T.O.P is a talented South Korean rapper, singer, and actor. He has a deep voice and charismatic stage presence. Fans know him as the main rapper of BIGBANG. His real name is Choi Seung-hyun. People call him T.O.P for short.
He was born on November 4, 1987 in Seoul, South Korea. His age in 2026 is 38 years old. He stands 181 cm tall (about 5 feet 11 inches). His weight is around 65 kg. T.O.P works in K-pop and hip-hop music genres.
His career started in 2006 with BIGBANG’s debut. He has released solo singles like “Doom Dada” and “Turn It Up”. His family includes his parents and an older sister. He is not married and has no children. His net worth is estimated at $15 million. His main income sources include music royalties, acting, and endorsements.
T.O.P Wiki/Bio
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Choi Seung-hyun (최승현) |
| Birth | November 4, 1987 |
| Age (2026) | 38 years |
| Height | 181 cm (5’11”) |
| Weight | 65 kg (143 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type / Build | Slim / Athletic |
| Shoe Size | 270 mm (KR) / 9.5 (US) |
| Chest Size | 38 inches |
| Waist Size | 30 inches |
| Biceps Size | 12 inches |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Occupation | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actor |
| Education | Dankook University (Theater and Film) |
| Career Highlights | BIGBANG Main Rapper, 31st Blue Dragon Best New Actor |
| Net Worth | $15 million (estimated) |
| Wealth Sources | Music, Acting, Endorsements, Tours |
| Notable Skills | Rapping, Lyrics Writing, Deep Voice |
| Family | Father (Choi Bong-am), Mother, Sister (Choi Hye-yoon) |
| Social Presence | Instagram: @choi_seung_hyun_tttop |
T.O.P Real Name
Choi Seung-hyun is the artist’s complete birth name. He uses T.O.P as his professional stage name. The name T.O.P stands for “high position” or “peak”. He chose this name to represent his ambition. His family name Choi is common in Korea.
His grandparents gave him the name Seung-hyun. The name means “virtuous and worthy” in Korean. He rarely uses his real name in public. Fans and colleagues call him T.O.P or Tabi. His stage name fits his deep voice perfectly.
The Choi surname has ancient Korean origins. He kept his real name for legal documents. His Instagram handle uses his real name. The name carries $15 million in brand value. He legally owns T.O.P as a trademark.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Real Name | Choi Seung-hyun |
| First Name | Seung-hyun |
| Last Name | Choi |
| Stage Name Origin | “Top” meaning peak |
| Name Meaning | Virtuous and worthy |
| Legal Ownership | T.O.P trademarked |
T.O.P Early Life and Education
T.O.P was born in Seoul, South Korea on November 4, 1987. He grew up in the Gangnam-gu district of Seoul. His childhood was comfortable but not wealthy. He showed interest in music from a young age. He listened to hip-hop and rap music constantly.
He attended Garu Elementary School in Seoul. Later he studied at Bupyeong Middle School. He then went to Hanyoung High School. He was a quiet and introverted student in school. He found confidence through rap music. He formed a underground rap crew as a teenager.
G-Dragon recommended him to YG Entertainment in 2002. He trained as a YG trainee for 4 years. He later attended Dankook University. He studied Theater and Film major there. He did not complete his degree due to busy schedules. His education focused on performing arts.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary School | Garu Elementary |
| Middle School | Bupyeong Middle |
| High School | Hanyoung High |
| University | Dankook University |
| Major | Theater and Film |
| Training Period | 4 years at YG |
T.O.P Parents and Siblings
T.O.P’s father is named Choi Bong-am. His mother’s name is not publicly shared. His parents divorced when he was young. He was raised mostly by his mother and grandmother. His father served in the military for many years.
He has one older sister named Choi Hye-yoon. She was born in 1985 (2 years older). His sister runs a successful online clothing brand. The brand is called “nuthink” fashion. She is married and has children. T.O.P is a proud uncle to her kids.
His grandmother raised him during tough times. He remained close with his mother. His relationship with father improved over time. He bought his mother a nice house in Seoul. He keeps his family life extremely private. He rarely posts family photos online.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Father Name | Choi Bong-am |
| Mother Name | Not publicly disclosed |
| Parents Status | Divorced |
| Sister Name | Choi Hye-yoon (born 1985) |
| Sister’s Job | Clothing brand owner (nuthink) |
| Raised By | Mother and grandmother |
T.O.P Wife or Girlfriend
T.O.P is not married as of 2026. He has no public girlfriend currently. He keeps his dating life very private. He was previously linked to several celebrities. None of these relationships were confirmed officially.
