T.O.P, a member of the K-pop legendary group BIGBANG made his first official public appearance in three years. His appearance immediately caused a stir online. Why is it a big deal?
T.O.P Attends VIP Premiere of Movie 'Emergency Declaration,' First Public Appearance in 3 Years
On July 25, Choi Seung Hyun, popularly known as T.O.P, was one of the huge stars who attended the VIP premiere of the movie "Emergency Declaration," a work by Director Han Jae Rim.
The reason his appearance became a hot topic was that it is the first time that the BIGBANG rapper has appeared in public since he was demobilized as a social worker in 2019.
In particular, the "DOOM DADA" singer attended the preview to support his friend, actor Lee Byung Hun, one of the main stars in the movie. They formed a relationship after working together as actors in 2009 through KBS 2TV's "Iris."
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On this day, T.O.P. appeared in a luxurious suit with gorgeous blonde hair. At the photo wall, T.O.P greeted the reporters and bowed at them 90 degrees. With a light smile, he raised one hand and posed.
Without comment, the male idol moved into the movie theater after delivering short but strong eye contact and warm greetings to fans and reporters.
T.O.P's First Public Appearance Draws Attention for THIS Reason
As mentioned, the male star appeared in front of the camera for the first time since July 7, 2019, when he was discharged from the call-up of social service personnel.
This is also the first time he made an official appearance after announcing his departure from YG Entertainment, where he had been signed with for 16 years.
As a result, T.O.P drew curiosity about whether he reversed his initial retirement declaration and secretly moved to return to Korean activities. This sparked fans' anticipation, with many wondering if he will continue to work in the country after repeatedly stating that he won't make a comeback in Korea.
For a brief context, T.O.P., who caused a stir over the drug scandal in 2016, became the center of criticism among internet users and K-pop enthusiasts. He was hated following the issue and was called out by fans to leave BIGBANG even after his military service.
He hinted at his retirement from the music scene in 2019 when he replied to a commenter, saying:
"Don't ever think about coming back to the industry. Just stop posting on Instagram and do self-reflection."
He then replied:
"Yes! God! I don't want to do it either (comeback)."
In addition, T.O.P has repeatedly announced his retirement from the entertainment industry through live SNS broadcasts.
In 2020, he left ambiguous words, stating:
"I'm always sorry to my fans. I won't make a comeback in Korea. I don't want to make a comeback."
Since then, T.O.P continued his activities in foreign countries but Korea, convincing fans that he was serious about his initial claims.
However, in April, three years after his alleged retirement, T.O.P made a comeback with BIGBANG with the digital single "Spring Summer Fall Winter (Still Life)."
This is why some say he is planning to return to the entertainment industry, and that attending this premiere is his first step back into Korean entertainment.
READ MORE: Big Bang T.O.P. Won’t Have a Comeback in Korea at all: “People are Terrible”
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Written by Eunice Dawson
