T.O.P Leaves the Group on His Own, Severing Ties with BIGBANG
In May 2023, T.O.P shocked fans with his decision to unilaterally leave BIGBANG. Through a series of stories on his personal Instagram, T.O.P openly removed the BIGBANG label next to his name and reposted an article titled, “T.O.P Announces Solo Comeback After Leaving BIGBANG…”
Additionally, the eldest member of BIGBANG confirmed his departure when responding to a fan: “I’ve already left the group. I told you I was leaving and preparing for a new chapter in my life since last year.”
Three Points Indicating T.O.P’s Relationship with BIGBANG Has Reached a Dead End
T.O.P Ended His Contract with YG at the Beginning of 2022, Leaving BIGBANG in May 2023
Previously, T.O.P had ended his exclusive contract with YG in February 2022. Despite leaving YG, T.O.P still appeared in BIGBANG’s final track, “Still Life,” released in April of that year. This gave fans some reassurance that BIGBANG would not disband. Contrary to all speculations, T.O.P ended his relationship with the group by leaving unilaterally.
T.O.P Blocked a Fan for Tagging Him in a Story Celebrating BIGBANG’s 18th Anniversary
On August 19, BIGBANG celebrated its 18th anniversary. While G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung, along with fans, joyfully marked the milestone, T.O.P made a controversial move.
A fan reported being blocked by T.O.P on Instagram for tagging him in a story congratulating BIGBANG on its 18th anniversary. T.O.P’s action left fans disappointed and disheartened.
T.O.P Clearly Draws a Line with BIGBANG and Fans
This news quickly spread across platforms, with T.O.P criticized for his seemingly harsh treatment of the group that elevated him to fame. Despite various upheavals over the years that led T.O.P to leave, fans could not have anticipated being blocked by their idol. Moreover, T.O.P appeared to be extreme only with the group, while still liking posts celebrating his own debut.
Speculations About T.O.P’s Rift with G-Dragon and Taeyang
Following T.O.P’s blocking of fans who congratulated BIGBANG’s anniversary, Korean media speculated that he might also have cut ties with G-Dragon and Taeyang. BIGBANG’s success was not only due to the five-member lineup but also to sub-units like GD x TOP and GD x Taeyang, which had a significant influence.
The speculation added to fans’ frustration over T.O.P’s relationship with BIGBANG.
BIGBANG Now Has Only Three Members
A fact that must be affirmed is that BIGBANG now consists of only three members. This was confirmed by G-Dragon in an interview with Elle Korea in June. “My group members? Oh, now there are only three of us. We often talk about each other’s current situations. Of course, we occasionally discuss common topics like how to compete with younger groups,” G-Dragon said.
On the 18th anniversary, G-Dragon updated only images of the three members of BIGBANG. Alongside G-Dragon’s confirmation, Daesung stated that it would be very difficult for the group to reunite. BIGBANG members and fans have accepted this “incomplete” reality. Although no longer the “five warriors” of the past, BIGBANG’s existence remains irreplaceable for their V.I.Ps.
Fans are now focusing on supporting the individual activities of BIGBANG members. 2024 marks an eventful year for the three members of BIGBANG. Daesung is on an Asian tour, Taeyang has also begun his solo tour, and the most anticipated comeback is G-Dragon’s solo album expected to be released by the end of the year.
