T.O.P: Difference between revisions

{{Short description|South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter and rapperactor (born 1987)}}

| genre = {{hlist|[[K-pop]]|[[Korean hipHip hop music|Hiphip hop]]}}

| past_member_of = {{hlist|[[Big BangBigBang (South Korean band)|Big BangBigBang]]|[[GD & TOP]]|[[YG Family]]}}

| module2 = {{Infobox Korean name|child=yes|headercolor=transparent

| hangul = {{linktext|최|승|현}}최승현

'''Choi Seung-hyun''' ({{ko-hhrmKorean|최승현}}; born November 4, 1987), better known by his stage name '''T.O.P''', is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter and actor.<ref name="Russell2014">{{cite book|author=Mark Russell|title=K-Pop Now!: The Korean Music Revolution|page=34|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=etDZAwAAQBAJ|date=April 29, 2014|publisher=Tuttle Publishing|isbn=978-1-4629-1411-1}}</ref> better known by his [[stage name]] '''T.O.P''', is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor. He performed as an underground rapper before joining the [[record label]] [[YG Entertainment]] and debuted as the lead rapper for the [[boy band]] [[Big BangBigBang (South Korean band)|Big BangBigBang]] in 2006. The group became one of the best-selling groups of all-time in Asia and one of the best-selling boy bands in the world.<ref name="records">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2017/digital/news/bigbang-kpop-youtube-red-reality-show-1202399581/|title=K-Pop Superstars BigBang Go Camping in YouTube Red's First Korean Show|work=[[Variety.com]]|access-date=April 27, 2017|date=April 26, 2017|last=Spangler|first=Todd|publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]]}}</ref> In 2010, while the group was on hiatus, T.O.P and [[G-Dragon]] collaborated to release the album, ''[[GD & TOP (album)|GD & TOP]]''. As a solo rapper, he has released two digital singles, "[[Turn It Up (T.O.P song)|Turn It Up]]" (2010) and "[[Doom Dada]]" (2013), that have peaked at number two and four, respectively, on the [[Gaon Digital Chart]].

T.O.P made his acting debut in 2007 through the TV series ''[[I Am Sam (TV series)|I Am Sam]]'' (2007), followed by ''[[Iris (South Korean TV series)|Iris]]'' (2009) and the TV movie ''[[19-Nineteen|Nineteen]]'' (2009). He made his film debut with ''[[71: Into the Fire]]'' (2010), for which he received praise and won multiple accolades including Best New Actor at the [[31st Blue Dragon Film Awards|2010 Blue Dragon Film Awards]] and the [[47th Baeksang Arts Awards|2011 Baeksang Arts Awards]]. Subsequently, he garnered lead roles in the films ''[[Commitment (2013 film)|Commitment]]'' (2013), for which he was awarded New Asian Actor of the Year at the [[Busan International Film Festival]] and ''[[Tazza: The Hidden Card]]'' (2014).

===1987–2006: Career beginnings and debut with Big BangBigBang===

{{Main|Big BangBigBang (South Korean band)}}

[[File:Big_Bang_In_Thailand.JPG|left|thumb|[[Big BangBigBang (South Korean band)|Big BangBigBang]] at MTV Fast Forward, Thailand, December 2007.]]

Born and raised in [[Seoul]], [[South Korea]], Choi Seung-hyun is the great nephew of Korea's pioneering [[abstract art]] artist [[Kim Whanki]] and grew up in contact with art due to his family.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jung|first=Hyung-Mo|url=https://news.joins.com/article/17067253|title=멋진 의자 '득템'하면 행복 좋은 디자인엔 설렘이 있어|date=January 31, 2015|publisher=JoongAng Sunday|language=ko|access-date=November 28, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://star.mt.co.kr/stview.php?no=2019112417403765570&VBC|title=빅뱅 탑, '외할아버지의 외삼촌' 김환기 화백 '우주' 132억 낙찰에 "자랑스럽다"|publisher=StarNews|language=ko|date=November 24, 2019|access-date=November 28, 2019}}</ref> Choi became interested in [[Hip hop music|hip hop]] at a young age.<ref name=":0" /> He and fellow future BigBang member [[G-Dragon|Kwon Ji-yong]] were "neighborhood friend[s] from middle school" and often danced and rapped together.<ref name="dance">{{cite web|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010012610365249416|date=February 2, 2010|publisher=Asiae News|language=ko|script-title=ko:新스타고백지드래곤⑤아이돌그룹 활동, 망설였다|access-date=February 4, 2010}}</ref> Although Kwon later moved away and the two "became distant", Choi was contacted by Kwon when YG Entertainment, Kwon's record label, was scouting for possible candidates to create a boy group.<ref name="dance" /> By then, Choi had already performed on many underground stages at hip hop clubs<ref>{{cite news|author=Chung Ah-young|url=httphttps://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2009/09/142_39487.html|title=Big Bang Reveals Self-Fulfilment Strategies|date=February 13, 2009|access-date=February 13, 2009|newspaper=[[The Korea Times]]}}</ref> and established a reputation as an underground rapper with the stage name Tempo.<ref name="新스타고백 지드래곤⑥'빅뱅' 별명은 '어ㅉㅅ케해'였죠">{{in lang|ko}}{{cite web |url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2010012614544865752|title=新스타고백지드래곤⑥'빅뱅' 별명은 '어떡해'였죠|date=February 3, 2010|publisher=Asiae News|access-date=February 4, 2010}}</ref> In 2003 under the name of Tempo, he was the winner of KBS Radio's ''Rap Battle''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/CU/CU_EN_8_7_1_5.jsp|title=Big Bang Profile - T.O.P|publisher=[[Korea Tourism Organization|Visit Korea]]|work=[[Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism]]|access-date=February 6, 2010}}</ref> After contact,

