T.O.P Reflects on BIGBANG's 20th Anniversary, Expresses Support for Former Members

Former BIGBANG (빅뱅) member T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun, 최승현), who has been actively pursuing a solo career since leaving the group, recently shared his thoughts on BIGBANG's upcoming 20th anniversary during an interview with Japanese media. While he can no longer stand on stage with his former bandmates, he emphasized his unwavering support for their music and activities from the sidelines.

According to reports, T.O.P discussed BIGBANG's recent world tour at his fan meeting, "TOP JAPAN FANMEETING 2026 REUNION," held in Japan. Addressing his inability to perform with the group, he stated, "Although I can no longer stand on the same stage with the members, I will always support and cheer for their activities and music from behind the scenes."

T.O.P also candidly shared his feelings about his extended hiatus from the entertainment industry. He revealed experiencing "a dark period I had never encountered before," but now views that low point as a period of growth.

"During those dark days, I continued to create music, and I rediscovered the feeling of being alive," T.O.P disclosed. He explained that immersing himself in music became a form of healing, saying, "Every time I created, I felt like I could finally breathe," which gradually helped him regain strength and get back on his feet.

Additionally, T.O.P expressed his gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support, stating, "Your support is the biggest motivation for me to stand before the public again."

In previous interviews, T.O.P had indicated that he did not wish to rejoin BIGBANG to avoid becoming a burden to the group. When asked if he had seen BIGBANG's new song performances, he admitted, "Of course I watched them, and I was really happy." He further expressed his genuine sentiments, saying, "I've always only wished for them to succeed and do better and better."

Meanwhile, a touching moment occurred during BIGBANG's recent world tour. The San Francisco Chronicle reported on December 6 that T.O.P's previously recorded rap vocals were played during a recent BIGBANG performance, moving many fans.

During BIGBANG's concert in Oakland, USA, on December 5, the members performed "Still Life," with T.O.P's vocals preserved in the song, maintaining the original atmosphere of the track. This was widely seen as a testament to the deep bond among the members.

However, T.O.P's current solo schedule has faced a setback. His fan meeting, originally scheduled for December 19 in Jakarta, Indonesia, has been canceled. His agency, TONEZ Entertainment, announced the cancellation due to local circumstances.

This event was planned as T.O.P's first Asian tour since his debut 20 years ago, making the cancellation particularly disappointing for fans. Local reports suggest that safety concerns following recent volcanic eruptions, coupled with higher ticket prices leading to lower-than-expected sales, were likely the main reasons for the cancellation. The agency apologized to fans who had patiently waited and stated that refunds would be processed through official ticketing platforms.

As BIGBANG approaches its 20th anniversary, T.O.P is also embarking on his individual Asian tour, starting from Hong Kong and visiting various locations across Asia. Although he has taken a different path from BIGBANG, his support and well wishes for his former members appear to remain unchanged.