FOR years, VIPs have held their yellow crown lightsticks high, waiting for a whisper, a beat or even a glimpse of the man who defined "charisma" in K-pop. On the first day of 2026, our wishes were finally answered.
Choi Seung-hyun, known globally as T.O.P, has officially broken his 13-year solo musical silence. In a New Year’s Day post that sent the internet into a frenzy, the rapper-actor shared a video on his Instagram with a caption that feels like a long-awaited homecoming: “A NEW ALBUM IS ON THE WAY.”
The teaser video, featuring T.O.P handwriting the words “TOP SPOT – Another Dimension” on a blank canvas, hints at the title of his upcoming project. He also launched a dedicated Instagram account, @topspot_pictures, signaling a high-concept, multi-media approach to this comeback.
This isn’t just any release. It marks his first solo music project since the avant-garde masterpiece DOOM DADA in November 2013.
According to industry insiders, T.O.P is collaborating with Chae Kyoung Sun, the visionary art director behind the Squid Game series, to produce several music videos. Given T.O.P’s appreciation for fine art, we can expect nothing less than a visual revolution.
T.O.P’s return to music follows his triumphant acting comeback in late 2024. Fans followed every step of his journey, through the highs of MADE and the painful lows of his 2017 hiatus, seeing him shine as "Thanos" in Squid Game 2 was a bittersweet victory.
In a candid interview last year, he moved many fans by admitting that music was his lifeline during his years of self-imposed exile.
“I made music to survive. I spent time creating the music I wanted to hear, enduring my dark heart and bitter pain.
“I created an enormous number of songs during that period. Naturally, I want to share them with my fans,” he said.
T.O.P isn't just releasing an album; he's sharing the "survival kit" that kept him with us.
The timing of this solo announcement may not be just coincidence as 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of Big Bang’s debut. While T.O.P officially departed the group in 2023, the bond between the members remains the subject of intense industry whispers.
Just last month, G-Dragon – the undisputed King of K-pop, concluded his Übermensch world tour with a massive encore in Seoul. In a moment that nearly broke the Gocheok Sky Dome, Taeyang and Daesung joined him on stage.
During the final ment, GD dropped a tantalizing breadcrumb: “Next year is our 20th anniversary. We’ll start warming up in April.”
Rumours are now swirling that Big Bang – potentially with all four members, could be heading to the Coachella 2026 stage this April.
As the world holds its breath for a potential miracle, the mere thought of a reunion has VIPs everywhere ready to shout "Boom Shakalaka" once more, proving that no matter how many years pass, Big Bang remains our ultimate Fantastic Baby.
While T.O.P has previously "drawn a line" regarding a return to the group, VIPs are looking at the "Another Dimension" title and wondering: Is there a dimension where we see the Kings together again?
Whether he stands alone or with his brothers, one thing is certain: the "TOP SPOT" is still his to claim.