Former BIGBANG member T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun, 최승현, 38) and After School's Nana (Im Jin-ah, 임진아, 35) recently became embroiled in dating rumors, sparking ongoing controversy. A fan-organized exhibition was canceled due to low reservations and a wave of cancellations. Even "CHOIDOT," a personal fan site that had supported T.O.P for 20 years, announced its unexpected closure on October 9. The fan site also published a lengthy post, openly criticizing T.O.P and his agency, stating, "Albums are not gifts bestowed upon fans," and accusing them of consistently failing to appreciate fans' long-standing dedication.
Now, T.O.P's long-awaited public appearance has unexpectedly become a focal point of discussion among netizens regarding his looks. On October 23, he was seen at Incheon International Airport, preparing to fly to Bangkok, Thailand, for his solo fan meeting, "T.O.P PRE-STUDIO 2026." However, after photos from his appearance were released, some Korean netizens were surprised to find his appearance seemed different from before, with some harshly criticizing him for "looking much older," reigniting heated debate.
T.O.P appeared at the airport in casual attire, ready to depart for his overseas schedule. This marked his first public appearance for an international fan event since the dating rumors with Nana surfaced. Recent photos of him quickly circulated on Korean online communities, with many netizens focusing on his lips and skin condition, sparking widespread discussion about changes in his appearance.
Some netizens specifically noted T.O.P's lips, commenting, "It's been a long time since I saw his face, I didn't expect his lips to become so thin!" Another lamented, "They say lips get thinner as you age; it seems to be true." Additionally, other netizens turned their attention to his skin condition, stating directly, "Wow, T.O.P's skin really doesn't look good." These comments sparked discussion on social media platform X, with some netizens expressing surprise at his altered appearance.
T.O.P, 38, has rarely made public appearances in recent years, so his latest airport sighting quickly became a hot topic. However, this discussion also coincides with the ongoing controversy surrounding his rumored relationship with Nana. After their relationship became public, some netizens expressed dissatisfaction, partly because T.O.P was sentenced for marijuana use in 2017, leading some to question Nana's choice to date him.
In addition to Nana facing criticism from some netizens, T.O.P himself is experiencing a shift in fan sentiment, with some former supporters choosing to withdraw their allegiance. From the fan site's announcement of its closure to the recent debate over his appearance, T.O.P has been embroiled in continuous controversy lately. His rumored relationship and future entertainment activities continue to draw significant public attention.
