T.O.P, Big Bang's complete 'cut-off' declaration → Taeyang still 'supporting'.

T.O.P., formerly of Big Bang, who recently released his solo album. Courtesy of TopSpot Pictures

T.O.P. (Choi Seung-hyun), formerly of Big Bang, directly mentioned his former group Big Bang in the lyrics of his new song, announcing a complete break.

On the 3rd, T.O.P. released his first full-length solo album 'Another Dimension' (ANOTHER DIMENSION). It marks his return to solo activity about 13 years after the single released in November 2013.

On this album, T.O.P. referenced his former group Big Bang. The album track 'Obaya' (OVAYA) includes the lyrics, "leave as a glorious old history and with new resolve I'm so sorry but I loved I'm leaving BIG-BANG!"

Another album track, 'I'm Completely Crazy!', contains the line, "I'm so sorry but I'm in my twenties BIG-BANG'S WAY. Only my FANS remain with wounds torn to shreds."

In the latter part of the song 'Tapyok', he directly inserted a news anchor's voice from the past drug incident and the controversy over indiscriminately blocking fans' social networking service (SNS) accounts.

Industry and public interpretations are divided. Some netizens criticized T.O.P., saying he is cleverly packaging his mistakes—inflicting a critical blow to the group with his drug use and unilaterally blocking long-time fans—as 'artistic anguish' or 'the narrative of a wounded soul'.

A post by Taeyang supporting T.O.P.'s album release. From his Instagram account

Considering past incidents where he declared "I will not make a comeback in Korea" and had confrontations with fans, or his overt erasure of Big Bang from his portal profile and SNS, critics say this is excessive self-justification.

On the other hand, some interpret the repeated phrase "I'm so sorry" in the lyrics as conveying remorse and apology to the members and fans. In a past interview with a Hong Kong magazine, T.O.P. said, "I realized how much pain I caused the people around me, my family, and fans."

Amid ongoing debate, Big Bang member Taeyang supported T.O.P. He posted on his SNS that day expressing support for T.O.P.'s new song. This is seen as both completely dismissing the "T.O.P. comeback" rumors that surfaced on Big Bang's 20th debut anniversary this year and as evidence that, despite T.O.P.'s unilateral actions, the members still respect him.

Reporter Lee Seon-myeong [email protected]