T.O.P: More than ‘K-pop’

T.O.P, born Choi Seung-hyun, is known for his work as a rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. He first gained recognition as an underground rapper before joining YG Entertainment and debuting as the lead rapper for the iconic boy band BigBang in 2006. BigBang quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the best-selling groups in Asia and globally renowned.

T.O.P's artistry is characterized by his distinctive deep voice, skillful rapping, and ability to fuse various musical genres, including hip hop, R&B, and pop. His solo work has been noted for its innovative and bold approach, blending elements of hip hop with a unique lyrical and musical style. T.O.P's commitment to his craft, whether in music, acting, or art, reflects a deep-seated passion for creative expression. His reluctance to be confined by the "K-pop" label underscores his desire to be recognized as a multifaceted artist.

T.O.P's talents extend beyond music; he made his acting debut in 2007 with the TV series I Am Sam and garnered acclaim for his roles in Iris and the film 71: Into the Fire. His performance in the latter earned him multiple Best New Actor awards, highlighting his capability as a serious actor. T.O.P continued to balance his music and acting careers, taking on leading roles in films such as Commitment and Tazza: The Hidden Card. His work in these projects was well-received, earning him accolades and recognition at international film festivals. T.O.P's on-screen presence, combined with his deep, resonant voice, made him a standout figure in both music and film.

In the early 2010s, T.O.P expanded his creative pursuits. During a group hiatus in 2010, T.O.P teamed up with fellow BigBang member G-Dragon to release the album GD & TOP, which showcased their dynamic partnership and T.O.P's unique lyrical style. His solo ventures, including the digital singles "Turn It Up" and "Doom Dada," further cemented his reputation as a versatile artist, with both tracks performing well on the Gaon Digital Chart.

"Doom Dada" demonstrated T.O.P's evolution as an artist, blending K-pop with a more avant-garde, experimental approach. He also ventured into the world of design, debuting as a furniture designer in collaboration with Vitra in 2015, and received the Visual Culture Award at the Prudential Eye Awards for his contributions to the arts. T.O.P continued to explore new artistic avenues, starring in the web drama The Secret Message and contributing to its soundtrack.

T.O.P's career faced challenges in 2017 when he began his mandatory military service and encountered legal issues related to marijuana use. The incident led to his temporary suspension from police duty and a subsequent reassignment to public service. Despite these setbacks, T.O.P completed his service and returned to the public eye. In 2019, he shifted his focus towards art, making significant strides in this field. T.O.P also officially parted ways with YG Entertainment and, in 2023, confirmed his departure from BigBang, signaling a new chapter in his career.