T.O.P, also known as Choi Seung-hyun, is a versatile South Korean artist who has significantly impacted both the music and film industries. He was born on November 4, 1987, in Seoul, South Korea. He began his career as an underground rapper and later gained prominence as the lead rapper of the globally recognized K-pop group BIGBANG.
Since their debut in 2006, BIGBANG has sold over 140 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling boy bands in history. His recent role as Thanos in the second season of the Netflix series “Squid Game” has reignited interest in his career. His casting was met with both excitement and controversy, given his past legal troubles.
Childhood & Age
Choi Seung-hyun was born on November 4, 1987, in Seoul, South Korea. His current age is 37 years old as of 2024. His early interest in hip-hop was nurtured by his close friendship with Kwon Ji-yong, who would later become known as G-Dragon.
He participated in various hip-hop clubs and even won KBS Radio’s “Rap Battle” in 2003. His dedication and talent caught the attention of YG Entertainment, leading to his eventual debut with BIGBANG in 2006.
Qualifications
In addition to his musical pursuits, he also pursued higher education, enrolling in Seoul Art College and later attending Dankook University’s theater department in 2008. His early life experiences and education contributed to his growth as a versatile artist, capable of excelling in both music and acting.
Love Life | Affairs
Choi Seung has been linked to several high-profile relationships over the years, though he has never publicly confirmed any of them. In 2008, he and actress Shin Min-ah were rumored to be dating, with reports suggesting they were seen together multiple times. Both their agencies denied these claims, calling them baseless. In 2019, he was rumored to be in a relationship with actress Kim Ga-bin.
During his legal issues in 2017, T.O.P admitted to dating former trainee Han Seo-hee, with whom he was caught smoking marijuana. They reportedly broke up shortly after. As of now, Choi is reportedly single and has not confirmed any current relationships.
Career as an Actor
T.O.P made his acting debut in the TV series “I Am Sam” (2007). He continued to build his acting career with roles in TV series like “Iris” (2009) and “Nineteen” (2009).
His film debut came with “71: Into the Fire” (2010), where he received critical acclaim and won multiple awards, including Best New Actor at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and the Baeksang Arts Awards. He went on to star in films like “Commitment” (2013) and “Tazza: The Hidden Card” (2014).
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Career as a Rapper
He began his musical journey as an underground rapper under the stage name Tempo. He gained recognition by winning KBS Radio’s Rap Battle in 2003. In 2006, he debuted as the lead rapper of the globally renowned K-pop boy band BIGBANG under YG Entertainment.
BIGBANG quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the best-selling boy bands in the world1. T.O.P also released solo tracks like “Turn It Up” (2010) and “Doom Dada” (2013), which were well-received.
Wealth 2024
Choi Seung-hyun has accumulated a significant net worth over his career, estimated to be around $40 million as of 2024. His wealth stems from various sources, including his successful tenure with the K-pop group BIGBANG, solo music projects, acting roles, and numerous endorsement deals.
Thanos in Squid Game 2
In 2024, he made a notable return to acting with his role as Player 230 (Thanos) in the second season of the popular Netflix series “Squid Game”. This role marked his comeback after a nine-year hiatus from the entertainment industry due to a marijuana scandal. His performance in “Squid Game” has been praised for its depth and intensity.
Controversy – Marijuana Scandal
He has faced significant controversy in his career, most notably due to a marijuana scandal in 2017. He was found guilty of using marijuana, which is illegal in South Korea, and received a 10-month jail sentence, suspended for two years. This incident led to his temporary blacklisting from the Korean entertainment industry and a hiatus from public life.
Family Members
Choi Seung-hyun was born into a family with a rich artistic background. His father, Choi Bong-am, served as a soldier, instilling a sense of discipline and resilience in T.O.P from a young age. He also has an older sister named Choi Hye-yoon, with whom he shares a close bond.
One of the most notable aspects of his family background is his great-uncle, Kim Whanki, a renowned abstract artist in Korea. His mother has been a significant figure in his life, providing him with emotional support and encouragement throughout his career. He holds South Korean nationality.
Wiki | BIO
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Choi Seung-hyun |
| Stage Name | T.O.P |
| Date of Birth | November 4, 1987 |
| Age | 37 years old |
| Place of Birth | Seoul, South Korea |
| Ethnicity | Asian |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Profession | Rapper, Actor |
| Years Active | 2006 – Present |
| Musical Debut | 2006 (with BIGBANG) |
| Awards | Best New Actor (Blue Dragon Film Awards, Baeksang Arts Awards) |
| Education | Seoul Art College, Dankook University (Theater Department) |
| Family | Father: Choi Bong-am Mother: Unknown Sister: Choi Hye-yoon Great-Uncle: Kim Whanki |
| Estimated Net Worth | $40 million (as of 2024) |
| Legal Issues | Marijuana use (2017) |
| Notable Comeback | Role in “Squid Game” Season 2 (2024) |
| Height | 6 feet |
| Weight | 75 kg |
| @ttt/ | |
| Wikipedia | @T.O.P |
| IMDb | @nm3721584/ |