Choi subsequently recorded several demos with Kwon and sent them to [[Yang Hyun-suk]], [[Executive director|CEO]] of YG Entertainment, who later asked hehim to audition.<ref name="新스타고백 지드래곤⑥'빅뱅' 별명은 '어ㅉㅅ케해'였죠" /> Choi was initially rejected by the record label, which deemed him too "chubby" to fit the "idealistic version" of an idol.<ref name="新스타고백 지드래곤⑥'빅뱅' 별명은 '어ㅉㅅ케해'였죠" /> He later "went home and exercised really hard because [he] wanted to join YG Entertainment,"<ref name="新스타고백 지드래곤⑥'빅뱅' 별명은 '어ㅉㅅ케해'였죠" /> losing 20&nbsp;kg in 40 days.<ref name="新스타고백 지드래곤⑥'빅뱅' 별명은 '어ㅉㅅ케해'였죠" /> Six months later, Choi returned for another audition and was signed.

Given the stage name of T.O.P. (Korean: 탑) by senior YG artist [[Seven (Korean singer)|Seven]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.dramafever.com/news/7-more-of-the-hottest-letters-in-the-k-pop-alphabet/|title=7 More of the hottest letters in the K-Pop alphabet|last=Nguyen|first=Nhu|date=May 26, 2016|work=DramaFever News|access-date=May 19, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> he became one of two rappers alongside G-Dragon (Kwon's stage name) in [[BigBang (South Korean band)|BigBang]]. The two were paired with four others: [[Taeyang]], [[Daesung]], [[Seungri]] and [[Jang Hyun-seung|Hyunseung]] and a documentary leading up to their debut was aired to promote them.<ref name="Big Bang">{{cite news|title=Big Bang |url=http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_artists_detail.htm?No=103896 |work=KBS World |access-date=January 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201170812/http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_artists_detail.htm?No=103896 |archive-date=December 1, 2010 }}</ref> Hyunseung was later dropped by Yang, and BigBang made its official debut with five members.<ref name="'준비된 그룹' 빅뱅, 대폭발 예고">{{cite news | script-title=ko:'준비된 그룹' 빅뱅, 대폭발 예고| date=July 7, 2006| url =http://sports.chosun.com/news/news.htm?name=/news/entertainment/200607/20060708/67h18001.htm| work= Sports Chosun| access-date = January 15, 2010 |language=ko}}</ref> Their first studio album, ''[[Bigbang Vol.1|Big Bang Vol. 1 - Since 2007]],'' received lukewarm receptions,<ref name="Album Sales For The Month of February 2007">{{cite news|title=Album Sales for the Month of February 2007 |url=http://www.miak.or.kr/stat/kpop_200702.htm |work=Industry Association of Korea |access-date=February 15, 2008 |language=ko |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071221002110/http://miak.or.kr/stat/kpop_200702.htm |archive-date=December 21, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and included T.O.P.'s first solo song "Big Boy". The group achieved mainstream success with the release of the song "[[Lies (Big Bang song)|Lies]]" (Korean: 거짓말; [[Revised Romanization]]: ''Geojitmal'') from the [[extended play]] ''[[Always (BigBigBang Bang albumEP)|Always]]'' (2007), which topped several charts upon its release. The singles, "[[Last Farewell (Big BangBigBang song)|Last Farewell]]" (Korean: 마지막 인사; rr: ''Majimak Insa'') from ''[[Hot Issue (EP)|Hot Issue]]'' (2008) and "[[DayHaru by Day (Big Bang song)Haru|Day by Day]]" (Korean: 하루하루; rr: ''Haru Haru'') from ''[[Stand Up (Big Bang albumEP)|Stand Up]]'' (2008), became chart-toppers as well.<ref name="빅뱅 쥬크온차트 8주 연속 1위 기염, JOO도 2주만에 7위 진입">{{cite news|title=빅뱅 쥬크온차트 8주 연속 1위 기염, JOO도 2주만에 7위 진입 |date=January 21, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209235612/http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?news_uid=200034&code=100200 |url=http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?news_uid=200034&code=100200 |work=Newsen |archive-date=February 9, 2008 |access-date=February 1, 2008 |language=ko |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Big Bang's 'Day by Day' Sweeps J-POP Charts for Four Weeks">{{cite news|title=Big Bang's 'Day by Day' Sweeps J-Pop Charts for Four Weeks |date=September 8, 2008 |publisher=KBS Global |url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/mcontents/entertainment/1546222_11692.html |archive-date=September 24, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924063830/http://english.kbs.co.kr/mcontents/entertainment/1546222_11692.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Following the release of the band's albums and singles, T.O.P. began working on his solo career. In April 2007, he was featured with fellow BigBang members Taeyang and G-Dragon on singer [[Lexy (singer)|Lexy]]'s single "Super Fly" for her album ''Rush''. Later that summer, he appeared as an actor in Red Roc's "Hello" music video.<ref name="빅뱅 8월 신보 발매, 태양 솔로 데뷔는 미정">{{cite news | script-title=ko:빅뱅 8월 신보 발매, 태양 솔로 데뷔는 미정| date= July 18, 2007| url = http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=200707181006031001&search=title&searchstring=&%2365533;%8C%EB&%2365533;&%2365533;%9C%EB%8| work= Newsen | access-date=February 4, 2010|language=ko}}</ref> He became the first member of BigBang to venture into acting, starring in the [[Korean Broadcasting System|KBS2]] drama ''[[I Am Sam (TV series)|I Am Sam]],''<ref name="Choi Seung Hyun YG Profile">{{cite web|url=http://www.ygfamily.com/yga/choiseunghyun.html |title=Choi Seung Hyun YG Profile |publisher=YG Entertainment |language=ko |access-date=May 26, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209050937/http://www.ygfamily.com/yga/choiseunghyun.html |archive-date=February 9, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> portraying the school's top fighter, Chae Musin. Despite wanting to use his stage name when acting, believing it reflects his professional side more, he is often billed with his real name, with his stage name included in parenthesisparentheses.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://tenasia.hankyung.com/archives/182035|title={{!}} 최승현 "나는 외로워야 하는 사람인 것 같다"(인터뷰)텐아시아|last=Kwon|first=Hye-jung|date=November 11, 2013|work=텐아시아|access-date=May 18, 2017|language=ko-KR}}</ref> He also became a host of [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]]'s music program ''[[Music Core]]''.

