Who Is T.O.P? Age, Biography and Wiki
T.O.P, whose real name is Choi Seung-hyun, was born on November 4, 1987, making him 37 years old as of 2025. He rose to fame as a member of the South Korean boy band BIGBANG, which debuted in 2006. T.O.P is known for his deep voice, charismatic stage presence, and impactful songwriting. Over the years, he has evolved from a group member to a successful solo artist, actor, and entrepreneur, making significant contributions to the Korean entertainment industry.
| Occupation | Blues Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 4, 1987 |
| Age | 37 Years |
| Birth Place | Seoul, South Korea |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | South Korea |
Popularity
T.O.P's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
T.O.P stands tall at approximately 180 cm (5 ft 11 in) and weighs around 65 kg (143 lbs). His striking features and unique style have made him a style icon in South Korea and internationally. His body measurements are estimated to be 38-30-36 inches, showcasing a lean and fit physique.
He is the great nephew of Korea's pioneering abstract art artist Kim Whanki and grew up in contact with art due to his family. Choi became interested in hip hop at a young age. He and fellow future BigBang member Kwon Ji-yong were "neighborhood friend[s] from middle school" and often danced and rapped together.
Although Kwon later moved away and the two "became distant", Choi was contacted by Kwon when YG Entertainment, Kwon's record label, was scouting for possible candidates to create a boy group.
By then, Choi had already performed on many underground stages at hip hop clubs and established a reputation as an underground rapper with the stage name Tempo. In 2003 under the name of Tempo, he was the winner of KBS Radio's Rap Battle.
After contact, Choi subsequently recorded several demos with Kwon and sent them to Yang Hyun-suk, CEO of YG Entertainment, who later asked him to audition. Choi was initially rejected by the record label, which deemed him too "chubby" to fit the "idealistic version" of an idol.
He later "went home and exercised hard because [he] wanted to join YG Entertainment," losing 20 kg in 40 days. Six months later, Choi returned for another audition and was signed.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, T.O.P is reportedly single. Although he has been linked to various prominent personalities in the past, including K-pop idols and celebrities, he has kept his personal life private. T.O.P is known for being discreet about his relationships, focusing instead on his music career and personal growth. There is no confirmation of a boyfriend or girlfriend at this time, making fans curious about his future romantic endeavors.
T.O.P began his two-year mandatory military service on February 9, 2017, as a conscripted police officer, where he was set to be discharged on November 8, 2018, after completing the requirements.
After news broke in June that he would be prosecuted without detention for use of marijuana, T.O.P was subsequently transferred to a different police division to await notice of prosecution, and was suspended from police duty pending verdict on his case.
A few days after the announcement, T.O.P was found unconscious in police barracks due to a suspected anti-anxiety medicine overdose of prescribed benzodiazepine, and was hospitalized. On June 8, T.O.P's mother confirmed that he regained consciousness and was recovering.
Net Worth and Salary
T.O.P's net worth is estimated to be around $20 million in 2025. He has amassed this wealth through his successful music career, acting roles, endorsements, and business ventures. His earnings from BIGBANG, coupled with lucrative brand partnerships and solo endeavors, continue to contribute significantly to his financial success.
Career, Business and Investments
T.O.P's career has spanned nearly two decades, during which he has established himself as a versatile artist. After starting his journey with BIGBANG, he ventured into solo music, releasing hits that topped charts worldwide. He has also appeared in various films and television dramas, showcasing his acting skills.
In addition to his entertainment career, T.O.P has explored business ventures, including fashion and art. His keen sense of style has led him to collaborate with various brands, and he has a growing interest in investing in startups that align with his creative vision.
After releasing the band's albums and singles, T.O.P. began working on his solo career. In April 2007, he was featured with fellow BigBang members Taeyang and G-Dragon on singer Lexy's single "Super Fly" for her album Rush. Later that summer, he appeared as an actor in Red Roc's "Hello" music video.
He became the first member of BigBang to venture into acting, starring in the KBS2 drama I Am Sam, portraying the school's top fighter, Chae Musin. Despite wanting to use his stage name when acting, believing it reflects his professional side more, he is often billed with his real name, with his stage name included in parentheses.
He also became a host of MBC's music program Music Core.
Social Network
T.O.P is active on social media platforms, where he engages with fans and shares updates about his personal and professional life. He regularly updates his Instagram account, where he posts photos related to his music, art, and day-to-day activities. His online presence remains significant, with millions of followers across various platforms, contributing to his status as a global celebrity.
Later that year, T.O.P and bandmate G-Dragon formed a subunit to release the album GD & TOP (2010). Prior to the release of the album, the duo held a worldwide premiere showcase for their album at Times Square in Yeongdeungpo of Seoul, South Korea, which was also broadcast live on YouTube.
Three singles were released in support of the album: "High High", "Oh Yeah", and "Knock Out". All three singles preceded the release of the album and attained commercial successes: "Knock Out" was a chart topper while "Oh Yeah" and "High High" both peaked at number two and number three respectively.
The album was released on Christmas Eve, and debuted at number one with 200,000 pre-ordered copies.
Education
T.O.P attended the Seoul Art College, where he studied music and performing arts. His educational background equipped him with the skills necessary to thrive in the competitive entertainment industry. He has often credited his education and experiences in school for shaping his artistic vision and enhancing his talents.
As T.O.P continues to make strides in his career and personal life, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this talented artist. Keep an eye on his journey as he navigates the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, relationship, and personal growth in 2025.
While promoting his group's materials in 2008, T.O.P appeared on other artists' records, including Gummy for the song "I'm Sorry" for her album Comfort, veteran singer Uhm Jung-hwa for her single "D.I.S.C.O." and ZiA for her single "I Only See You". The same year, he was admitted to Dankook University in the theatre department.
The following year, T.O.P. portrayed the assassin Vick in the critically acclaimed Korean television drama Iris (2009). He also recorded the song "Hallelujah" for the drama's soundtrack with Taeyang and G-Dragon. Following Iris, T.O.P. starred in the suspense film 19-Nineteen along with fellow member Seungri.
The duo released the single "Because" for the movie's soundtrack.
