T.O.P
Former BIGBANG member and rapper T.O.P is set to make his solo return in the fourth quarter, marking 12 years since his 2013 digital single “DOOM DADA“.
According to an industry representative, “T.O.P’s full album is expected to be released after October,” and “all songs are already completed, with several music videos in preparation. The art director of ‘Squid Game’ will oversee production.”
The music video will be directed by Chae Kyung Sun, the art director of the Netflix series “Squid Game”, who won ADG Awards in the U.S. in 2022 and 2025, and received the 2022 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Art Direction.
T.O.P’s comeback had been anticipated for some time. Last November, when a fan asked about his solo career plans on Instagram, he simply replied, “2025.” In June, during a foreign interview promoting “Squid Game 2”, he confirmed his intention to return this year.
After leaving YG ENTERTAINMENT in 2021 and departing from BIGBANG, T.O.P has been active without an agency. Some rumors suggested a possible exclusive contract with KAKAO ENTERTAINMENT, which the company denied.
In 2016, he was sentenced to 10 months in prison with a 2-year probation for marijuana use during mandatory military service. He was later transferred to civil service and had announced retirement from showbiz. However, he stirred controversy with his return last year through “Squid Game 2”.
In a January interview with the Korean press, he shared:
“In my twenties, I had the incredible fortune of receiving so much bright and glorious love. But I made big mistakes, and my fall was a path I had never taken before, so I was mentally exhausted and broke down a lot.”
He added:
“Every time I’m in my studio, I feel alive and keep working. I’ve created a lot of music, and I think one day it will need to be revealed to the world.”
Fans are eagerly awaiting this comeback and the new music T.O.P will release.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS TOP
