View source for T.O.P

{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Short description|South Korean rapper (born 1987)}}
{{About|the South Korean rapper|other uses|TOP (disambiguation)}}
{{family name hatnote|[[Choi (Korean surname)|Choi]]||lang=Korean}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Infobox person <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
| name               = T.O.P
| image              = T.O.P - 0.TO.10 in Seoul - 2.jpg
| image size         = 
| caption            = T.O.P in August 2016
| birth_name         = Choi Seung-hyun
| alias              = 
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|1987|11|4}}
| birth_place        = [[Seoul]], South Korea
| occupation         = {{hlist|Rapper|singer|songwriter|record producer|actor}}
| years_active       = 2006–present
| spouse             = 
| website            = 
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist | embed = yes
| genre               = {{hlist|[[K-pop]]|[[Hip hop music|hip hop]]}}
| instrument          = Vocals
| label               = {{hlist|[[YG Entertainment|YG]]|[[YGEX]]}}
| past_member_of      = {{hlist|[[BigBang (South Korean band)|BigBang]]|[[GD & TOP]]}}}}
| module2            = {{Infobox Korean name/auto|child=yes|headercolor=transparent
| hangul              = %최승현
| hanja               = 崔勝鉉
}}
| signature          = TOP signature.png
}}

'''Choi Seung-hyun''' ({{Korean|최승현}}; born November 4, 1987), known professionally as '''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> He performed as an underground rapper before joining the record label [[YG Entertainment]] and debuted as the lead rapper of the [[boy band]] [[BigBang (South Korean band)|BigBang]] 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). In 2024, T.O.P portrayed [[Thanos (Squid Game)|Thanos]] in the [[Squid Game season 2|second season]] of the [[Netflix]] [[Utopian and dystopian fiction|dystopian]] [[Survival film|survival]] [[Thriller (genre)|thriller]] series ''[[Squid Game]]''.

==Life and career==

===1987–2006: Career beginnings and debut with BigBang===
{{Main|BigBang (South Korean band)}}
[[File: Big_Bang_In_Thailand.JPG|left|thumb|[[BigBang (South Korean band)|BigBang]] at MTV Fast Forward, Thailand, December 2007]]

Choi Seung-hyun was born in the [[Songpa District]] of [[Seoul]], South Korea.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}} He 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|script-title=ko: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|script-title=ko:빅뱅 탑, '외할아버지의 외삼촌' 김환기 화백 '우주' 132억 낙찰에 "자랑스럽다"|publisher=[[Star News (South Korea)|Star News]]|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=[[The Asia Business Daily]]|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=https://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=[[The Asia Business Daily]]|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 (South Korea)|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 him 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 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|hangul=탑|labels=no}}) 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|hangul=거짓말|rr=Geojitmal|labels=no}}) from the [[extended play]] ''[[Always (BigBang EP)|Always]]'' (2007), which topped several charts upon its release. The singles, "[[Last Farewell (BigBang song)|Last Farewell]]" ({{Korean|hangul=마지막 인사|rr=Majimak Insa|labels=no}}) from ''[[Hot Issue (EP)|Hot Issue]]'' (2008) and "[[Haru Haru|Day by Day]]" ({{Korean|hangul=하루하루|rr=Haru Haru|labels=no}}) from ''[[Stand Up (EP)|Stand Up]]'' (2008), became chart-toppers as well.<ref name="빅뱅 쥬크온차트 8주 연속 1위 기염, JOO도 2주만에 7위 진입">{{cite news|script-title=ko: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>

===2007–2010: Solo career development, move into acting, and ''GD & TOP''===
[[File:BB T.O.P 2.jpg|thumb|left|upright|T.O.P posing for an LG Phone commercial in 2009]]
After releasing 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 parentheses.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://tenasia.hankyung.com/archives/182035|script-title=ko: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=[[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=https://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=[[The Korea Times]] |access-date=December 3, 2009 |url-status=live |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=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|access-date=December 3, 2009}}</ref> The duo released the single "Because" for the movie's soundtrack.

