From drugs to a reversal of retirement — fans endured it all… T.O.P, former BIGBANG member, offers belated apology amid 20-year fanbase's "stop-loss selling" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

T.O.P (real name Choi Seung-hyun), a former member of the boy group BIGBANG, has finally bowed his head.

On the 1st, T.O.P posted a lengthy message on his personal social media account, stating, "I would like to convey my sincere feelings to the administrators of Choi Seung-hyun.com, who have been with me for the long span of 20 years."

That day, T.O.P revealed, "Even in moments when I could hardly believe in myself, you believed in just one person—me—and always gave me the strength to make music again through your warm hearts and precious support. I will never forget in my lifetime the time and effort you poured out to consistently guard that place, as well as the sincere hearts of the fans who joined together in spirit."

He continued, "Thanks to that great heart you showed me, I was able to come this far. Given the various circumstances, I felt I had to be cautious with even a single word from me, which is why it took time to share my feelings. Though late, I want to convey my sincerity directly." He added, "The administrators of Choi Seung-hyun.com have shown me devoted love for longer than anyone else and served as a great pillar of support. I hope that their time, effort, and the sincerity contained within are not obscured by misunderstanding and speculation, but remain with their full meaning intact."

He also said, "I hope that the incredibly precious time we shared together does not end in misunderstanding or become a wound for each other. Because I know all too well that the interest and love you show me are never taken for granted, I will live my life carrying only deep gratitude in my heart. I sincerely apologize to the administrators of Choi Seung-hyun.com and the fans who have been misunderstood and hurt because of me. I earnestly hope that my sincerity reaches you."

Previously, on the 9th of last month, the side of T.O.P's fan site, Choi Seung-hyun.com (CHOIDOT), announced its closure after 20 years since its establishment in 2006. They stated that they could not tolerate T.O.P and his agency, Topspot Pictures, turning a blind eye to reality and evading responsibility, as well as their attitude of taking fans' devotion for granted.

At the time, Choi Seung-hyun.com claimed that the agency's channel for communication with fans was virtually nonexistent. They also stated that the agency had relied heavily on the fan site's voluntary activities for a significant portion of duties that should have been handled by the agency, such as album promotion and fan events.

Furthermore, they pointed out to T.O.P, "An album is not a gift or an honor bestowed upon fans. We hope you will now put aside your arrogance in assuming that fans will move on their own."

However, they drew a line against the interpretation that this was merely a backlash against the recent dating rumors. "Many fans had known about the couple's relationship even before the filming of YouTube content, but did not mention it as it is an artist's private life. It is difficult for us to accept characterizing our disappointment and the cancellation of exhibitions as 'the actions of fans angry about the romance,' they emphasized."

T.O.P is currently in a public relationship with Nana, an actress and former member of the girl group After School. The couple's connection traces back to January last year. At that time, Nana appeared in the music video for "I'm Completely Crazy! (Studio54)," the title track from T.O.P's first solo full-length album, "TOP SPOT - 다중관점 (ANOTHER DIMENSION)." The two first met through the filming and formed a bond, subsequently growing rapidly closer. It is known that they developed into a romantic relationship around June last year.

However, despite news of a romance that should be celebrated, public reaction has been colder than ever before. This is due to T.O.P's past record.

Previously, in 2016, T.O.P was indicted on charges of smoking marijuana and was sentenced to 10 months in prison with a two-year suspended sentence. After causing social controversy, T.O.P suddenly hinted at his intention to retire from the entertainment industry through his personal social media account and also withdrew from BIGBANG, the group he belonged to.

However, he reversed his promise to the public and stepped into the center of fierce criticism by making a comeback to the entertainment industry in December 2024 through the Netflix original series "Squid Game" Season 2.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original