Interesting facts you didn’t know about Choi Seung-hyun (formerly known as T.O.P from BigBang)

Choi Seung-hyun, famously known as T.O.P from BigBang, is a household name in K-pop and is now in showbiz. While he may be formerly known as one of the rappers from the biggest K-pop boy band, the star decided to leave after he got into serious legal trouble while he was still a member of the group. However, fans still speculated that the star might be making a comeback but Choi Seung-hyun himself was quick to shut down the rumours in 2023 when he left a comment on Instagram responding to his fans about his departure.

“I’ve already told you guys that I’m leaving and I’m now facing a new chapter in my life since last year,” Choi Seung-hyun commented.

While the rapper has left an indelible mark on the music scene, the rapper-turned-actor has embarked on a solo career with his latest project being his role of Thanos in Squid Game’s highly anticipated second series, Squid Game. With many viewers thrilled to see the return of Choi Seung-hyun, it was clear that this breakout role was just the beginning of his new career.

From rapping to acting, not to mention, his quirky personality and his charming looks, it’s no surprise that fans are swooning over the multifaceted star. To find out more about Choi Seung-hyun, we’ve rounded up some interesting facts that you may not know about him.

His stage name was given by his senior, Se7en

With an easily recognisable moniker like T.O.P, you might wonder how he came up with such a name. Turns out, he was inspired by his senior labelmate, Se7en. The name perfectly reflects his ambition to always be at the “top” of the music industry—a goal he’s clearly smashed time and time again.

He won the KBS Radio rap battle in 2003

Back in 2003, before he started his career with BigBang, Choi Seung-hyun was the winner of KBS Radio’s Rap Battle. Eventually, he started recording more demos with Kwon Ji-yong (otherwise more famously known as G-Dragon) and sent them to Yang Hyun-suk, CEO of YG Entertainment. Shortly after, he was contacted by the label to audition. 

G-Dragon was his childhood friend 

Kwon Ji-yong (G-Dragon) and Choi Seung-Hyun were neighbourhood friends in middle school. They used to dance and rap together but they were separated when Kwon moved away. However, when YG Entertainment was scouting for members to form a new boy band, G-Dragon reached out to T.O.P — and the rest, as they say, is history.

He had to lose 20kg to join YG Entertainment

Before his debut, Choi Seung-hyun was deemed to be “too chubby” and was rejected by the label. However, he took matters into his own hands and made it his goal to shed some weight in hopes of getting accepted. Eventually, the star managed to lose 20kg in 40 days and was signed by YG Entertainment six months later during his next audition. 

He started acting in 2007 

Aside from performing with his other members in BigBang, Choi Seung-hyun scored his first role in 2007, a year after his music debut for the show, I Am Sam (2007). He was also awarded seven awards for his role as Oh Jang-beom in the film 71: Into the Fire (2010), and was featured in other films like Commitment (2013) and Tazza: The Hidden Card (2014). 

He’s an art collector 

If you’ve checked out his Instagram account, then you’d probably know that Choi Seung-hyun is an avid lover of the arts and collects different pieces of contemporary art. In fact, he has even curated exhibitions and collaborated with auction houses like Sotheby’s.

Charity work and philanthropy 

The star teamed up with Sotheby’s for a charity art auction held in his name, blending his passion for art with a good cause. He’s also no stranger to giving back, having made generous donations to organisations like the Hope Bridge National Disaster Association during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He might be making a comeback to the music industry 

He has fans buzzing with excitement after teasing that he might be returning to music in 2025. On November 29, the star responded to a fan’s question about a follow-up to his solo track DOOM DADA with a simple yet intriguing reply: “2025.