Former BIGBANG member T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) recently addressed his position regarding BIGBANG’s 20th-anniversary activities.
Media reports published on September 15, 2026, including an article from Koreaboo, detailed statements made by the artist during a recent fan meeting event in Japan.
Despite officially departing from the legendary group and distancing himself from team projects, T.O.P reaffirmed his deep, ongoing support for his former bandmates- G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung- as they carry out milestone celebrations as a trio.
Firm Stance on Group Reunion and Commitment to Solo Career
During his interaction with fans in Japan, T.O.P explicitly clarified that he will not be participating in the 20th-anniversary comeback activities or the “XX : COSMOS” world tour currently being conducted by G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung.
He emphasized his decision to focus entirely on his path as an independent solo artist.
Addressing his relationship with the remaining members and their group endeavors, T.O.P expressed his genuine feelings:
“Although I can no longer stand on the same stage side by side with the members, I will continue to support and cheer for their activities and music from behind the scenes.”
T.O.P originally debuted with BIGBANG in 2006. Following his 2016 legal prosecution for marijuana use- which resulted in a 10-month prison sentence suspended for two years- he previously voiced an intention to step away from the entertainment industry and officially departed from BIGBANG in 2023.
He subsequently made his acting return in Netflix’s Squid Game Season 2 in late 2024 and launched his first solo full-length album earlier this year.
Reflection on Extended Hiatus, Handwritten Letter to Fans, and Emotional Growth
In addition to addressing BIGBANG’s 20th anniversary, T.O.P shared personal reflections regarding his long hiatus by reading a handwritten letter directly to his fans.
He opened up about the emotional struggles he faced during his extended period away from the public spotlight.
T.O.P confessed that while stepping away from the entertainment industry offered a sense of freedom within ordinary daily life, it simultaneously brought profound feelings of loneliness and emotional emptiness.
He revealed that creating music was his continuous outlet throughout his hiatus, helping him navigate his darkest moments and regain his balance.
Expressing deep gratitude to his supporters, T.O.P stated:
“Your support has been the greatest driving force allowing me to stand before the public again. I hope there will be no more distance between us moving forward.”
While BIGBANG continues to celebrate two decades in the music industry as a three-member group, T.O.P’s statements signal a definitive commitment to his independent solo journey while maintaining affectionate support for his former team.
