TOP Announces Personal Departure from BIGBANG.

Seoul - In a surprising revelation, TOP, formerly a member of the renowned K-pop group BIGBANG, has declared his voluntary withdrawal from the group.

On the 31st of May, TOP took to his Instagram account to address his departure.

Responding to a fan's inquiry about his status within BIGBANG, TOP clarified in the comments, stating, "I have already mentioned that I am leaving BIGBANG."

He further expressed, "I am embarking on a new chapter in my life."

In a notable gesture, TOP shared a screenshot on his Instagram story, featuring an article with the descriptor 'BIGBANG' preceding his name.

Notably, he placed an 'X' mark over the words 'BIGBANG,' symbolically denying any association. Additionally, TOP removed the 'BIGBANG' reference from a post where Swings mentioned him.

TOP originally debuted as part of the five-member group BIGBANG in 2006 under the management of YG Entertainment, alongside G-Dragon, Taeyang, Daesung, and Seungri.

However, in 2017, TOP encountered legal trouble due to involvement in a marijuana case while fulfilling his duties as a conscripted police officer.

Consequently, he received a suspended sentence of 10 months in prison.

Following the incident, TOP continued to participate in BIGBANG's digital single, 'Still Life,' until April of the previous year.

It should be noted that his exclusive contract with YG Entertainment had already expired at that time.

Meanwhile, TOP has hinted at an upcoming solo comeback by sharing a video on his Instagram, presumably captured in his studio space, and mentioning his ongoing work on his forthcoming album.

Fans and industry insiders eagerly await further developments regarding TOP's solo career and the future direction of BIGBANG without their former member.

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Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]