Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P)

Who is Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P) BIGBANG ?

Choi Seung-hyun (최승현), known globally by his stage name T.O.P, is a South Korean rapper, singer-songwriter, actor, and visual artist. He rose to fame as a member of the legendary K-pop group BIGBANG, under YG Entertainment, and has since built a diverse career spanning music, film, and even space exploration.

T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) – Biodata

Detailed biodata of Choi Seung-hyun, also known as T.O.P from BIGBANG. Includes full name, birth details, occupation, and more.

T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) Biography – K-pop Star, Actor & Visionary

Discover the full biography of Choi Seung-hyun, also known as T.O.P, a South Korean rapper, actor, and artist who rose to fame with BIGBANG and continues to influence global culture.

Early Life and Beginnings

Choi Seung-hyun, born on November 4, 1987, in Seoul, South Korea, displayed a passion for music and the arts from an early age. Known today by his stage name T.O.P, he began his journey as an underground rapper under the alias “Tempo,” impressing the local hip-hop scene with his lyrical talent and deep voice.

His friendship with Kwon Ji-yong (G-Dragon) eventually led to his audition with YG Entertainment, where he was selected to debut as part of what would become one of the most influential K-pop groups in history.

Rise to Stardom with BIGBANG

In 2006, T.O.P debuted with the five-member boy band BIGBANG. With his signature baritone voice and strong stage charisma, he quickly stood out as the group’s main rapper. BIGBANG went on to become one of the most successful and best-selling K-pop acts globally, with chart-topping hits like Fantastic Baby, Haru Haru, and Bang Bang Bang.

Alongside fellow member G-Dragon, T.O.P also formed the subunit GD & T.O.P, releasing a self-titled album in 2010 that further showcased his unique musical artistry.

Acting Career and Critical Acclaim

T.O.P made his acting debut in the 2007 drama I Am Sam and later transitioned into film, earning critical acclaim for his lead role in the Korean war movie 71: Into the Fire (2010). His performance won him Best New Actor honors at prestigious award shows, including the Blue Dragon Film Awards and Baeksang Arts Awards.

He continued to build his acting resume with roles in films like Commitment (2013) and Tazza: The Hidden Card (2014).

Challenges and Hiatus

In 2017, T.O.P faced public scrutiny after being convicted for marijuana use, leading to a suspended prison sentence and a career hiatus. He also had to complete his mandatory military service under modified conditions. Though the scandal deeply affected his public image, he maintained a loyal fan base and continued his passion for art and music behind the scenes.

Comeback and Artistic Evolution

In 2023, T.O.P parted ways with YG Entertainment and officially left BIGBANG, signaling a new chapter in his career. He returned to acting in 2024 with a bold performance in Squid Game Season 2 as the enigmatic character “Thanos,” earning praise for his intensity and vulnerability onscreen.

Simultaneously, he pursued his passion for visual arts and curating, launching his own label, TOPSPOT PICTURES, to independently manage his projects in music, film, and art.

Space Dreams: The DearMoon Project

In a surprising twist, T.O.P was selected as one of the civilian crew members for the DearMoon project, a planned lunar mission backed by SpaceX. The project aimed to bring artists around the Moon, symbolizing peace and unity through art. Although the mission was canceled in 2024 due to logistical setbacks, his participation highlighted his desire to transcend entertainment and engage with humanity’s future.

Legacy and Impact

T.O.P’s journey from K-pop sensation to multifaceted artist and cultural figure is a testament to his resilience, vision, and creative depth. He remains a symbol of reinvention in Korean pop culture, continually pushing boundaries in music, acting, and the arts.

T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) – Complete Discography

Explore the full discography of T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun), including solo songs, GD & T.O.P releases, and notable contributions with BIGBANG.

Solo Songs

• Turn It Up (2010) – Digital Single
• Doom Dada (2013) – Digital Single
• Still Alive (2023) – Part of his comeback project (unofficial/independent)

GD & T.O.P (Sub-unit with G-Dragon)

• High High (2010)
• Oh Yeah (feat. Park Bom) (2010)
• Knock Out (2010)
• Don’t Go Home (2010)
• Baby Goodnight (2010)
• Intro, What Do You Want?, Obsession, and more from the GD & T.O.P album (2010)

BIGBANG Songs Featuring Prominent T.O.P Contributions

• Fantastic Baby (2012)
• Bang Bang Bang (2015)
• Loser (2015)
• FXXK IT (2016)
• Last Dance (2016)
• Blue (2012)
• Monster (2012)
• Bae Bae (2015)
• Sober (2015)
• Let’s Not Fall In Love (2015)

