If you’ve been following Korean entertainment for any length of time, you know the name Choi Seung-hyun. Most of the world knows him as T.O.P, the deep-voiced, art-obsessed rapper who basically defined the "cool" aesthetic for an entire generation of K-pop fans. But lately, people have been asking one specific question more than usual: how old is Choi Seung-hyun exactly?
It sounds like a simple math problem. You take the birth year, look at the calendar, and boom—there is your answer.
Honestly, though, it’s a bit more nuanced than that. Between the old Korean age system, the international standard, and the fact that he’s been in the public eye since he was practically a teenager, his "age" carries a lot of weight. As of right now, in early 2026, Choi Seung-hyun is 38 years old. He’ll be hitting the big 39 on November 4th of this year.
The Timeline of a Legend: Breaking Down the Years
To really understand the man, you have to look at how those 38 years were spent. He wasn't always the sleek, suit-wearing art collector we see on Instagram today.
Born in 1987, Choi grew up in Seoul. Most fans know the "legend" of his debut—how he was initially rejected by YG Entertainment for being a bit too chubby for the idol image. Most people would have quit. Not him. He lost something like 20 kilograms in 40 days just to get another shot. That’s the kind of intensity we’re talking about here.
By the time he debuted with BIGBANG in 2006, he was just 18 (internationally). Think about that. Most of us were struggling with high school exams, and he was helping spearhead a global cultural movement.
Why the "Korean Age" Still Confuses People
Even though South Korea officially moved to the international age system for legal documents recently, culturally, people still think in "Korean age."
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In that system, you’re one year old the second you’re born. Then you turn a year older every New Year’s Day. So, for a long time, if you asked a fan in Seoul how old he was, they’d give you a number one or two years higher than what you’d see on Wikipedia. It’s kinda confusing for Western fans, but basically, in the hearts of many long-term VIPs (BIGBANG fans), he’s already "40" in spirit.
Life at 38: The "Another Dimension" Era
So, what does a 38-year-old T.O.P look like in 2026?
He’s not the same guy who was dancing to "Fantastic Baby." He’s matured. He’s gone through a lot of public scrutiny, a mandatory military service that was anything but smooth, and a very public departure from the group that made him famous.
Right now, the big buzz is his new album, Another Dimension.
It’s his first solo project in 13 years. Let that sink in. The last time he dropped a solo track was "Doom Dada" back in 2013. At 38, he’s coming back to the music scene not as an "idol," but as a seasoned artist.
The Squid Game Factor
You can't talk about his current age and career without mentioning his recent acting stint. Returning to the screen in Squid Game Season 2 (and into 2025/2026) was a massive gamble. He played a character named Thanos—a retired rapper with a drug-addicted past.
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Talk about art imitating life.
It was a raw, uncomfortable role. Many people were skeptical about his return to the industry after his 2017 marijuana controversy. But at 38, Choi seems to be leaning into the "damaged but resilient" persona. He’s not trying to hide his age or his scars anymore.
The Moon, SpaceX, and Turning 40
There’s also the whole dearMoon saga. For a while, it looked like Choi Seung-hyun would be the first K-pop star in space. He was selected by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa to fly around the moon on a SpaceX ship.
Unfortunately, that project was officially cancelled around mid-2024.
While it’s a bummer he won't be rapping from lunar orbit, he’s gone on record saying the experience of preparing for it changed his perspective on life. When you’re pushing 40, you start thinking about legacy. You start thinking about the "universe" in a way you just don't when you're 22 and touring the world.
What Most People Get Wrong About His "Hiatus"
There’s this misconception that he just disappeared. People think because he wasn't on music shows, he wasn't working.
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That’s just not true.
During his "quiet" years (roughly ages 32 to 36), he was:
- Deeply involved in the contemporary art world (curating for Sotheby’s).
- Developing his own wine brand, T’SPOT.
- Writing "hundreds of songs" in private to cope with his mental health struggles.
He’s basically spent his late 30s reinventing himself from the ground up. He’s not just "that guy from BIGBANG" anymore. He’s a solo entity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choi Seung-hyun's Age
Is he the oldest member of BIGBANG? Yes. He was born in November 1987. For comparison, G-Dragon and Taeyang were born in 1988, and Daesung in 1989. He’s always been the "Big Brother" (Hyung) of the group.
When is his birthday? November 4th. Put it in your calendar if you want to see the art-related posts he usually drops on that day.
Does he still look 25? Honestly, pretty much. Whatever skincare routine he’s on, it’s working. But if you look closely at his eyes in recent interviews, there’s a gravity there that wasn't present ten years ago.
Actionable Insights for Fans in 2026
If you’re looking to keep up with Choi Seung-hyun as he moves toward his 40s, here is how you stay in the loop:
- Watch "Squid Game" Season 2 & 3: If you haven't seen his performance yet, do it. It’s the best way to see how he’s evolved as an actor.
- Follow "topspot_pictures" on Instagram: This is his new creative hub. It’s less about "idol" photos and more about his directorial and musical vision for the Another Dimension project.
- Check out T’SPOT: If you’re of legal drinking age, his wine brand is actually quite respected in the lifestyle space, not just a celebrity gimmick.
- Listen to "Doom Dada" and then his 2026 tracks back-to-back: You’ll hear a massive shift in vocal texture and lyrical depth. The "38-year-old T.O.P" has a much grittier, more honest flow.
At the end of the day, how old Choi Seung-hyun is matters less than what he's doing with the time. He’s survived the highest highs and the lowest lows of the Hallyu wave. As he approaches 40, he seems less concerned with being a star and more focused on being an artist who actually has something to say.
The next few years are going to be his most interesting yet. Grab your headphones, because Another Dimension is probably going to be a wild ride.