Former BIGBANG member T.O.P (real name Choi Seung-hyun), who left the group after facing public outrage over his 2017 marijuana conviction, has spoken out publicly for the first time in over eight years. In his recent confession, T.O.P expressed deep guilt over his past actions and revealed his intentions to return to the entertainment industry.

Addressing the criticisms that have followed him for years, T.O.P’s candid acknowledgment of his mistakes has sparked questions about whether his domestic entertainment comeback, once thought improbable, might now be within reach.

Will his role in "Squid Game" Season 2 serve as the lifeline to rebuild his career, or will public sentiment remain unchanged? T.O.P’s journey forward hangs in the balance.

T.O.P had halted his career in 2017 after being convicted of marijuana use, receiving a 10-month prison sentence suspended for two years. Although he participated in BIGBANG’s 2018 single “Flower Road,” it was later revealed that the track had been recorded two years earlier.

His last official activity with BIGBANG was their 2022 release “Still Life.” Later that year, T.O.P departed YG Entertainment, and in 2023, he officially announced his departure from the group. Since then, he had not pursued further entertainment activities until his recent "Squid Game" appearance.

T.O.P’s actions, which deeply disappointed and shocked the public, ultimately obstructed his own career path. When news broke of his casting in the second season of "Squid Game," public backlash was immediate.

Many criticized his return, accusing him of attempting a vague comeback without addressing the controversies surrounding his past drug conviction.

Critics also questioned whether his casting was based on connections rather than merit. Despite these allegations, T.O.P proceeded with his role, but the release of Season 2 failed to quell the negative sentiment.

Instead, his performance sparked debates about his acting ability, leaving him in a precarious position, surrounded by controversy on all sides.

After resuming his activities with "Squid Game" Season 2, T.O.P finally addressed the controversies surrounding him in a media interview. Conducted over two weeks after the series' release, the interview marked his first public statement in 11 years since promoting the film "Tazza: The Hidden Card."

This was also his first time speaking out about his 2017 marijuana conviction and subsequent departure from BIGBANG. By breaking his long silence, T.O.P appeared to be confronting the criticisms that have shadowed his career for years.

In the interview, T.O.P stressed his remorse and willingness to reflect on his past behavior. He acknowledged that his actions caused significant disappointment and pain to many. “At the time, I was in a dark place. I spoke recklessly, without judgment, and foolishly. I deeply regret those words and feel ashamed to this day,” he said.

Addressing his reversal of an earlier retirement announcement, T.O.P explained, “At that time, I was completely broken and felt incapable of doing anything. I wasn’t in the right state of mind, and I regret those statements. It’s something I need to reflect on.”

Through these candid admissions, T.O.P sought to confront the criticisms that have followed him and to demonstrate his commitment to personal growth.

T.O.P firmly dismissed the possibility of reuniting with BIGBANG, explaining the reasons behind his departure from the group. “As someone who caused significant harm to the name BIGBANG, I felt it was my responsibility to face criticism alone. I didn’t want the other members to suffer because of me,” he said.

He admitted to feeling deep guilt toward his former bandmates and revealed that he has not been in contact with them. “Too much time has passed for me to return,” he said, making it clear that he has no plans to rejoin the group.

Ticket to redemption?

While a return to BIGBANG seems unlikely, T.O.P hinted at resuming his activities in the entertainment industry during the interview.

Emphasizing his improved mental resilience, he said, “I will share positive news moving forward and show a more responsible and grounded side of myself.”

He also revealed plans to release music he had worked on during his hiatus and expressed a desire to become a better actor, learning from his past experiences as valuable lessons. T.O.P’s remarks suggest a renewed focus on rebuilding his career and personal growth.

T.O.P’s emotional confession, shared for the first time in eight years, has elicited mixed reactions from the public.

Some believe that, given his prolonged hiatus, he deserves a second chance to rebuild his career. Others, however, remain critical, arguing that his interview — timed after his appearance in "Squid Game" Season 2 — is a calculated move to facilitate his return to the entertainment industry.

Despite the divided opinions, T.O.P’s acknowledgment of his past mistakes and public apology address a key obstacle to his comeback. The interview, seen as a strategic step to lay the foundation for his return, has sparked curiosity about his next moves.

However, the path to regaining public trust remains arduous, with many closely watching how T.O.P goes through this critical turning point in his career. (The Korea Times)