He dated Korean actress Shin Min-ah briefly in 2008. The relationship ended after few months. He was also rumored to date Lee Seung-hee. The rumors were never confirmed by his agency. He has no children from any relationship.
He focuses on his career and art collecting. His Instagram only shows art and music. He avoids dating scandals completely now. He said in interviews he prefers privacy. His marital status remains single in 2026. He lives alone in Seoul currently.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Unmarried (2026) |
| Girlfriend | None publicly |
| Past Rumors | Shin Min-ah (2008) |
| Children | None |
| Current Residence | Seoul, South Korea |
| Relationship Status | Single |
T.O.P Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
T.O.P turns 38 years old in 2026. His birthday falls on November 4 every year. He has a youthful appearance for his age. Fans call him “old soul with young face” . He looks younger than most men his age.
His height is 181 cm (5 feet 11 inches). He weighs around 65 kilograms or 143 pounds. His body type is slim and lean. He has a natural athletic build. He maintains his weight through light exercise. He avoids heavy weight training.
T.O.P has dark brown eyes and black hair. He often changes hair colors dramatically. He had silver, blonde, and blue hair before. His skin tone is fair and clear. He has no visible tattoos on his body. His fashion style is luxury-focused.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Age (2026) | 38 years |
| Height | 181 cm (5’11”) |
| Weight | 65 kg (143 lbs) |
| Body Type | Slim / Lean |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (dyed often) |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
| Blood Type | AB (rare type) |
T.O.P Before Fame
Before fame, T.O.P was an underground rapper in Seoul. He performed in the Hongdae club district. His stage name was “Tempo” back then. He met G-Dragon at a hip-hop competition. The two became close friends immediately.
He weighed over 90 kg as a teenager. He lost weight dramatically to audition. His mother supported his music dreams. She allowed him to skip school for performances. He worked part-time at a restaurant for money.
His YG audition song was a self-written rap. He impressed YG founder Yang Hyun-suk. He trained for 4 years before debuting. He almost quit during training period. G-Dragon encouraged him to stay in the company. He finally debuted at age 18 in 2006.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Underground Name | Tempo |
| First Performance | Hongdae clubs (age 15) |
| Weight Before | 90+ kg as teenager |
| Audition Year | 2002 (age 15) |
| Training Period | 4 years |
| Debut Age | 18 years old |
T.O.P Career
T.O.P debuted with BIGBANG in August 2006. The group released “Bigbang Vol.1” same year. He was the main rapper and deep voice of the group. BIGBANG became Korea’s biggest boy band. Their hit “Lies” (2007) topped all charts. The group won multiple Daesang awards.
He formed GD&TOP subunit with G-Dragon in 2010. Their album “GD&TOP” sold 200,000 copies. His solo single “Turn It Up” (2010) was a hit. “Doom Dada” (2013) won critical acclaim. The music video is considered an art piece. He wrote most of his rap lyrics himself.
His acting career started in 2007 with “I Am Sam”. He starred in “IRIS” (2009) as a killer. His film “71: Into the Fire” (2010) won awards. He won Best New Actor at Blue Dragon Awards. He starred in “Commitment” (2013) and “Tazza 2” (2014). His latest role is “Squid Game Season 2” (2024) . He plays character Thanos in the show.
| Era | Project | Year | Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debut | BIGBANG | 2006 | Main Rapper |
| Solo | Turn It Up | 2010 | Digital Hit |
| Acting | 71: Into the Fire | 2010 | Blue Dragon Award |
| Solo | Doom Dada | 2013 | Critical Acclaim |
| Subunit | GD&TOP | 2010 | 200k Sales |
| Comeback | Squid Game S2 | 2024 | Netflix Global Hit |
T.O.P Social Media Presence
T.O.P has an Instagram account @choi_seung_hyun_tttop. He has 5 million followers on the platform. He posts art, furniture, and occasional selfies. He rarely posts BIGBANG-related content now. His Instagram is more about his art collection.
He has no official Twitter or Facebook accounts. He deleted his previous Instagram account in 2017. The account had over 7 million followers then. He started a new account after military service. He follows only art galleries and museums.
He does not use TikTok or other platforms. His social media presence is minimal. He prefers showing art over personal life. He once said “I hate social media drama” . His posts get 500k+ likes each still. He keeps his comment section limited.
| Platform | Handle | Followers (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| @choi_seung_hyun_tttop | 5 million | |
| None | – | |
| None | – | |
| TikTok | None | – |
T.O.P Net Worth and Achievements
T.O.P’s net worth in 2026 is $15 million. He earned this through BIGBANG’s world tours. BIGBANG’s “MADE” tour grossed $150 million. His acting roles added millions more. He owns expensive art worth over $5 million.
