Local talent agency CEO will solely oversee rapper’s promotions, with Kakao Entertainment reportedly handling distribution

T.O.P, formerly of Big Bang (T.O.P's Instagram) T.O.P, formerly of Big Bang (T.O.P’s Instagram)

T.O.P is preparing for his long-awaited solo comeback, with plans to release a new album under his own label, Topspot Pictures, according to industry sources Tuesday.

Kang Jung-woo, CEO of Hiin Entertainment, is expected to oversee T.O.P’s promotional activities. Kang is a former executive of BH Entertainment, the agency founded by actor Lee Byung-hun, who starred alongside T.O.P in “Squid Game.”

“T.O.P decided to release the new album under his own label, Topspot Pictures,” a source told The Korea Herald on condition of anonymity. “Hiin Entertainment, which managed his casting and appearance in Netflix’s ‘Squid Game,’ will handle his music promotions.”

However, Kang later clarified that the rapper is not signed to Hiin Entertainment and that he has personally been contracted to Topspot Pictures in a managerial capacity independent of his company.

Kakao Entertainment is reportedly handling the distribution of T.O.P’s new music.

Since last year, T.O.P has held discussions with global music distributors, including Sony Music Korea, as well as local entertainment giant Kakao Entertainment, ultimately selecting the latter as his distribution partner. The company declined to confirm the arrangement.

An official release date for the rapper’s new album has yet to be announced. However, he posted a short teaser video via social media on Jan. 1 with the caption, “A new album is on the way,” fueling expectations of a first-quarter release among fans.

The comeback comes as Big Bang marks 20 years since its debut. But another source has said that T.O.P has firmly stated he has no intention of rejoining the group.

Big Bang is scheduled to perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, on April 12 and 19. G-Dragon, Taeyang and Daesung are confirmed to appear.

“Reuniting with Big Bang ahead of his solo album could have generated significant support from longtime fans and helped his solo promotions,” another source said, also requesting anonymity. “But he has made it clear that he will not return. He still feels apologetic toward the members and believes going back is not an option.”

In 2016, T.O.P was convicted of marijuana use while serving as a conscripted police officer.

Another key factor in his decision appears to be his stance toward YG Entertainment. The Big Bang brand remains under YG’s intellectual property ownership, and sources say T.O.P has no intention of working again with YG founder Yang Hyun-suk.

“To return as a Big Bang member, he would have to do so through YG,” the source said. “He has said he will never go back to YG. And it’s highly unlikely that Yang would allow the group to reunite under another company. Realistically, T.O.P standing on stage as a Big Bang member again would be a very distant possibility.”

jaaykim@heraldcorp.com