[[File:GD&TOP performance at Big Bang's Big Show, 2011.jpg|thumb|T.O.P performing with [[G-Dragon]] in 2011]]
T.O.P's performance in 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 (newspaper)|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|access-date=February 5, 2010|language=ko |work=Newsen }}</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 |script-title=ko:'발매 D-2' GD·탑 유닛 첫앨범, 선주문만 '20만장' (GD&TOP's album receives 200,000 pre-orders) |language=ko |work=[[Daum (web portal)|Daum]] |access-date=January 23, 2011}}</ref>

===2011–2016: Focus on acting and other ventures===
[[File:TOP in 2012.jpg|thumb|right|T.O.P performing in 2012]]
From 2011 to 2012, T.O.P was extensively involved with BigBang's promotional activities for their EPs ''[[Tonight (BigBang EP)|Tonight]]'' (2011) and ''[[Alive (BigBang 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>{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on [[WP:KO/RS]]|date=December 2024}}<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>{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on [[WP: KO/RS]]|date=December 2024}} 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>{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on [[WP: KO/RS]]|date=December 2024}} 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>{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on [[WP:KO/RS]]|date=December 2024}}

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>{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on [[WP: KO/RS]]|date=December 2024}} "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]]}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on [[WP:KO/RS]]|date=December 2024}}

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>{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on [[WP:KO/RS]]|date=December 2024}} 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 (BigBang 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>

===2017–2019: Military service, personal and legal issues with marijuana usage===
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>{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on [[WP:KO/RS]]|date=December 2024}} 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>{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on [[WP:KO/RS]]|date=December 2024}} 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|work=[[Allkpop]]|access-date=June 9, 2017}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on [[WP:KO/RS]]|date=December 2024}} 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=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|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|script-title=ko:탑 최승현 소집해제…용산구청 "7월 8일 복무 끝, 병가 논란 관련無"|publisher=[[MBC Sports+]]|date=May 21, 2019|access-date =July 8, 2019|language=ko}}</ref>

=== 2019–present: Focus on art, departure from YG Entertainment and BigBang, and ''Squid Game'' role ===
{{Main|Thanos (Squid Game)}}
[[File:T.O.P - MADE THE MOVIE Premiere - 2 (cropped).jpg|left|thumb|277x277px|T.O.P. at the premiere for the documentary film [[Big Bang Made]] in 2016]]
T.O.P holds several records in the art world, becoming the first K-pop singer to be named to a list of 200 artists in the art world at Growse Magazine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allkpop.com/article/2019/12/g-dragon-and-top-were-listed-on-50-art-collectors-to-watch-by-artnews|title=G-Dragon and T.O.P Were Listed on '50 Art Collectors to Watch' by ARTnews}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on [[WP:KO/RS]]|date=December 2024}} On February 7, 2022, YG Entertainment announced that [[BigBang (South Korean band)|BigBang]] would make their comeback with a new song on April 5. They also announced that T.O.P ended his exclusive contract with YG Entertainment. YG announced at the time that he would continue with group activities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://entertain.naver.com/now/read?oid=312&aid=0000529049|author=Woo Bin|script-title=ko:[공식] 빅뱅 탑, YG와 계약 종료…"여건이 되면 언제든 활동 합류|trans-title=[Official] BIGBANG T.O.P ends contract with YG... "Join activities whenever the circumstances allow|publisher=Ten Asia|via=[[Naver]]|date=February 7, 2022|access-date= February 7, 2022|language=ko}}</ref> However, T.O.P confirmed on May 31, 2023, that he had withdrawn from the group.<ref>{{Cite web|title=T.O.P says he has "already withdrawn" from Big Bang|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/t-o-p-says-he-has-already-withdrawn-from-big-bang-3450179|website=NME|last=Zwei|first=Puah|date=May 31, 2023|access-date=May 31, 2023}}</ref>