While promoting his group's materials in 2008, T.O.P appeared on other artists' records, including [[Gummy (singer)|Gummy]] for the song "I'm Sorry" for her album ''Comfort'', veteran singer [[Uhm Jung-hwa]] for her single "D.I.S.C.O." and ZiA for her single "I Only See You". The same year, he was admitted to [[Dankook University]] in the theatre department.<ref>[http://www.etoday.co.kr/news/section/newsview.php?TM=news&SM=0699&idxno=281449 탑(T.O.P), 단국대 입학 증명사진 화제]. Etoday.co.kr. Retrieved on January 13, 2012.</ref> The following year, T.O.P. portrayed the assassin Vick in the critically acclaimed<ref name="IRISpopular">{{cite web|url=http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2913046|title=New drama finds a gripping formula for success|last=Chung Kang|first=Hyun|date=November 26, 2009|publisher=Joongang[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|access-date=December 3, 2009}}</ref> Korean television drama ''[[Iris (South Korean TV series)|Iris]]'' (2009)''.''<ref name="IRISannounce">{{cite news|url=httphttps://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/include/print.asp?newsIdx=45568 |title='Iris' to Bring Spy Story to Small Screen |last=Han Sang |first=Hee |date=May 24, 2009 |newspaper=[[Korea Times]] |access-date=December 3, 2009 |url-status=deadlive |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016082155/http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/include/print.asp?newsIdx=45568 |archive-date=October 16, 2009 }}</ref> He also recorded the song "Hallelujah" for the drama's soundtrack with Taeyang and G-Dragon. Following ''Iris'', T.O.P. starred in the suspense film ''[[19-Nineteen]]'' along with fellow member [[Seungri]].<ref name="My19">{{cite web|url=http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2905143|title=Big Bang duo star in murder movie|date=May 22, 2009|publisher=JoongAngDaily|access-date=December 3, 2009}}</ref> The duo released the single "Because" for the movie's soundtrack.

T.O.P's performance the 2010 war drama ''[[71: Into the Fire]]'' was well-received, earning him several Best New Actor awards at local award giving bodies.<ref name="2010 Grand Bell win">{{cite web|url=http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/284998/poetry-wins-best-film-47th-daejong-film-awards |title='Poetry' wins best film at 47th Daejong Film Awards |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118070502/http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/284998/poetry-wins-best-film-47th-daejong-film-awards |author=Hicap, Jonathan M. |date=October 30, 2010 |access-date=November 6, 2010 |work=Manila Bulletin |publisher=Manila Bulletin Publishing }}</ref> The movie also gained one million admissions in a week.<ref name="Actor Kwon Sang-woo injured while filming fight">{{cite web|first=Seung-hye | last=Yim |url=http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2916264|title=Actor Kwon Sang-woo injured while filming fight|date=February 5, 2010|publisher=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|access-date=February 5, 2010}}</ref> Simultaneously, T.O.P began to prepare for his solo musical debut.<ref name="탑-대성, 빅뱅 콘서트서 솔로곡 첫 공개">{{cite web|url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/news/view.html?gid=G1001310143|script-title=ko:탑-대성, 빅뱅 콘서트서 솔로곡 첫 공개|date=January 31, 2010|publisher=Osen|access-date=February 5, 2010|language=ko}}</ref> During BigBang's Big Show Concert in January 2010, T.O.P. performed his new single "[[Turn It Up (T.O.P song)|Turn It Up]]".<ref name="빅뱅 탑 콘서트서 첫 솔로곡 뮤비 깜짝 공개 ‘올 상반기 활동’">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201001311821331002|script-title=ko:빅뱅 탑 콘서트서 첫 솔로곡 뮤비 깜짝 공개 ‘올 상반기 활동’|date=January 31, 2010|publisher=Newsen|access-date=February 5, 2010|language=ko}}</ref> Released as a digital single, it peaked at number two,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=27&hitYear=2010&termGbn=week|title=Gaon Digital Chart Week 27|publisher=[[Gaon Chart]]|access-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref> and sold over 1.3 million downloads by the end of 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/digital_chart/download.php?nationGbn=K&current_year=2010&chart_Time=year|title=Gaon Download Chart of 2010|publisher=[[Gaon Chart]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228230722/http://gaonchart.co.kr/digital_chart/download.php?nationGbn=K&current_year=2010&chart_Time=year|archive-date=February 28, 2014}}</ref>