His solo music royalties generate steady income. He made money from CF endorsements with BIGBANG. Brands like Nike, LG, and Samsung paid him. He earned from “Squid Game Season 2” salary. The show is Netflix’s biggest Korean hit.
He won Best New Actor at 31st Blue Dragon Awards. He won Best New Actor at 47th Baeksang Arts Awards. He earned Busan International Film Festival Best New Award. He won multiple music awards with BIGBANG. He received British Prudential Visual Culture Award. His art collection is worth millions.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2026) | $15 million |
| BIGBANG Tours | $150M+ total gross |
| Art Collection | $5 million value |
| Blue Dragon Award | Best New Actor (2010) |
| Baeksang Award | Best New Actor (2011) |
| BIFF Award | Best New Actor (2013) |
T.O.P Legacy and Impact
T.O.P changed K-pop rap with his deep voice. He proved low-toned rappers can be idols. His flow and delivery inspired many young rappers. Groups like BTS and Monsta X cite him. His deep voice became his trademark.
His acting proved idols can be serious actors. He won major film awards as a rookie. His role in “71: Into the Fire” showed range. He paved way for idol-actors in Korea. Many followed his path from music to films.
His 2017 marijuana scandal damaged his career. He received suspended prison sentence of 10 months. He apologized publicly and took responsibility. He left YG Entertainment in 2022. His comeback in “Squid Game” revived his fame. His legacy remains complicated but significant.
| Impact Area | Contribution |
|---|---|
| K-pop Rap | Deep voice pioneer |
| Acting | Idol-actor trailblazer |
| Art | Korean art ambassador |
| Scandal | Drug law awareness |
| Comeback | Squid Game revival |
T.O.P Nationality and Religion
T.O.P holds South Korean nationality by birth. He was born in Seoul, South Korea. He is a natural-born Korean citizen. He has no dual citizenship with other countries. He served in mandatory military service in 2017.
He was raised in a Buddhist household. His grandmother was a devout Buddhist. He practiced Buddhism during childhood. He now describes himself as non-religious. He believes in morality over organized religion.
He collects Buddhist art and statues. He visited temples in Japan and Korea. He does not publicly discuss religious beliefs. His family still practices Buddhism. He respects all religions equally. His personal spirituality remains private.
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Birthplace | Seoul, South Korea |
| Citizenship | Korean only |
| Religion | Buddhism (raised), Non-religious (current) |
| Military Service | 2017 (disrupted due to scandal) |
| Temple Visits | Japan, Korea |
T.O.P Future Plans and Goals
T.O.P plans to focus on acting after Squid Game. He wants to take more serious film roles. He is considering Hollywood projects currently. He will not return to BIGBANG activities. He left the group officially in 2022.
He continues collecting and promoting art. He might open his own art gallery someday. He curates exhibitions in Seoul and internationally. He wants to bridge Korean art globally. His art YouTube channel is possible.
He stays away from music production for now. He may release solo music in the future. He wants to act in action thriller films. He avoids variety show appearances completely. His “Squid Game” character Thanos is his focus. He has no marriage plans currently.
| Future Plan | Target |
|---|---|
| Hollywood Acting | Under consideration |
| Art Gallery | Possible in 2-3 years |
| Solo Music | Undecided |
| Variety Shows | No interest |
| Marriage | No current plans |
T.O.P Awards and Achievements
T.O.P won Best New Actor at Blue Dragon Film Awards (2010). He won Best New Actor at Baeksang Arts Awards (2011). He received Busan International Film Festival Best New Award (2013). He was nominated for Asian Film Awards (2011).
He won British Prudential Visual Culture Award (2013). He earned Mnet Asian Music Awards for BEST BIGBANG. He won Golden Disc Awards with BIGBANG multiple times. He received Seoul Music Awards Daesang. He won Melon Music Awards Album of the Year.
His “Doom Dada” won Best Music Video at MV Festival. He received Korean Popular Culture and Arts Award. He was nominated for Grand Bell Awards in 2010. His Squid Game role earned new fans worldwide. He remains award-winning actor and rapper.
