Choi Seung-hyun

Biography:

Choi Seung-hyun (Korean: 최승현; born November 4, 1987), better known by his stage name T.O.P, is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. Before gaining mainstream recognition, he was an underground rapper. He later joined YG Entertainment and debuted as the lead rapper of the boy band BigBang in 2006. The group became one of the most successful in Asia and one of the best-selling boy bands globally.

During BigBang’s hiatus in 2010, T.O.P collaborated with fellow member G-Dragon to release the album GD & TOP. As a solo artist, he released two digital singles, Turn It Up (2010) and Doom Dada (2013), which ranked second and fourth on the Gaon Digital Chart, respectively. However, in 2017, he was convicted for marijuana use, which led to a backlash from the South Korean public.

Born in Songpa District, Seoul, T.O.P comes from an artistic lineage—his great uncle was the pioneering abstract artist Kim Whanki. He developed an early interest in hip-hop and was childhood friends with Kwon Ji-yong (G-Dragon). Although they drifted apart, G-Dragon later reconnected with him when YG Entertainment was forming a boy band. By then, T.O.P had established himself as an underground rapper under the name Tempo and even won KBS Radio’s Rap Battle in 2003. Initially rejected by YG Entertainment for not fitting the idol image, he dedicated himself to weight loss, shedding 20 kg in 40 days. Six months later, he auditioned again and was accepted.

Given the stage name T.O.P by YG artist Seven, he became one of BigBang’s two rappers alongside G-Dragon. The group debuted after a documentary series chronicling their formation. Initially, BigBang had six members, but one was later dropped, leaving T.O.P, G-Dragon, Taeyang, Daesung, and Seungri. Their first album, Big Bang Vol. 1 – Since 2007, had a lukewarm reception, though it featured T.O.P’s solo track Big Boy. The group’s breakthrough came in 2007 with the hit Lies, followed by chart-topping singles Last Farewell and Day by Day.

T.O.P also pursued acting, debuting in 2007 in the drama I Am Sam and later starring in IRIS (2009) as an assassin. He gained recognition for his role in 71: Into the Fire (2010), which earned him multiple Best New Actor awards. That same year, he released the solo single Turn It Up, which saw commercial success. Later, he and G-Dragon formed the subunit GD & TOP, releasing an album that featured hits like High High and Knock Out.

From 2011 to 2012, T.O.P was heavily involved in BigBang’s global tours. Afterward, he focused on acting, starring in Commitment (2013) and Tazza: The Hidden Card (2014). He also ventured into art, collaborating with Vitra as a furniture designer and receiving the Visual Culture Award at the Prudential Eye Awards.

In 2017, T.O.P enlisted for mandatory military service as a conscripted police officer but was later reassigned due to his marijuana case. During his service, he was hospitalized following an anti-anxiety medication overdose. He completed his duty as a public service worker and was discharged in 2019.

Beyond music and acting, T.O.P made a mark in the art world, becoming the first K-pop artist to be listed among 200 global artists by Growse Magazine. In 2022, YG Entertainment announced BigBang’s comeback, but also confirmed that T.O.P had ended his exclusive contract with the label. Although YG initially stated he would still participate in group activities, T.O.P later confirmed his departure from BigBang in 2023.

In December 2024, T.O.P was announced as a cast member for Squid Game Season 2, portraying a former rapper named Thanos, whose career crumbled due to a crypto scandal. The role was created before casting, with director Hwang Dong-hyuk selecting T.O.P for his serious approach. To prepare for action scenes, he trained at an action school, during which he suffered broken ribs but insisted on continuing filming.