Later that year, T.O.P and bandmate [[G-Dragon]] formed a [[GD & TOP|subunit]] to release the album [[GD & TOP (album)|''GD & TOP'']] (2010).<ref name="English KBS">{{Cite news|title=G-Dragon and Top to Release Duet Album in December|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/Entertain/EntertainmentNews/view.html?No=7597|work=KBS Global|date=November 30, 2010|access-date=January 20, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605151555/http://english.kbs.co.kr/Entertain/EntertainmentNews/view.html?No=7597|archive-date=June 5, 2013}}</ref> Prior to the release of the album, the duo held a worldwide premiere showcase for their album at Times Square in Yeongdeungpo of [[Seoul, South Korea]],<ref name="Showcase1">{{Cite news|last=Kim |first=Jessica |title=Big Bang T.O.P, G-Dragon pose at album showcase |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611052952/http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?sec=ent0&a_id=2010121517465032528 |url=http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?sec=ent0&a_id=2010121517465032528 |work=10asia |date=December 15, 2010 |access-date=January 20, 2011 }}</ref> which was also broadcast live on YouTube.<ref name="Showcase2">{{Cite news|last=Kim |first=Jessica |title=G-Dragon and T.O.P hold world premiere showcase for duo unit |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722132951/http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?sec=ent0&a_id=2010121515073341432 |url=http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?sec=ent0&a_id=2010121515073341432 |work=10asia |date=December 15, 2010 |access-date=January 20, 2011 }}</ref> Three singles were released in support of the album: "[[High High]]", "[[Oh Yeah (GD & TOP song)|Oh Yeah]]", and "[[Knock Out (GD & TOP song)|Knock Out]]".<ref name="singles">{{Cite news|last=Kim |first=Jessica |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110105101942/http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?sec=ent0&a_id=2010122416330144889 |title=Big Bang unit G-Dragon and T.O.P release third title track |url=http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?sec=ent0&a_id=2010122416330144889 |work=10asia |date=December 24, 2010 |access-date=January 20, 2011 }}</ref> All three singles preceded the release of the album and attained commercial successes: "Knock Out" was a chart topper<ref name="JoongAng">{{cite web |url=http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2930881 | title=Big Bang duo on TV today|access-date=January 20, 2011 |work=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]] |publisher=International Herald Tribune}}</ref> while "Oh Yeah" and "High High" both peaked at number two and number three respectively.<ref name="10asia">{{cite web |url=http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?sec=ent0&a_id=2011010614550467107l |title=IU "Good Day" stays atop Gaon chart for 4th week |last=Kim |first=Heidi |access-date=January 20, 2011 |work=10asia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120311043507/http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?sec=ent0&a_id=2011010614550467107l |archive-date=March 11, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="10asia2">{{cite web |url=http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?sec=ent0&a_id=2011010410363241185 | title=IU's "Good Day" takes charge of Mnet chart for 4th week|last=Kim|first=Heidi |access-date=January 20, 2011 |work=10asia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129120953/http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?sec=ent0&a_id=2011010614550467107|archive-date=November 29, 2011}}</ref> The album was released on Christmas Eve, and debuted at number one<ref name="Gaon gd&top">{{cite web |url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/search/list.gaon?Search_str=GD+%26+TOP |title=Gaon Chart Search: GD & TOP |language=ko |work=[[Gaon Chart]] |publisher=Korea Music Content Industry Association |access-date=October 31, 2010}}</ref> with 200,000 pre-ordered copies.<ref name="Sales">{{cite web |url=http://media.daum.net/entertain/music/view.html?cateid=1033&newsid=20101222115923883&p=starnews |title='발매 D-2' GD·탑 유닛 첫앨범, 선주문만 '20만장' (GD&TOP's album receives 200,000 pre-orders) |language=ko |work=Daum |access-date=January 23, 2011}}</ref>

