T.O.P
Choi Seung Hyeon, known professionally as T.O.P, is a South Korean singer, dancer, actor, and former member of BIGBANG (빅뱅). He graduated from Hansol High School and later obtained a bachelor's degree in Theater from Dankook University. Before officially debuting, he had already performed on many underground stages at hip-hop clubs and established a reputation as an underground rapper using the stage name Tempo. In 2003, he was the winner of KBS Radio's "Rap Battle". He was recommended by Kwon Ji Yong (known as G-Dragon) as a possible addition to a new group that YG Entertainment (YG엔터테인먼트) was creating. However, he was initially rejected by the record label as he was deemed too "chubby". He later went home and lost 20 kg in 40 days. Six months later, he auditioned again and was signed. He made his debut in August 2006 as BIGBANG's lead rapper, vocalist and visual with their first single album, also titled "BigBang". Their debut received lukewarm reactions from the public and critics, but later, singles began getting more attention, and soon, they topped all the music charts and managed to increase their popularity across Asia. They were labeled as the "Kings of K-Pop" as they helped spread the South Korean wave internationally and are considered one of the most influential acts in pop music thanks to their trendsetting musical experimentation, self-production, and stage presence. Following the group's huge success, they decided to go on hiatus to focus on their individual activities. He made his acting debut in 2007 with a role in the KBS drama "I Am Sam". Then, he made his debut as a solo artist in June 2010 with the digital single "Turn It Up" and began working with G-Dragon in a special unit. He then alternated his schedule between BIGBANG and his acting career before he enlisted for his mandatory military service on February 9, 2017, as a police officer. However, in June of that year, it was announced that he would be prosecuted without detention for the use of marijuana. He was then found unconscious in the police barracks due to a suspected anti-anxiety medicine overdose and was hospitalized. After recovering, he pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to 2 years probation. He was deemed unfit to serve as a police officer and re-assigned as a public service worker. He returned to his military service on January 26, 2018, and was finally discharged on July 8, 2019. After serving, he helped compose and also wrote the lyrics for the single "Still Life" in April 2022. However, he continued to be criticized for his actions, and in May 2023, he announced his withdrawal from the group. He has continued his career as an actor, and while there have been rumors of a possible return to BIGBANG, he has denied it several times. He is represented by TopSpot Pictures (탑스팟픽쳐스). (Source: MyDramaList) Edit Biography