Other Collaborations & Features

• We Belong Together – BIGBANG ft. Park Bom (2006)
• Hallelujah – G-Dragon, T.O.P, and Taeyang (2010)
• Beyond the Scene – Art performance and soundtrack piece (2022, art film project)

Post-YG / Independent Work

• Various unreleased demos and visuals (2023–present under TOPSPOT PICTURES)
• Anticipated new solo album (TBA)

T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) – Awards and Achievements

Explore the awards and achievements of Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P), South Korean rapper, actor, and member of BIGBANG. Recognized in music, film, and art.

Acting Awards

• Blue Dragon Film Awards (2010) – Best New Actor for 71: Into the Fire
• Baeksang Arts Awards (2011) – Best New Actor (Film)
• Korean Film Awards – Popular Star Award
• Style Icon Awards – New Style Icon (Actor) for I Am Sam

Music Awards (with BIGBANG / GD&T.O.P)

• Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) – Multiple wins (2006–2016), including Best Male Group, Song of the Year, and Artist of the Year
• Melon Music Awards – TOP 10 Artists and Song of the Year for various hits
• Golden Disc Awards – Digital Song Bonsang, Album of the Year
• Seoul Music Awards – Daesang (Grand Prize), Bonsang Awards
• Japan Gold Disc Awards – Best Asian Artist
• World Music Awards – Best-selling K-pop Group (BIGBANG)
• Billboard Korea – Top K-Pop Artist (with BIGBANG)

Notable Music Recognitions (Solo)

• Turn It Up – Topped Korean digital charts in 2010
• Doom Dada – Critical acclaim for artistic music video and experimental sound

Art & Cultural Achievements

• Art Curator – Collaborated with Sotheby’s Hong Kong to curate contemporary art auctions (2016)
• Forbes Asia – Featured in “30 Under 30 Asia” list (Entertainment & Sports)
• DearMoon Project – Selected as one of 8 global artists for SpaceX’s lunar mission initiative (2022, later canceled in 2024)

Legacy

• K-pop Icon – Recognized as one of K-pop’s most charismatic and influential figures
• Multi-disciplinary Artist – Known for blending music, film, fashion, and fine art
• Social Media Influence – Millions of followers worldwide and a trendsetting presence

Interesting Facts About T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun)

Discover fascinating facts about Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P) from BIGBANG – from his early life and music career to his art interests and space journey.

• Stage Name Origin: His stage name “T.O.P” was suggested by fellow YG artist Se7en and stands for “The Original Pimp” or “Top of the top.”
• Underground Roots: Before debuting with BIGBANG, T.O.P was an underground rapper known as “Tempo.”
• Audition Story: He was initially rejected by YG Entertainment for being overweight and lost about 20 kg (44 lbs) in 40 days to be accepted.
• First Solo Song: “Turn It Up” was his first official solo single, released in 2010 and quickly topped the charts.
• Art Collector: T.O.P is a respected art collector and curator, known for his collaborations with Sotheby’s and love for contemporary art.
• Acting Career: He won multiple Best New Actor awards for his role in the Korean war film 71: Into the Fire.
• Squid Game Season 2: He was cast in the globally popular Netflix series in 2024, marking his return to acting after several years.
• DearMoon Space Project: T.O.P was selected to join the lunar mission organized by SpaceX and Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, though the project was canceled in 2024.
• Musical Sub-unit: He formed the duo GD & T.O.P with G-Dragon and released an album of the same name in 2010.
• Multi-talented Artist: Besides rapping and acting, he is also a songwriter, producer, and visual artist.
• Distinctive Voice: T.O.P is known for his deep, baritone voice which stands out in every BIGBANG song.
• Private and Mysterious: He keeps a low profile and is known for his introspective and artistic personality.
• Independent Artist: In 2023, he left YG Entertainment to pursue an independent career through his own label, TOPSPOT PICTURES.
• Philanthropy: He has donated anonymously to various charities and has supported youth arts programs in South Korea.

Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P) – Official Social Media Accounts

Find the official and verified social media profiles of T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun), South Korean rapper, actor, and BIGBANG member.

• Instagram: @choi_seung_hyun_tttop
• Art/Brand Instagram: @topspot_official
• YouTube Channel: @TOPSPOT_OFFICIAL

Note: T.O.P does not use platforms like Twitter or TikTok officially. He often deletes or archives posts and keeps a minimal online presence.