Former Big Bang member T.O.P is reportedly in talks for a solo music comeback, with South Korean entertainment company CJ ENM among the potential partners being considered.
Industry sources told The Korea Herald on Wednesday that the rapper is exploring options for a new solo album planned for release in the second half of 2025. This would mark his return to music after more than a decade, with his last solo single “Doom Dada” released in 2013.
T.O.P, whose real name is Choi Seung-hyun, is currently without a record label and has been discussing partnerships with several global music distributors. CJ ENM, which operates multiple music labels including WakeOne Entertainment and Stone Music Entertainment, is reportedly one of the companies in consideration.
However, CJ ENM has denied the reports. A company representative stated there have been no discussions about an exclusive contract or comeback plans with T.O.P.
The 37-year-old artist left YG Entertainment in February 2022 when his contract expired and officially departed from Big Bang in May 2023. Since then, he has focused primarily on acting, including a role in the second season of Netflix’s hit series “Squid Game” in December 2024.
T.O.P’s potential music return comes after he publicly apologised for past controversies, including a 2017 marijuana use case that significantly impacted his career. His comeback would coincide with Big Bang’s upcoming 20th anniversary next year, as the influential K-pop group debuted in August 2006.
