T.O.P Addresses Departure from BIGBANG: ‘I Took Responsibility for the Damage Caused’

T.O.P Opens Up About Leaving BIGBANG After 11 Years

In a candid interview with the press, T.O.P, who now uses his real name Choi Seung Hyun, shared his insights regarding his departure from the iconic K-pop group BIGBANG. This marks his first public discussion about the topic in over a decade. The interview took place on January 15, 2023, amid growing curiosity about his decision to step away from the group.

Throughout the years, T.O.P had maintained a low profile regarding his exit from BIGBANG, which occurred in 2023. He finally broke this silence during an exclusive chat with News1.

“I am the one who caused so much damage to the team called BIGBANG,”T.O.P revealed, reflecting on the burden he felt prior to making the difficult decision.

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He elaborated further, noting, “There were numerous thoughts racing through my mind, and I realized that I could not inflict any further harm to the team. Consequently, I informed both my label and the other members of my intention to leave after my military service.”T.O.P completed his service in 2019 and spent the ensuing years primarily working in isolation, leading him to reconsider his social interactions.

Despite his withdrawal, T.O.P occasionally reached out to BIGBANG’s devoted fans, known as VIPs. However, he faced criticism for reportedly blocking fans from tagging him in posts related to the group. His actions sparked discussions about his internal struggles.

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“For me, it felt torturous to see photos of the members and me tagged on social media, yearning for a reunion. Experiencing that was incredibly distressing,”T.O.P shared, drawing parallels to the pain of seeing a separated family.

In 2022, T.O.P collaborated on a final project with his fellow BIGBANG members—G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung—releasing the single “Still Life.”Initially, fans hoped he would stage a comeback, but he ultimately confirmed his departure after his contract with YG Entertainment lapsed.

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“Once the ‘Still Life’ project wrapped up, I resolved to leave BIGBANG. I felt ashamed to consider going back, and I had to grapple with the consequences of my past actions. The most pressing concern was my potential impact on the team due to my previous errors,”T.O.P expressed.

When questioned about his relationship with the remaining members of BIGBANG, T.O.P’s responses were cautious. He acknowledged a lingering affection for the group, hinting at their potential reunion at the upcoming 2024 MAMA Awards. “I carry a burden of guilt that makes reaching out difficult,”he admitted.

“Of course, I saw them at the 2024 MAMA Awards. They continue to impress, and I will always support their future endeavors,”T.O.P reassured, hinting at his ongoing admiration for his former bandmates.

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