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Blue Dragon Best New Actor | 2010 |
| Baeksang Best New Actor | 2011 |
| BIFF Best New Award | 2013 |
| British Prudential Visual Culture | 2013 |
| Asian Film Awards Nomination | 2011 |
| Grand Bell Awards Nomination | 2010 |
T.O.P Category Section
T.O.P is primarily a rapper and singer. He is also a film and TV actor. His main category is K-pop artist and actor. He has released solo music and acted in films.
T.O.P Songs List
- Doom Dada (2013)
- Turn It Up (2010)
- Big Boy (BIGBANG Vol.1)
- Pretended (with G-Dragon)
- Of All Days (GD&TOP)
- Oh Mom (GD&TOP)
- Don’t Go Home (GD&TOP)
- Baby Good Night (GD&TOP)
- Knock Out (GD&TOP)
- Obsession (feat. G-Dragon)
- High High (GD&TOP)
- Zutter (with G-Dragon)
- Good Boy (with G-Dragon, Taeyang)
- Bae Bae (BIGBANG – co-wrote)
- Loser (BIGBANG – co-wrote)
- Bang Bang Bang (BIGBANG – co-wrote)
- Fantastic Baby (BIGBANG – co-wrote)
- Blue (BIGBANG – co-wrote)
- Monster (BIGBANG – co-wrote)
- Still Life (BIGBANG – 2022)
T.O.P Movies / TV Shows
- I Am Sam (2007) – TV drama debut
- Iris (2009) – KBS drama as assassin Big
- Nineteen (2009) – film debut
- 71: Into the Fire (2010) – breakthrough role
- Commitment (2013) – lead role as North Korean spy
- Tazza: The Hidden Card (2014) – gambling drama
- Out of Control (2017) – Chinese-Korean film
- Squid Game Season 2 (2024) – Thanos role
- Big Bang Made (2016) – documentary
- Running Man (variety cameo)
- Infinite Challenge (variety cameo)
- Weekly Idol (with BIGBANG)
- Knowing Bros (variety appearance)
- Radio Star (talk show guest)
- Happy Together (variety guest)
- The Return of Superman (narration cameo)
T.O.P Hobbies
- Collecting rare art and furniture
- Red wine tasting (owns 1000+ bottles)
- Interior design for his home
- Watching classic films
- Reading contemporary poetry
- Traveling to European museums
- Photography (owns Leica cameras)
- Playing with his pet dogs
- Listening to 1990s hip-hop
- Meditation and quiet reflection
T.O.P Favorite Things
- Color: Black and Red
- Food: Sushi and Korean BBQ
- Drink: Red wine (Bordeaux)
- Artist: Andy Warhol and Basquiat
- Furniture: Mid-century modern
- Movie: Pulp Fiction
- Rapper: DMX and Nas
- Perfume: Tom Ford Oud Wood
- Travel Destination: Switzerland
- Fashion Brand: Saint Laurent
T.O.P Interesting Facts
- He comes from a family of military service.
- He lost 30 kg to audition for YG.
- He almost quit training due to depression.
- His deep voice is completely natural.
- He owns over 200 contemporary art pieces.
- He was G-Dragon’s childhood friend before debut.
- He received a suspended sentence for marijuana in 2017.
- He spent 2 weeks in a coma after overdose in 2017.
- He speaks basic English and Japanese.
- He refuses to sing BIGBANG songs anymore.
FAQs
1. What is T.O.P’s real name?
Choi Seung-hyun is his full real name. He uses T.O.P as his stage name professionally.
2. Why did T.O.P leave BIGBANG?
He left YG Entertainment in 2022. He wants to focus on acting and art now.
3. How old is T.O.P in 2026?
He is 38 years old. He was born on November 4, 1987.
4. Is T.O.P married or have a girlfriend?
No, he is not married as of 2026. He keeps his dating life private.
5. What is T.O.P’s role in Squid Game Season 2?
He plays Thanos (Choi Su-bong) . The character is a rapper and contestant .
Conclusion
T.O.P is a 38-year-old South Korean rapper and actor. He stands 181 cm tall and weighs 65 kilograms. He has no wife or children currently. His net worth in 2026 is $15 million. He earned this through music, acting, and art collecting.
He debuted with BIGBANG in 2006 as the main rapper. He won Blue Dragon and Baeksang awards for acting. His 2017 drug scandal damaged his reputation. He left YG Entertainment in 2022. He returned to fame with “Squid Game Season 2” in 2024.
His legacy includes pioneering deep-voice rap in K-pop. He proved idols can become serious actors. His art collection is worth millions. He continues to act and collect art. He remains one of K-pop’s most unique artists.