On December 4, 2024, he was revealed as a cast member for the [[Squid Game season 2|second season]] of ''[[Squid Game]]'' through the official Netflix YouTube account in the form of a "Meet the Cast" video.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReM6Msbts3w |title=Squid Game: Season 2 {{!}} Meet the Cast {{!}} Netflix |date=2024-12-04 |last=Netflix |access-date=2024-12-05 |via=YouTube}}</ref> He would play the role of a former rapper, [[Thanos (Squid Game)|Thanos]], fallen from grace due to a crypto scam.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://deadline.com/2024/12/squid-game-creator-praises-kpop-star-top-onscreen-comeback-marijuana-scandal-1236243267/ | title = 'Squid Game' Creator Praises K-Pop Star T.O.P's Onscreen "Comeback" After Marijuana Scandal | first =Glenn | last = Garner | date = December 28, 2024 | accessdate = December 28, 2024 | work = [[Deadline Hollywood]] }}</ref> The character was created before casting, T.O.P receiving the role after series creator [[Hwang Dong-hyuk]] found his "serious" approach.<ref name="thewrap">{{cite web |last=Cobb |first=Kayla |date=January 1, 2025 |title=Who Plays Thanos in 'Squid Game' Season 2? How Choi Seung-Hyun, aka TOP, Brought His Rapper Persona to Netflix |url=https://www.thewrap.com/squid-game-season-2-thanos-choi-seung-hyun/ |accessdate=January 11, 2025 |work=[[The Wrap]]}}</ref> Hwang explained that he wanted to cast someone who stopped working due to drugs, T.O.P retiring from the K-pop industry and leaving BigBang over a [[marijuana]] conviction.<ref name="Chosun2">{{cite web |last=Kim |first=Ga-yeon |date=January 5, 2025 |script-title=ko:'오겜2' 감독 "빅뱅 탑, 그렇게 용서받지 못한 줄 몰랐다" |url=https://www.chosun.com/culture-life/culture_general/2025/01/05/22FRFE6UGZBWPORGNQSCIEVJEY/ |accessdate=January 11, 2025 |work=[[The Chosun Ilbo]]}}</ref> To get ready for an action scene with actor Yim Si-wan who portrayed Myung-gi, both attended an action school to improve their chemistry together. During this training for the fight scene between the two, T.O.P broke ribs. According to Yim, they stopped filming, but T.O.P wanted to continue, so they resumed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Yoon |first=Hyun-ji |date=January 9, 2025 |script-title=ko:'오겜2' 임시완 "탑, 갈비뼈 부러진 채 연기…나라면 못해" [엑's 인터뷰] |url=https://www.xportsnews.com/article/1948790 |accessdate=January 11, 2025 |work=Xports News}}</ref> When asked about Thanos' death, Hwang identified him as one of his favorite characters, believing that an "intense" death at the end of season 2 was the perfect time to kill him, and that [[Squid Game season 3|season 3]] will still feel like he is there with how the plot progresses.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wigler |first=Josh |date=January 2, 2025 |title='Squid Game' Creator Reveals How Violent Finale Sets Up Final Season of Netflix Hit |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/squid-game-2-finale-season-3-hwang-dong-hyuk-interview-1236097995/ |accessdate=January 11, 2025 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref>