From 2011 to 2012, T.O.P was extensively involved with BigBang's promotional activities for their EPs ''[[Tonight (Big BangBigBang EP)|Tonight]]'' (2011) and ''[[Alive (Big BangBigBang EP)|Alive]]'' (2012) which included a ten-month [[Alive Galaxy Tour|world tour]] that travelled to four continents. After group activities wrapped up, he focused his attention back to acting, starring in the film ''[[Commitment (2013 film)|Commitment]]'' (2013), playing the son of a North Korean spy who is falsely accused.<ref>{{cite web|title=Big Bang's T.O.P. and Jo Sung Ha Confirmed for "Alumni"|date=June 8, 2012 |url=http://www.soompi.com/2012/06/08/big-bangs-t-o-p-and-jo-sung-ha-confirmed-for-alumni/|publisher=[[Soompi]]|access-date=June 12, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Kim Yoo Jung to Play T.O.P's Younger Sister in New Movie|date=June 25, 2012 |url=http://www.soompi.com/2012/06/25/kim-yoo-jung-to-play-t-o-ps-younger-sister-in-new-movie|publisher=[[Soompi]]|access-date=June 26, 2012}}</ref> T.O.P first became attached to the role because he "felt sympathy for the main character, Lee Myung Hoon."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.kdramastars.com/articles/12007/20131111/interview-with-top-on-movie-the-commitment.htm|title=Interview With TOP On Movie "The Commitment"|last=Son|first=Angela|date=November 11, 2013|work=KDramaStars|access-date=May 18, 2017}}</ref> While filming a combat scene for the movie, he injured the back of his hand on a glass fragment and was later admitted to the hospital for surgery. For his role, he won the Rookie Award at the Asia Star Awards, held during the [[Busan International Film Festival]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://www.kpopstarz.com/articles/131425/20141104/five-reasons-big-bang-t-o-p-is-one-of-the-most-awesome-k-pop-idols.htm|title=Five Reasons Big Bang T.O.P Is One Of The Most Awesome K-Pop Idols|last=Stanley|first=Adrienne|date=November 4, 2014|work=KpopStarz|access-date=May 18, 2017}}</ref>

T.O.P was named one of the hottest sex symbols of 2013 by ''[[Rolling Stone]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=2013's Hottest Sex Symbols|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/pictures/2013s-hottest-sex-symbols-20131217|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 17, 2013|access-date=December 17, 2013}}</ref> That November, he released his second digital single, "[[Doom Dada]].".<ref>{{cite web|title='YG Music' DOOM DADA|url=http://www.genie.co.kr/Detail/f_Album_Info.asp?axnm=80464345|publisher=Genie|access-date=November 15, 2013}}</ref> The song was performed for the first time at the [[2013 Mnet Asian Music Awards]] in [[Hong Kong]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Performances from the '2013 MAMA'!|url=http://www.allkpop.com/article/2013/11/performances-from-the-2013-mama|publisher=[[Allkpop]]|access-date=November 22, 2013}}</ref> "Doom Dada" earned the #1 position on ''[[Dazed]]'' magazine's Top 10 K-Pop tracks of 2013, where it was called "inviting and alienating... it's K-Pop but sly, frenetic and slippery."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Glasby|first1=Taylor|title=Top ten K-Pop of 2013|url=http://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/18097/1/top-ten-k-pop-of-2013|website=Dazed Digital|date=December 10, 2013|publisher=Dazed & Confused|access-date=September 8, 2016}}</ref> He later featured on English artist [[Pixie Lott]]'s Japanese album alongside G-Dragon for the song "[[Dancing on My Own (Pixie Lott song)|Dancing on My Own]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allkpop.com/2012/03/gdtop-to-feature-in-english-singer-pixie-lotts-new-japanese-release|title=GD&TOP to feature in English singer Pixie Lott's new Japanese release|website=allkpop.com[[Allkpop]]}}</ref>

In 2014, T.O.P starred in the gambling film ''[[Tazza: The Hidden Card]]'', based on the [[Tajja|manhwa of the same name]]. After debuting as a furniture designer in 2015 in collaboration with [[Vitra (furniture)|Vitra]],<ref>{{cite web|title=T.O.P to Debut as Furniture Designer in 2015 in Collaboration with Switzerland-based Brand VITRA|url=http://ygunited.com/2015/01/t-o-p-debut-furniture-designer-2015-collaboration-switzerland-based-brand-vitra/|publisher=YGUnited|access-date=January 21, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150124020157/http://ygunited.com/2015/01/t-o-p-debut-furniture-designer-2015-collaboration-switzerland-based-brand-vitra/|archive-date=January 24, 2015}}</ref> he was awarded the Visual Culture Award at the Prudential Eye Awards.<ref>{{cite web|title=Big Bang's T.O.P awarded Visual Culture Award for his artistic interests from 'Prudential Eye Awards'|url=http://www.allkpop.com/article/2015/01/big-bangs-top-awarded-visual-culture-award-for-his-artistic-interests-from-prudential-eye-awards|publisher=[[Allkpop]]|access-date=January 21, 2015}}</ref> Later that year, he starred in CJ E&M's web drama ''The Secret Message'' alongside Japanese actress [[Juri Ueno]]. Despite being a rapper, he sang on the single "Hi Haruka" as part of the drama's soundtrack.

