T.O.P, former BIGBANG member and rapper, is once again making headlines with signs of a long-awaited return to music. On July 23, industry reports claimed the artist is in preliminary talks with entertainment giant CJ ENM regarding an exclusive contract that could support his solo comeback. Sources suggested a new album is already being prepared for release in the second half of 2025.
The reports follow T.O.P’s own comments last month, where he revealed in an interview his intent to release solo material later this year. The news immediately fueled speculation that he is preparing to officially restart his career after years of silence.
However, CJ ENM quickly moved to shut down the rumors. In a statement, the company said, “There have been no talks regarding an exclusive contract or comeback with T.O.P.” Still, the possibility of negotiations has kept fans and industry watchers intrigued, especially given CJ ENM’s vast resources and its network of subsidiaries such as WakeOne, Stone Music Entertainment, and Lapone Entertainment.
For T.O.P, this would mark a major step forward since leaving YG Entertainment in February 2022, ending a 16-year partnership that had defined his career. In May 2023, he also confirmed his official exit from BIGBANG. His last solo release, “Doom Dada,” dropped in November 2013, meaning a potential 2025 comeback would arrive more than a decade later.
While his music career has been dormant, T.O.P recently resurfaced through acting, landing a role in Squid Game Seasons 2 and 3 on Netflix. Playing a character named Thanos, a former rapper, the role marked his first major screen project in years and reignited conversation around his career trajectory.
Though nothing is confirmed yet, the combination of his public statements, industry chatter, and CJ ENM’s stature as a potential partner has created buzz that his solo comeback is no longer a question of if, but when.