The casting of T.O.P received controversy in South Korea, the actor's face blurred on the Korean show ''Live This Morning'' when airing a segment about the show.<ref name="Chosun2"/><ref>{{cite web |date=January 8, 2025 |title=Squid Game 2 Actor T.O.P Snubbed AGAIN: His Blurred Face During Live Show Sparks Controversy |url=https://news24online.com/entertainment/squid-game-2-actor-t-o-p-snubbed-again-his-blurred-face-during-live-show-sparks-controversy/435228/ |accessdate=January 11, 2025 |work=News 24}}</ref> The casting led to some viewers to believe that [[Lee Jung-jae]], who portrayed [[Seong Gi-hun]] and was close to T.O.P, had gotten him the role, a claim that Lee denied. [[Netflix]] and Hwang received criticism for this casting for possibly setting a bad precedent.<ref name="TVD">{{cite web |last=Kim |first=Jong-eun |date=January 10, 2025 |script-title=ko:'오겜2' 탑, 인터뷰진행확정…마약·인맥캐스팅논란정면돌파[공식] |url=https://www.tvdaily.co.kr/read.php3?aid=17364697111739003002 |accessdate=January 11, 2025 |work=TV Daily}}</ref> T.O.P was absent for a time from promotional events with the cast.<ref name="KT">{{cite web |date=January 10, 2025 |title=T.O.P to confront 'Squid Game' casting, drugs, acting disputes in interview |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2025/01/398_390116.html |accessdate=January 11, 2025 |work=[[Korea Times]]}}</ref> Responding to speculation that he was removed from promotional events over the controversy, Hwang said that they planned to not have him featured from the beginning, wanting T.O.P to be able to talk about his involvement at his own pace.<ref name="KD">{{cite web |last=Ha |first=Soo-jung |date=January 4, 2025 |script-title=ko:'오징어게임2' 감독, 탑 연기 혹평에 "약에 취한 타노스 잘했다 생각" [인터뷰②] |url=https://news.koreadaily.com/2025/01/04/sports/broadcast/20250104150205940.html |accessdate=January 11, 2025 |work=[[The Korea Daily]]}}</ref> He felt that he had "a lot of guts" for agreeing to do the performance considering his history with drugs,<ref>{{cite web |last=Kang |first=Esther |date=December 28, 2024 |title=Squid Game Director Calls Season 2 a 'Comeback' for K-Pop Star T.O.P. After Marijuana Scandal: 'A Lot of Guts' (Exclusive) |url=https://people.com/squid-game-director-says-season-2-is-comeback-k-pop-star-top-after-marjiuana-scandal-exclusive-8766848 |accessdate=January 11, 2025 |work=[[People (magazine)|People]]}}</ref> and was surprised that he had still not been forgiven.<ref name="Chosun2" /> He also believed that the reaction to his casting would not be reflected outside of Korea due to different legality and opinions on marijuana use in some countries. He also believed that his character may prove popular with younger viewers in Korea.<ref name="KD" />

After release, his acting was criticized by those in South Korea, particularly that his vocal and facial performance was out of place, with the quality of his rap having mixed reception.<ref name="TVD" /> Reception to Thanos and his performance was much less negative from international viewers and foreign media than from South Korean viewers'',''<ref>{{cite web |date=January 4, 2025 |script-title=ko:최악과 최고 사이.. '오징어 게임2' 탑 향한 극과 극 시선 |url=http://www.koreatimes.com/article/1546219 |accessdate=January 11, 2025 |work=[[Korea Times]]}}</ref> and was praised heavily by those outside of South Korea.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Actually, T.O.P's Thanos was the highlight of Squid Game 2 |url=https://www.thefader.com/2025/01/03/squid-game-2-thanos-top-controversy |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=The FADER |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MSN |url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/welcome-to-thanos-world-t-o-p-talks-about-squid-game-2-in-first-netflix-video-fans-want-to-see-him-more-as-actor/ar-AA1xPSvT?apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1 |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=www.msn.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hill-Paul |first=Lucas |date=2024-12-30 |title=Squid Game fans defend 'hated' character after he's branded 'unbearable' |url=https://www.themirror.com/entertainment/tv/squid-game-thanos-top-hate-881464 |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=The Mirror US |language=en}}</ref>

== Artistry==
T.O.P and [[BigBang (South Korean band)|BigBang]] 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=https://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 a "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 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'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>