After spending the majority of 2015 [[Made World Tour|touring]] and promoting BigBang's materials for their album [[Made (Big BangBigBang album)|''Made'']] (2016), T.O.P was cast in the German-Chinese film ''[[Out of Control (2017 film)|Out of Control]]'' alongside Hong Kong actress [[Cecilia Cheung]]. The movie is scheduled for release in China.<ref name="Frater">{{cite web |url= https://variety.com/2016/film/asia/t-o-p-cecilia-cheung-in-german-china-thriller-out-of-control-1201751216/|title= T.O.P., Cecilia Cheung Star in Germany-Set Thriller 'Out of Control'|first= Patrick|last= Frater|date= April 12, 2016|access-date= April 22, 2016|work= [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]}}</ref>

===<span class="anchor" id="2017–present: Military service and controversy"></span><span class="anchor" id="2017–2019: Military service, legal issues and downturn with substance abuse"></span>2017–2019: Military service, personal and legal issues with substance abuse===

T.O.P began his two-year [[Conscription in South Korea|mandatory military service]] on February 9, 2017, as a conscripted police officer, where he was set to be discharged on November 8, 2018, after completing the requirements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.yibada.com/articles/174912/20161122/bigbangs-top-confirms-military-enlistment-date-stars-out.htm|title=BIGBANG's T.O.P confirms military enlistment date|date=November 22, 2016|work=Yibada}}</ref> After news broke in June that he would be prosecuted without detention for use of marijuana,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.koreaboo.com/news/full-story-bigbang-top-drug-scandal-trainee-real-identity/|title=The Full Story Behind T.O.P's Drug Scandal, And The Mysterious Trainee Woman|access-date=June 8, 2017|date=June 2, 2017}}</ref> T.O.P was subsequently transferred to a different police division to await notice of prosecution, and was suspended from police duty pending verdict on his case.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jun|first1=R|title=BIGBANG's T.O.P To Be Dismissed From Duty For Duration of Prosecution|url=https://www.soompi.com/2017/06/05/bigbangs-t-o-p-dismissed-duty-duration-prosecution/|access-date=June 8, 2017|publisher=[[Soompi]]}}</ref> A few days after the announcement, T.O.P was found unconscious in police barracks due to a suspected anti-anxiety medicine overdose of prescribed [[benzodiazepine]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.allkpop.com/article/2017/06/medical-expert-comments-on-tops-benzodiazepine-overdose|title=Medical expert comments on T.O.P's benzodiazepine overdose {{!}} allkpop.com|work=allkpop[[Allkpop]]|access-date=June 9, 2017}}</ref> and was hospitalized.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2017/06/06/0302000000AEN20170606004551315.html|title=BIGBANG's T.O.P hospitalized for drug overdose|publisher=YonhapNews|access-date=June 6, 2017|date=June 6, 2017}}</ref> On June 8, T.O.P's mother confirmed that he regained consciousness and was recovering.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40199562|publisher=BBC|date=June 8, 2017|access-date=June 28, 2017|title=K-pop superstar T.O.P. in intensive care after overdose}}</ref>

On June 29, at his first trial for the marijuana usage charges at the Seoul Central District Court,<ref>{{Cite web | title = T.O.P admits to all charges at first hearing| author = Kim Jung-kyoon| work = [[Korea JoongAng Daily]] | date = June 30, 2017 | access-date = July 19, 2017 |url = http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3035262}}</ref> T.O.P pleaded guilty, admitting that he did smoke marijuana in four instances in early October 2016<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2017/06/30/big-bangs-t-o-p-pleads-guilty-to-pot-charges.html|title=Big Bang's T.O.P pleads guilty to pot charges|work=[[The Jakarta Post]]|date=June 30, 2017|access-date=July 19, 2017}}</ref> and received two years of probation.<ref>{{Cite web | title = [SC현장] 탑, 대마초 4회 흡연 시인…"공소사실 모두 인정" | trans-title = [SC scene] Top, smoking four po ... "All the facts of the charges" | author = Park Hyeong-taek| work = [[Sports Chosun]] | date = June 29, 2017 | access-date = July 19, 2017 | url = http://sports.chosun.com/news/ntype.htm?id=201706300100270790019287&servicedate=20170629 | language = ko }}</ref> After undergoing a disciplinary review by the police to decide if T.O.P should return as a conscripted policeman or complete his service as a public service officer,<ref>{{Cite web | title = (LEAD) BIGBANG's T.O.P. gets suspended sentence for marijuana use| work = [[Yonhap|Yonhap News Agency]] | date = July 20, 2017 | access-date = July 20, 2017 |url = http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2017/07/20/10/0302000000AEN20170720007051315F.html}}</ref> T.O.P was eventually assigned reservist status by the [[Ministry of National Defense (South Korea)|Ministry of National Defense]] and transferred from the police department<ref>{{Cite web | script-title=ko:'대마초 흡연' 빅뱅 탑, 의경에서 사회복무 요원 됐다| work = [[Korea JoongAng Daily]]| date = August 28, 2017 | access-date = August 29, 2017 | url = http://news.joins.com/article/21882120|language=ko|author=Lee Young-jae}}</ref> to complete his [[Conscription in South Korea|mandatory service]] as a public service worker.<ref>{{Cite web | script-title=ko:'대마초' 빅뱅 탑, 오늘 의경 전역…사회복무요원으로 근무| work =[[Yonhap News Agency]]| date = August 28, 2017 | access-date = August 29, 2017 | url = http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr/bulletin/2017/08/28/0200000000AKR20170828151600004.HTML|language=ko|author=Kim Ji-heon}}</ref> He resumed his mandatory service as public service officer at the Yongsan Arts and Crafts Center in central Seoul on January 26, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/kwave/2018/01/04/3001000000AEN20180104010900315.html|title=BIGBANG's T.O.P to resume military duty at Yongsan Ward|publisher=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|access-date=January 8, 2018|date=January 4, 2018}}</ref> Afterwards T.O.P was discharged on July 6, 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=BIGBANG's T.O.P released from military service |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20190706002000320 |website=[[Yonhap News Agency]] |access-date=July 6, 2019 |language=en |date=July 6, 2019}}</ref> His dispensation took place officially two days later.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mbcsportsplus.com/news/index.php?mode=view&cate=&b_idx=99848977.000|title=탑 최승현 소집해제…용산구청 "7월 8일 복무 끝, 병가 논란 관련無"|publisher=[[MBC Sports Plus+]]|date=May 21, 2019|access-date =July 8, 2019|language=ko}}</ref>

