T.O.P has sparked conversation among fans after teasing what appears to be his long-awaited return to music. On January 2, 2026, the artist—whose real name is Choi Seung-hyun—shared a brief teaser video where he is seen writing the phrase “Top Spot. Another Dimension” in both English and Korean.

Photo: Han Myung-Gu/WireImage
While no release date has been confirmed, the clip hints that a new album may be in the works.
If released, this would mark T.O.P’s first album since his 2013 single “Doom Dada,” and his first musical project since officially departing from Big Bang in 2023. The timing also coincides with his 20th anniversary since debuting in the entertainment industry.
View this post on Instagram
T.O.P first rose to prominence in 2006 as a rapper and actor with Big Bang, one of K-pop’s most influential groups. His career later went on pause following a 2017 marijuana conviction, which resulted in a suspended prison sentence and his withdrawal from group activities.
After several years away from the spotlight, he made a public return in 2024 as part of the season two cast of Squid Game. In previous interviews, T.O.P reflected on the challenges he faced during his 20s, describing that period as a “dark time” and sharing that he once “wanted to quit everything” after experiencing setbacks for the first time.
He also credited Squid Game director Hwang Dong-hyuk for reaching out to him during that time, saying the trust extended to him gave him the courage to take on the project.
As he approaches 40, the 37-year-old actor has shared his hopes for a more stable and quieter life moving forward.
“I want to reach a point where I can wake up without being bombarded by negative news and feel more at peace,” he said.
For now, details about the teased album remain limited—but the short video has already drawn attention from fans curious about what T.O.P may be planning next.
ALSO READ: Yes, We Flew to Bangkok Just So My Kid Could Watch a PLAVE Concert
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com’s Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com community at WIM Squad, and join our Viber group to stay updated with the latest around the Philippines and beyond!