While working on materials with G-Dragon for their subunit, the two experimented with different styles.<ref name="Showcase22">{{Cite news|url=http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?sec=ent0&a_id=2010121515073341432|title=G-Dragon and T.O.P hold world premiere showcase for duo unit|last=Kim|first=Jessica|date=December 15, 2010|work=10asia|access-date=January 20, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722132951/http://10.asiae.co.kr/Articles/new_view.htm?sec=ent0&a_id=2010121515073341432|archive-date=July 22, 2011}}</ref> Co-writing majority of the lyrics, the pair noted that as "rappers [...] we'd like to tell more stories for our fans to listen."<ref name="Showcase22" /> In an attempt to create their own style away from their band, the duo opted for a more hip hop sound to contrast the BigBang's current genre at the time, [[Electronic music|electronic]] music, though the influence of this genre along with [[R&B]] and [[Acoustic music|acoustic]] was acknowledged. The duo also admitted to becoming "much more diverse [in their] attempts" to create their own style, preferring to mix several genres together in order to "bring out more of our character that we don't get to show when we're Big Bang."<ref name="Showcase22" />

T.O.P often edits his lyrics "more than a hundred times," and draws inspiration from "things that don'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>{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on [[WP:KO/RS]]|date=December 2024}} 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>

==Philanthropy==
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|script-title=ko:빅뱅 탑 태양, GD 이어 아이스버킷 챌린지 동참 "기부하겠다"|date=August 24, 2014|access-date=November 13, 2018|language=ko|work=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>{{Unreliable source?|reason=See reliable sources list on [[WP:KO/RS]]|date=December 2024}} and a portion of the proceeds was donated to the [[Asian Cultural Council]] (ACC) to support emerging Asian artists.

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>{{Full citation needed|date=December 2024|reason=See [[WP:KO/RS#NA]]; should specify underlying publication used by news aggregator.}}<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 million 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|script-title=ko:탑 기부|date=April 15, 2021 |work=천지일보 |last1=기자 |first1=박혜민 }}</ref>

==Discography==
{{Main|T.O.P discography}}
{{See also|BigBang discography}}
{{Further|GD & TOP}}

==Filmography==
{{See also|BigBang videography}}

===Film===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
|-
!Title
!Year
!Role
!Notes
|-
!scope=row|''Story of Men''
|2008
|Himself
|Cameo
|-
!scope=row|''[[19-Nineteen|Nineteen]]''
|2009
|Seo Jeong-hun
|Lead role
|-
!scope=row|''[[71: Into the Fire]]''
|2010
|Oh Jang-beom
|Lead role
|-
!scope=row|''[[Iris: The Movie]]''
|2011
|Vick
|Film adaption of ''[[Iris (South Korean TV series)|Iris]]'' for Japan
|-
!scope=row|''[[Commitment (2013 film)|Commitment]]''
|2013
|Lee Myeong-hoon / Kang Dae-ho
|Lead role
|-
!scope=row|''[[Tazza: The Hidden Card]]''
|2014
|Ham Dae-gil
|Lead role
|-
!scope=row|''[[Big Bang Made]]''
|2016
|Himself
|Documentary
|-
!scope=row|''[[Out of Control (2017 film)|Out of Control]]''
|2017
|Tom Young
|Lead role
|-
|}

===Television===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders"
!Title
!Year
!Role
!Notes
|-
!scope=row|''[[I Am Sam (TV series)|I Am Sam]]''
|2007
|Chae Mu-sin
|Main cast
|-
!scope=row|''[[Iris (South Korean TV series)|Iris]]''
|2009
|Vick
|Main cast
|-
!scope=row|''Haru''
|2010
|Himself
|Cameo
|-
!scope=row|''Secret Message''<ref>{{cite news|title=BigBang T.O.P. and Japanese actress reveal 'Secret Message'|url=https://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>
|2015
|Woo-hyun
|Main cast
|-
!scope=row|''[[Squid Game]]''
|2024–2025
|[[Thanos (Squid Game)|Thanos]]
|Main (season 2); Guest (season 3)
|}