=== 2019–present: Focus on art, departure from YG Entertainment and Big BangBigBang ===

T.O.P and [[Big BangBigBang (South Korean band)|Big BangBigBang]] have been praised for their individuality and ability to fuse a pop sound with [[Hip hop music|rap]], [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]] and [[Dance music|dance]] elements.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2016/09/08/asia/big-bang-k-pop-talk-asia/|title=Will South Korea's military service derail K-pop mega-group Big Bang?|last=Hancocks|first=Paula|date=September 9, 2016 |publisher=[[CNN]]|access-date=September 11, 2016}}</ref> T.O.P possesses a [[Bass (voice type)|bass]] vocal range.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kbsworld.kbs.co.kr/news/news_view.php?no=13253&sec=enter&lang=eng&page=144&search_tag=&writer=|title=G-Dragon and Top: 'Rappers Acknowledge Our Instinctive Hip Hop'|date=February 7, 2011|publisher=KBS World|access-date=October 22, 2019}}</ref> Columnist Jeff Benjamin of ''[[Billboard K-Town]]'' noted how he is known for his low-bass timbre rapping,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/474146/bigbang-in-america-behind-the-scenes-with-the-k-pop-boy-wonders|title=BIGBANG in America: Behind the Scenes With the K-Pop Boy Wonders|last=Benjamin|first=Jeff|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 16, 2012}}</ref> while fellow journalist Tamar Herman, wrote that T.O.P's rap is "an integral part to the group's sound" and that he tends to favor an "confident, almost mocking, tone".<ref name="bb"/> Adrienne Stanley of ''Kpop Starz'' also praised the rapper for his "speed and accuracy" when delivering bars.<ref name=":1" /> Both his solo releases – "Turn It Up" and "Doom Dada" – are hip hop influenced,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dfsb.kr/projects/big-bangs-top-turns-up-the-heat-on-itunes-hip-hoprap-singles.html|title=BIG BANG'S < T.O.P > TURNS UP THE HEAT ON ITUNES HIP-HOP/RAP SINGLES CHARTS WORLDWIDE|date=June 22, 2010|publisher=[[DFSB Kollective]]|access-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref> with the latter drawing critical acclaim for its "lyrical rhythms [that] are both inviting and alienating" from ''Dazed'' magazine, that declared that T.O.P was leading the evolution of K-Pop.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/18097/1/top-ten-k-pop-of-2013|title=Top ten K-Pop of 2013|website=Dazed Digital|publisher=Dazed & Confused|last1=Glasby|first1=Taylor|date=December 10, 2013|access-date=September 8, 2016}}</ref> Additionally, [[Billboard (magazine)|''Billboard'']] noted how the song's melody "is magnetizing with its whirring synths, tribal beats, and chanting, all of which pale in comparison to the rapper’srapper's aggressive, multi-tonal delivery of his verses," affirming that T.O.P "revealed his true artistry" with the song.<ref name="bb">{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/7685253/bigbang-top-10-most-memorable-songs|title=BIGBANG's T.O.P's 10 Most Memorable Songs|publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|website=Billboard K-Town|access-date=February 9, 2017|last=Herman|first=Tamar|date=February 9, 2017}}</ref>

T.O.P often edits his lyrics "more than a hundred times," and draws inspirations from "things that don’tdon't speak. [From] beautiful and pretty objects rather than people." While hip hop is his primary music consumption, he also listens to [[classical music]] and particularly enjoys the English rock band [[Pink Floyd]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bigbangupdates.com/2015/05/t-o-ps-interview-with-esquire-mad-to-be-normal-may-2015.html|title=T.O.P'S INTERVIEW WITH ESQUIRE: "MAD TO BE NORMAL" (MAY 2015)|website=IMagazine (original, dead link with no archive), Big Bang Update (translated)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809193112/http://bigbangupdates.com/2015/05/t-o-ps-interview-with-esquire-mad-to-be-normal-may-2015.html|archive-date=August 9, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://officiallykmusic.com/big-bangs-t-o-p-poses-cover-dazed/|title=Big Bang's T.O.P Poses on Cover of Dazed|date=September 25, 2015}}</ref> He also notes how his role as a musician influenced his acting to be more emotional.<ref name=":0" /> While internationally, BigBang is often referred to as a "K-pop" group, T.O.P has expressed distaste with the label<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kultscene.com/fandom-not-genre-k-pop-surpasses-the-limitations-of-music/|title=Fandom, Not Genre, K-Pop Surpasses The Limitations Of Music - KultScene|date=March 14, 2016|website=KultScene|language=en-US|access-date=May 25, 2016}}</ref> noting how "[y]ou don't divide pop music by who's doing it. We don't say, for instance, 'white pop' when white people make music."<ref name=":7">{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/theyre-the-biggest-band-in-asia-but-big-bangs-days-may-be-numbered/2016/03/03/c267981c-8b02-4827-90c5-9968abbdc9ba_story.html|title=They're the biggest band in Asia, but Big Bang's days may be numbered|last=Fifield|first=Anna|date=March 3, 2016|access-date=May 4, 2016|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>

