Former Big Bang Rapper T.O.P to Release New Album

Former Big Bang rapper T.O.P is making a long-awaited solo comeback.
A full studio album is set to drop around October 2025.
Fans celebrate with excitement after years of silence.

Former Big Bang member Choi Seung Hyun (T.O.P) is making a bold return to the music scene. According to The Korea Herald, which was cited by several media outlets, he is preparing his first full studio album in twelve years since the experimental single “Doom Dada” (2013). The album is planned to be released in the fourth quarter of 2025, around October or later. The recording is already complete, and several music videos will be produced; T.O.P is collaborating with Chae Kyoung Sun, the art director of Squid Game who won the Art Directors Guild Award in 2022 and 2025 and a Primetime Emmy in 2022, as the visual producer. This marks the comeback of a musician who once faced drug-related controversy, stepped away from the industry, but later rose again through his “Thanos” role in Squid Game 2 and is now ready to share his latest work with fans worldwide.

Album Plans and Career Journey

T.O.P has been hinting at a solo comeback for some time. In November 2024, he responded to a fan on Instagram with “2025,” and later confirmed his plans in an international interview promoting Squid Game 2 in June 2025. Industry insiders revealed that the new album is set for release around or after October 2025, marking a long-awaited return after leaving YG Entertainment in 2021 and officially parting ways with Big Bang in 2023. Since then, T.O.P has chosen to work independently without an agency. Rumors of a partnership with Kakao Entertainment surfaced but were denied by the company.

This new album is seen as a gift to long-waiting fans. T.O.P has reportedly completed all the recording and is now preparing several music videos. His collaboration with Chae Kyoung Sun, the art director of Squid Game known for her cinematic touch, promises unique visuals. He is also rumored to be following Big Bang’s footsteps by performing at Coachella 2026 to celebrate the group’s 20th anniversary. This news sparked speculation that the new album will expand his musical style and possibly continue the avant garde essence of “Doom Dada.” On social media, fans have even dubbed the project “Doom Dada 2.0,” tying it to his past work while hoping for a fresh concept.

Outside of music, T.O.P’s journey has been full of ups and downs. He started as an underground rapper before debuting with Big Bang in 2006, becoming part of one of K pop’s best selling boy groups. After leaving YG, he still contributed to Big Bang’s ballad single “Still Life” (2022). However, his life was once marked by a drug scandal while serving as a conscripted police officer in 2016; he was sentenced to 10 months in prison with a two year probation period. As a result, his military duty was switched to social service, and he once announced retirement from the entertainment industry.

Despite everything, T.O.P never stopped creating music. In a January 2025 interview, he reflected on his youth: “In my 20s I received so much love, but I made huge mistakes and collapsed mentally.” He also said that being in the studio makes him feel alive; he kept writing songs and felt that now was the time to share them with the world. This honesty is reflected in his statement that the new album’s lyrics will be dark and personal, depicting trauma and the healing process during his years of isolation, something fans have warmly welcomed.

Fan Excitement on Social Media

Before diving into the flood of reactions, it is clear that T.O.P’s return carries more weight than just another K pop comeback. For many fans, this moment feels like the closing of a long chapter marked by silence, personal struggles, and uncertainty about whether he would ever release music again. The announcement of a new album has not only sparked nostalgia for his Big Bang era but also renewed hope that T.O.P is ready to reclaim his artistry on his own terms.

News of T.O.P’s comeback set social media ablaze. Many fans expressed their excitement, saying:

"finally… the planet has been waiting since the big bang"

Others hoped the community would continue to support him, knowing the mental struggles he has faced:

"hoping everyone keeps supporting him, he’s been through so much mentally"

Some were eager to stream his music nonstop:

"AND I SPEAK FOR US ALL WHEN I SAY THAT WE WILL BE STREAMING"

There were also fans who praised his artistry by calling him “Rap Basquiat.”

Fans shared their joy collectively:

"OMG! Finally we will have the great return of our beloved T.O.P"

"Finally!!! I can hardly wait to hear his new music and see his GORGEOUS face"

"OMG!!! I’ve been waiting for this moment"

"That is amazing"

"finally!"

"Eu não acredito, finalmente (I can’t believe it, finally)"

"OBRIGADA MEU DEUS!! (Thank you God!!)"

Some fans provided context for those who might not be familiar with Big Bang’s journey. They emphasized that the excitement comes from the rarity of his releases and his long hiatus, not just the genre of music. Others highlighted that T.O.P will write dark and deeply personal lyrics about trauma and years of isolation, expressing their readiness to offer moral support.

On Instagram, the phrase “DOOM DADA 2.0” filled the comments with fire emojis. There were also comments in Indonesian wishing T.O.P would perform at Coachella and sending prayers for his plans to come true. Messages like “WOOHOOOOOO DOOM DADA 2.0,” clapping emojis, and questions like “Is this real?” captured the overwhelming joy and disbelief.

Some fans also reminded the community about the importance of supporting T.O.P’s mental health. They pointed out that he had previously gone through severe struggles, even attempting suicide, so moral support is essential. Messages like these encourage fans to not only celebrate his new work but also help ensure the artist’s well being.

T.O.P’s return to the music scene brings renewed hope for K pop fans. The upcoming album, set for release around October 2025, promises artistic exploration with a deeply personal tone. His collaboration with Chae Kyoung Sun is expected to deliver stunning visuals, while the global buzz on social media proves that despite a long hiatus, T.O.P remains an iconic figure in the industry. With all the highs and lows of his past, this comeback is anticipated to mark a more mature and reflective chapter for the pioneering second generation K pop rapper.

Sources: The Korea Herald via Inquirer and Tempo; Billboard Philippines; Yahoo Entertainment