T.O.P apologizes after 20-year fan site CHOIDOT closes operations

BIGBANG member T.O.P issued a belated apology on the 1st following the decision by the long-standing fan site CHOIDOT to terminate its operations after approximately 20 years. The closure, which was prompted by dissatisfaction with the agency's communication, led to official statements from both the artist and TOPSPOT PICTURES.

T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun), a member of the group BIGBANG, has finally spoken out following the decision to end the operations of a fan site that has supported him for 20 years. While expressing gratitude for the dedication of the fans who have sustained him for a long time, he apologized for the delay in expressing his feelings. Following the fans' declaration to leave, both his agency and the artist himself have released direct messages, refocusing attention on the controversy surrounding communication issues.

On the 9th of last month, T.O.P's famous fan site, 'CHOIDOT', announced it would terminate its operations after approximately 20 years. The fan site pointed to the agency's lack of communication and the shifting of duties as key issues. They also issued a sharp critique toward T.O.P, stating, "We hope you will now let go of the arrogance that fans will naturally act as you wish." The decision drew significant attention from both within and outside the fandom, as it represented more than a simple hiatus, revealing long-accumulated dissatisfaction and disappointment.

As the controversy grew, TOPSPOT PICTURES issued an official statement the following day to apologize. The agency promised to listen more closely to the opinions of fans and to actively reflect them in the artist's activities and overall management. They also stated they would review and improve communication methods with fans and provide guidance through official channels.

Approximately 20 days later, T.O.P delivered his own message. On the 1st, he wrote on his social media, "I want to convey my sincerity to the administrators of CHOIDOT, who have been with me for the long period of the past 20 years." He further shared what the fans meant to him, saying, "Even in moments when I found it difficult to believe in myself, you believed in me, and with your warm hearts and precious support, you gave me the strength to make music again."

In particular, T.O.P repeatedly expressed his thanks for the time and effort the fan site administrators had poured in over the years. "I will never forget the precious sincerity of the fans who gathered their hearts and the time and effort you consistently poured in to protect that place," he stated, adding, "I was able to come this far thanks to that great heart you sent to me." He explained that it took time to convey his position because he felt he had to be cautious with every word amidst various circumstances, but he wanted to convey his sincerity directly, even if late.

He also requested that the dedication of the fans not be buried under misunderstanding and speculation. "I hope that their time and effort, and the sincerity contained within, can remain with their full meaning and not be obscured by misunderstanding and speculation," T.O.P said. "I also hope that even the precious years we spent together do not remain as a misunderstanding or become a wound to one another." Finally, he promised to carry the feelings he received from the fans deep in his heart for the rest of his life.

This situation demonstrates that the relationship between a long-standing fandom and an artist is maintained based on trust and communication, going beyond simple cheering and support. Given that official messages from the agency and the artist followed only after the administrators, who had protected the fan site consistently for 20 years, chose to end their activities, interest is focused on whether practical changes regarding the issues raised by fans will follow.

Marking his 20th anniversary since debut this year, T.O.P is continuing his solo activities through his first solo full-length album 'ANOTHER DIMENSION' and fan-participatory brand tours. Recently, news regarding his relationship with actress Nana was also reported. The two worked together in the music video for the double title track 'Studio54' from T.O.P's album released this past April and have also appeared together in YouTube content.

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