==Awards and nominations==
{{see also|List of awards and nominations received by Big Bang}}
{{BLP sources section|date=May 2023}}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|+List of awards and nominations received by T.O.P
|-
! Award
! Year
! Category
! Nominated work
! Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}
|-
! scope="row" | [[Asian Film Awards]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[5th Asian Film Awards|2010]]
|Best New Actor
| rowspan="3" |''[[71: Into the Fire]]''
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="AsianFilmAward">{{cite web |title=5th AFA Nominees & Winners by Nominees |url=http://www.asianfilmawards.asia/nominees-and-winners/5th-afa-nominees-and-winners/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015061727/http://www.asianfilmawards.asia/nominees-and-winners/5th-afa-nominees-and-winners/ |archive-date=October 15, 2013 |access-date=March 31, 2011 |language=ko |df=mdy-all}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" |[[Baeksang Arts Awards]]
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2" |[[47th Baeksang Arts Awards|2011]]
|Best New Actor
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="PaekSangAward">{{cite web |date=May 27, 2011 |title=47th Annual Baeksang Arts Awards Ceremony |url=http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/program/program_showcase_detail.htm?No=26563&current_page=13 |work=[[KBS World]]}}</ref>
|-
|Popularity Award
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="PaekSangAward" />
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | [[50th Baeksang Arts Awards|2014]]
| Popularity Award
| rowspan="2" |''[[Commitment (2013 film)|Commitment]]''
| {{nom}}
|
|-
! scope="row" | [[Busan International Film Festival|BIFF Asia Star Awards]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 2013
| Rookie Award
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="BIFF">{{cite web |date=October 6, 2013 |title=[T.O.P becomes the only Korean celebrity to be awarded at BIFF's 'Asia Star Awards' |url=http://bigbangupdates.com/2013/10/t-o-p-becomes-korean-celebrity-awarded-biffs-asia-star-awards.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006044630/http://bigbangupdates.com/2013/10/t-o-p-becomes-korean-celebrity-awarded-biffs-asia-star-awards.html |archive-date=October 6, 2013 |access-date=October 6, 2013 |publisher=Big Bang Updates |language=ko}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" |[[Blue Dragon Film Awards]]
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2" |[[31st Blue Dragon Film Awards|2010]]
| Best New Actor
| rowspan="4" |''[[71: Into the Fire]]''
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="BlueDragonFilmAward">{{cite web |date=November 29, 2010 |title="Secret Reunion" wins best picture at Blue Dragon awards |url=http://en.tenasia.com/archives/5193 |website=10Asia}}</ref>
|-
|Popularity Award
| {{won}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="BlueDragonFilmAward" />
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="3" |[[Grand Bell Awards]] 
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2" |[[47th Grand Bell Awards|2010]]
| Hallyu Popularity
| {{won}} 
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="GrandBell">{{cite web|script-title=ko:[아츠포토] '시' 윤정희-이창동감독, '대종상영화제' 참석 |publisher=Arts News |date=October 30, 2010 |url=http://www.artsnews.co.kr/news/111636 |access-date=February 23, 2011 |language=ko |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106171738/http://www.artsnews.co.kr/news/111636 |archive-date=January 6, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 
|-
| Best New Actor
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="Daejongnominees">{{cite web|script-title=ja:ホーム»第47回大鐘賞映画祭授賞式公式観覧ツアー |publisher=韓流コンサート |date=October 30, 2010 |url=http://hanryu-concert.com/2010_last/tejonshou.php |access-date=February 23, 2011 |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123041641/http://hanryu-concert.com/2010_last/tejonshou.php |archive-date=November 23, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|-
| style="text-align:center;" | [[52nd Grand Bell Awards|2015]]
|Popularity Award
| rowspan="1" |''[[Tazza: The Hidden Card]]''
| {{nom}}
|
|-
! scope="row" | [[KBS Drama Awards]]
| style="text-align:center;" | [[2009 KBS Drama Awards|2009]]
|Best New Actor
|''[[Iris (South Korean TV series)|Iris]]''
| {{nom}}
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |title=2009 KBS Drama Awards [2009 KBS 연기대상] |url=http://www.kbs.co.kr/drama/2009award/about/about.html |publisher=[[Korean Broadcasting System]] |language=ko}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Korean Film Awards]] 
| style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2" |2010
|Best New Actor
| rowspan="2" |''[[71: Into the Fire]]''
| {{nom}} 
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="KFAnominees">{{cite web| title =8th Korea Film Awards | publisher = [[Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|MBC]] | date =  November 10, 2010 |url = http://www.imbc.com/broad/tv/ent/koreafilm/08/lnominate/ | access-date = February 23, 2011|language=ko}}</ref> 
|-
! scope="row" | Max Movie Awards  
| Best New Actor
| {{won}} 
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="MaxMovieAward">{{cite web|url=http://www.maxmovie.com/event/2011maxaward/maxaward_finalresult.asp |script-title=ko:제8회 맥스무비 최고의 영화상 |trans-title=Top of the 8th Max Movie Awards |access-date=March 31, 2011 |language=ko |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519004313/http://www.maxmovie.com/event/2011maxaward/maxaward_finalresult.asp |archive-date=May 19, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 
|-
! scope="row" | Prudential Eye Awards
| style="text-align:center;" | 2015
|Visual Culture Award
|T.O.P
| {{won}}
|
|-
! scope="row" | Singapore Entertainment Awards
| style="text-align:center;" | 2014
| Most Popular K-pop Music Video
| "[[Doom Dada]]"
| {{nom}}
|
|-
! scope="row" | [[Style Icon Awards]]
| style="text-align:center;" | 2010
|New Icon (Movie)
|''[[71: Into the Fire]]''
| {{won}} 
| style="text-align:center;" | <ref name="Styleaward">{{cite web |author=Han, Jiyoung |work=Newsen |date=November 18, 2010 |script-title=ko:올해 스타일아이콘 어워즈, 이병헌-소지섭-신민아 엣지있는 이유는?(종합) |url=http://www.newsen.com/news_view.php?uid=201011180823511001 |access-date=February 23, 2011 |language=ko}}</ref>
|}

