T.O.P Reveals He’s No Longer In Contact With The BIGBANG Members In 1st Press Interview In Over 10 Years

Former BIGBANG member T.O.P (Choi Seung Hyun) recently opened up about various topics, including his past mistakes, departure from the group, and his comeback through “Squid Game 2” through his 1^st press interview in over 10 years.

On January 15, T.O.P participated in an interview at a café in Seoul’s Sogyeok-dong to discuss his role in Netflix’s original series “Squid Game 2.”

T.O.P debuted in 2006 as a member of BIGBANG but parted ways with the group and YG Entertainment in February 2022. His return to the entertainment industry was announced when it was revealed that he would star as the washed-up rapper “Thanos” in “Squid Game 2.” The character, once a successful rapper, loses everything after investing in cryptocurrency on the recommendation of YouTuber Lee Myung Ki (played by Im Siwan). Struggling with debt, Thanos joins the deadly game and secretly smuggles synthetic drugs, which he hides in his necklace—a portrayal drawing parallels with T.O.P’s real-life controversy involving marijuana use.

During his first official interview in 11 years, T.O.P appeared visibly nervous, dressed in a formal black suit and equipped with a notebook and pen. He began by saying, “Hello, I’m Choi Seung Hyun. It’s been 11 years since I’ve done an interview, and I’ve approached this moment with a lot of thought and a heavy heart. I wanted to meet at the right time, but I regret that it has been delayed. I will do my best to speak truthfully about everything. Thank you for your time, and I hope you’ll listen to what I have to share.”

Throughout the interview, the media outlet says: T.O.P had visible tension—shaking hands and quivering lips—reflected his unease.

When asked if he still keeps in touch with the other BIGBANG members, T.O.P admitted, “To be honest, I’m not in contact with them at the moment. I’m not exactly sure when it started, but I’ve been hesitant because I feel incredibly sorry. Right now, I haven’t been able to bring myself to reach out.”

Regarding whether the other members tried to dissuade him from leaving the group, he said, “That’s a bit of a delicate topic. I think it would be reckless to speak on behalf of the members or others who aren’t present here. After being discharged as a public service worker, I made it clear—five to six years ago, to be exact—that I wanted to leave the group. It’s been a long time since that decision.”

When asked if he had anything to say to fans after past clashes with them, T.O.P clarified, “I don’t see it as having clashed with fans. At the time, there were people who came to my SNS maliciously, leaving hateful comments. I was facing a darkness and challenges I had never experienced before. Honestly, I wasn’t in my right mind. I acted recklessly, and even now, I deeply regret it. It pains me, and I’m sincerely sorry.”

Are you surprised that T.O.P is no longer in contact with the BIGBANG members?

Source: (A)