Light House Denver – T.O.P, former member of legendary K-pop group Big Bang, is reportedly in talks with CJ ENM for an exclusive solo contract. After previously expressing his desire to return to the music scene as a solo artist in 2024, T.O.P is currently not signed to any agency.
According to Korean media reports, a source stated that T.O.P is planning to release a solo album in the second half of this year. “CJ ENM is just one of several global music distributors currently being considered,” the source said.
CJ ENM Responds to the Rumors
However, when asked for comment, CJ ENM denied that any official negotiations were taking place. “There are no discussions regarding an exclusive contract or a comeback with T.O.P,” a company representative stated.
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Despite the denial, speculation continues to grow. CJ ENM owns several prominent music labels, including WakeOne Entertainment and Stone Music Entertainment, and is involved in cross-national K-pop productions through Lapone Entertainment.
T.O.P’s Solo Journey and Career Transition
T.O.P left YG Entertainment in February 2022, and officially parted ways with Big Bang in May 2023. Since then, he has pursued an independent path, focusing on the arts and acting.
In December 2024, he made a public return through Netflix’s “Squid Game 2,” playing a former rapper named Thanos. It was his first appearance since a long hiatus that followed a 2017 marijuana case, for which he received a suspended sentence.
In a January 2025 interview, T.O.P publicly apologized for the past controversy and revealed that he had created a significant number of songs over the past decade. “There’s no confirmed release plan yet, but I have something in mind for the near future,” he shared.
Fans Await His Comeback
He hasn’t released new music since his last solo single “Doom Dada” in 2013. Still, fans remain eager for his musical return. With Big Bang’s 20th anniversary approaching in 2026, anticipation and nostalgia among VIPs (Big Bang’s fanbase) continue to build.
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