before reducing his public presence, his Instagram functioned as a curated gallery showcasing art, fashion, and architecture from his personal collection and travels.

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