In August 2014, T.O.P joined the [[Ice Bucket Challenge]], an international campaign to develop medical treatment for Lou Gehrig's disease, also known as [[Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]] (ALS). He made a donation to the Seungil Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides aid to Lou Gehrig patients.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201408241512550410|title=빅뱅 탑 태양, GD 이어 아이스버킷 챌린지 동참 "기부하겠다"|date=August 24, 2014|access-date=November 13, 2018|language=ko|publisher=Newsen}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/BIGBANG/photos/a.131896170200723.23864.105230856200588/778430445547289/?type=1&theater|title=T.O.P - ALS Ice Bucket Challenge|date=August 23, 2014|access-date=November 13, 2018|publisher=BIGBANG Facebook}}</ref> In October 2016, in partnership with British auction house [[Sotheby's]], he curated a collection of contemporary art as part of a special charity auction in Hong Kong. The project was named #TTTOP, and it featured 28 works by both Asian and Western artists. The auction saw a sale of more than [[Hong Kong dollar|HK$]] 135 million<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2016/tttop-hk0701.html|title=#TTTOP :: Sotheby's|date=October 3, 2016|website=Sotheby's|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729210914/http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/2016/tttop-hk0701.html|archive-date=July 29, 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=October 5, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://en.koreaportal.com/articles/23182/20161003/bigbang-t-o-p-sothebys-cnn-style-k-pop-tttop.htm|title=BIGBANG's T.O.P. Talks About His Passion For Art in CNN Style Interview|last=Yugee|date=October 3, 2016|work=Korea Portal|access-date=May 18, 2017}}</ref> and a portion of the proceeds was donated to the [[Asian Cultural Council]] (ACC) to support emerging Asian artists. In March 2020, T.O.P donated 100 million won to the Hope Bridge Disaster Relief Association, which announced that it would use the donation to purchase supplies for the medical teams responsible for combating the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Park|first=Hyo-sil|url=http://www.sportsseoul.com/news/read/890062|title=빅뱅 탑도 1억원 통큰 기부, "코로나19 의료진께 도움되고파"|date=March 3, 2020|work=Sportsseoul|language=ko|access-date=November 4, 2020}}</ref>

On November 4, 2018, in celebration of his birthday, T.O.P's fans from four Asian countries donated [[South Korean won|₩]]11 million (US$9,900) in his name to the Yongsan Welfare Foundation to help the less fortunate.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=011&aid=0003435301|script-title=ko:빅뱅 탑 4개국 팬 연합, 용산복지재단에 1천만원 기부|date=November 5, 2018|access-date=November 13, 2018|publisher=[[Naver]]|language=ko}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Lim Jeong-yeo|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2018/11/05/big-bang-tops-fans-from-4-countries-donate-11m-won.html|title=Big Bang T.O.P's fans from 4 countries donate 11m won|date=November 5, 2018|access-date=November 13, 2018|newspaper=The Jakarta Post}}</ref>

On March 3, 2020, T.O.P., under his legal name, donated 100₩100 million won to the Hope Bridge National Disaster Association of Daegu, in the province of North Gyeongsang. The funds will be used to provide the medical staff of the area with personal protective equipment and to help in the fight against COVID-19.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newscj.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=714374|title=탑 기부|date=April 15, 2021 }}</ref>

{{See also|Big BangBigBang discography}}

{{See also|BigBigBang Bang filmographyvideography}}

|Film adaption of ''[[Iris (South Korean TV series)|Iris]]'' for Japan

!scope=row|''[[Iris (South Korean TV series)|Iris]]''

!scope=row|''Secret Message''<ref>{{cite news|title=BigBang T.O.P. and Japanese actress reveal 'Secret Message'|url=httphttps://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/culture/2015/10/201_189679.html|newspaper=[[The Korea Times]]|access-date=November 4, 2015|date=October 28, 2015}}</ref>

{{MoreBLP citations neededsources section|date=May 2023}}

|''[[Iris (South Korean TV series)|Iris]]''

==Proposed Spaceflight==

After applying, in 2022, T.O.P was selected to participate in a lunar spaceflight as part of the [[DearMoon project]] crew.<ref>{{Citation |title=dearMoon Crew Announcement! {{!}} 月周回プロジェクトdearMoon クルー発表 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-XXSdcsBLU |language=en |access-date=2022-12-08}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title=Meet the dearMoon Crew - TOP (Choi Seung Hyun) {{!}} トップ (チェ・スンヒョン) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6iuhxXz20Y |language=en |access-date=2022-12-10}}</ref> The mission iswas scheduled to occur in 2023 aboard the [[SpaceX Starship]]. The project was cancelled in 2024, with organizers citing delays to the Starship program as the reason for the cancellation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=x.com |url=https://x.com/dearmoonproject/status/1796759847817625933 |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=X (formerly Twitter)}}</ref>

[[Category:Japanese-language singers of South Korea]]