==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>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-XXSdcsBLU |title=dearMoon Crew Announcement! {{!}} 月周回プロジェクトdearMoon クルー発表 |date=December 9, 2022 |last=Maezawa |first=Yusaku |type=Video |access-date=January 23, 2025 |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F6iuhxXz20Y |title=Meet the dearMoon Crew - TOP (Choi Seung Hyun) {{!}} トップ (チェ・スンヒョン) |date=December 9, 2022 |type=Video |access-date=January 23, 2025 |via=YouTube}}</ref> The mission was 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 tweet |number=1796759847817625933 |user=dearmoonproject |title=【Important Notice】It is unfortunate to be announcing that 'dearMoon', the first private circum-lunar flight project, will be cancelled. We thank everyone who has supported us and apologize to those who have looked forward to this project. |date=June 1, 2024 |access-date=January 23, 2025}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{Kmdb person|00145271}}
* {{IMDb name|3721584}}

{{T.O.P}}
{{Navboxes
|list={{Big Bang}}
{{YG Entertainment}}
{{Baeksang Arts Award Best New Actor Film}}
{{Baeksang Arts Award for Most Popular Actor}}
{{Blue Dragon Film Award Best New Actor}}

}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:T.O.P}}
[[Category:T.O.P| ]]
[[Category:1987 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:South Korean basses]]
[[Category:BigBang (South Korean band) members]]
[[Category:Dankook University alumni]]
[[Category:Japanese-language singers of South Korea]]
[[Category:South Korean beatboxers]]
[[Category:21st-century South Korean singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:South Korean male idols]]
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[[Category:South Korean male rappers]]
[[Category:21st-century male rappers]]
[[Category:South Korean male television actors]]
[[Category:South Korean male pop singers]]
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[[Category:South Korean television personalities]]
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[[Category:South Korean hip-hop singers]]
[[Category:Best New Actor Paeksang Arts Award (film) winners]]
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