TOP: 'I Want No More Drama in My Life'
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- T.O.P, formerly of BIGBANG, discussed his artistic journey and desire for a life free of "drama" in a WWD Korea interview.
- He reflected on his 20s and 30s, focusing on shedding ego and embracing a minimalist approach to life.
- T.O.P, who recently returned to acting in Netflix's 'Squid Game' Season 2, expressed a wish for stability and reassurance for those around him.
Choi Seung-hyun, widely known as T.O.P from the iconic K-pop group BIGBANG, is gracing the cover of WWD Korea, offering a candid glimpse into his life and artistic evolution. In a revealing interview accompanying the photoshoot, inspired by his new album's title 'ANOTHER DIMENSION,' T.O.P delves into his personal philosophy and aspirations, moving beyond the tumultuous phases of his past.
I am focusing on the time to empty myself, moving beyond the stage of confronting my ego.
Reflecting on his journey through his 20s and 30s, T.O.P shared, "I am focusing on the time to empty myself, moving beyond the stage of confronting my ego." He expressed a desire to fill the void left by letting go of attachments with a willingness to learn from the world. This introspective approach marks a significant shift from the public persona often associated with his earlier career.
Drawing parallels between his life and art movements, T.O.P described his experiences as "surrealist" but consistently aimed for "minimalism." His most striking sentiment was his wish: "I want no more drama in my life. I want to be a reliable presence that those around me can feel at ease looking at." This desire for stability and peace comes after a period marked by significant public scrutiny and a lengthy hiatus following legal issues, including a marijuana conviction in 2017, and his eventual departure from BIGBANG.
I want no more drama in my life. I want to be a reliable presence that those around me can feel at ease looking at.
Having recently made a comeback to acting with a role in the highly anticipated Netflix series 'Squid Game' Season 2, T.O.P's current focus appears to be on cultivating a more serene and grounded existence. His interview with WWD Korea offers a compelling narrative of an artist seeking tranquility and a stable foundation, both personally and professionally, aiming to be a source of comfort rather than a subject of sensationalism.
I lived a surrealist life, but I always aim for minimalism.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.