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Former BIGBANG Member T.O.P Makes Generous Donation to Babsang Community Briquette Bank

T.O.P continues to prove that he is an idol to look up to. The former BIGBANG member has just been revealed to be the anonymous donor who donated 12,000 briquettes to the Babsang Community Briquette Bank.

Former BIGBANG Member T.O.P Revealed To Be Babsang Community Briquette Bank’s Anonymous Donor

On December 19, Babsang Community Briquette Bank received a remarkable and anonymous donation of 12,000 briquettes, a heartwarming act that gained attention not only for its substantial impact but also for the mystery surrounding the generous benefactor. Later revealed to be former BIGBANG member T.O.P, the donation came as a surprise to the public, showcasing T.O.P’s commitment to philanthropy and community support.

The donation, made through T.O.P’s account on the Briquette Bank website, exemplifies the artist’s desire to contribute positively to society without seeking recognition. T.O.P’s decision to remain anonymous aligns with his low-key approach to charity, emphasizing the sincerity and altruistic intent behind his actions.

The briquettes, which serve as a vital heat source for households during the winter, will be distributed to those in need by Babsang Community Briquette Bank. The bank plans to distribute the 12,000 briquettes to various households facing challenges, with a focus on providing support during the year-end period, marked by high inflation and rising oil prices.

How T.O.P Managed to Make an Anonymous Donation

The source of T.O.P’s donation was revealed to be the proceeds from his wine brand ‘T’SPOT,’ launched in January of the previous year. This connection adds a meaningful dimension to the contribution, as it demonstrates T.O.P’s commitment to leveraging his ventures for the greater good.

CEO Heo Ki Bok of Babsang Community Briquette Bank acknowledged the challenging circumstances faced by many households and emphasized the ongoing need for support. He expressed gratitude for T.O.P’s donation and underscored the bank’s ongoing goal to distribute an additional 500,000 briquettes to reach a total of 3 million for the year. He also encouraged the public to take an interest in supporting households across the nation relying on briquettes for warmth.

T.O.P’s generous donation not only provides tangible assistance to those in need but also highlights the positive impact that individuals, especially public figures, can have on their communities when they choose to give back. The act also serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and solidarity, particularly during challenging times.

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Jo Yuri Grateful For ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 Casting

Jo Yuri is truly happy about her latest project. The former IZ*ONE member was recently cast as one of the new actors joining “Squid Game” Season 2. Not surprisingly, the idol spoke about the casting process and admitted she was grateful for the project.

Jo Yuri Admits Being Grateful For ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 Casting

Back in June, it was confirmed that Jo Yuri is one of the new cast members joining “Squid Game” Season 2. She will be joined by former BIGBANG member T.O.P., who will be returning to acting after a six-year hiatus. The rest of the new cast includes Park Gyu-young, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Lee Jin-uk, Roh Jae-won, and Won Ji-an.

Although their roles have not been announced, Jo Yuri has opened up about the casting in the Netflix series. In a new interview with Allkpop, the “Glassy” singer admitted she was thrilled to be chosen for the show.

“I was fortunate to have the opportunity to audition for this role, and being able to participate in such an incredible project alongside respected seniors is truly an honor,” Jo said. “I’m fully committed to giving my utmost to deliver my best, so I kindly ask for your ongoing support throughout the journey!”

Jo participated in Mnet’s reality television show “Idol School” where the nine final participants would debut with the newly formed girl group Fromis 9. Unfortunately, she finished in 15th place but Jo didn’t give up hope. She later Mnet’s reality television show “Produce 48” where she finished in 3rd place. As one of twelve successful participants, she went on to be a part of the newly formed girl group IZ*ONE.

Jo Yuri debuted as a solo artist with the single album ‘Glassy’ in October 2021. Since IZ*ONE’s disbandment, she also pursued acting, appearing in the web shows “Mimicus” and “Work Later, Drink Now”. She recently dropped her new album ‘LOVE ALL’ and the title track “TAXI.” The second mini-album was released on August 9, 2023.

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Lee Jung Jae’s Agency Clarifies Squid Game Actor’s Involvement in T.O.P’s Casting in Season 2

Did Lee Jung-jae convince the producers of Squid Game Season 2 to cast a good friend? The Star Wars: Acolyte actor’s agency has addressed rumors that Lee helped former BIGBANG member Choi Seung-hyun aka T.O.P land a role in the Netflix series.

Earlier this week, Netflix announced eight more actors who will be joining Squid Game Season 2. The new cast members included Park Gyu-young, Jo Yu-ri, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Lee Jin-uk, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, and Won Ji-an.

Although fans were delighted to learn that T.O.P is returning to acting, others thought that the casting was dubious and were convinced that lead star Lee Jung-jae convinced the producers to cast Choi Seung-hyun in Squid Game Season 2.

Since then, Lee Jung-jae’s agency Artist Company released a statement addressing the rumors.

“Some of the reports that claim actor Lee Jung Jae was involved in the casting of Squid Game 2 are not true,” the statement read. “The casting of a project is the authority of the director and the production company.

“In particular, actor Lee Jung Jae understands more than anyone that due to the great interest in Squid Game 2, many actors work hard to make an appearance, and [the cast members] are decided through audition,” it continued.

“Accordingly, we would like to reiterate that it is not true that actor Lee Jung Jae was involved in the casting of Squid Game 2,” the statement concluded.

It was previously confirmed that ZE:A member Yim Siwan, Park Sung-hoon (The Glory), Kang Ha-neul (The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure), and Yang Dong-geun (Connect) will also join Squid Game Season 2. Their roles in the series are still undisclosed.

Squid Game Season 2 will bring back Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon, and Gong Yoo. The second season has not yet been given an official release date but is already expected to premiere on Netflix in 2024

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YG Entertainment Addresses BIGBANG’s G-Dragon Contract Renewal Negotiations

YG Entertainment is finally addressing the recent reports about G-Dragon’s contract expiration. The agency issued a statement regarding the issue and confirmed that they are negotiating with the BIGBANG leader.

YG Entertainment Confirms G-Dragon’s Contract Expiration, Renewal Negotiations In Progress

On June 5, several reports reveal that G-Dragon was omitted from YG Entertainment’s Quarterly Report. The table lists all of the agency’s talents in the “Major Contracts and R&D Activities” column. Kwon Jiyong’s omission from the list seemingly confirmed that the BIGBANG member’s contract had expired.

YG Entertainment immediately addressed the reports, claiming that the omission was due to a “system error.” Additionally, the company issued a new statement confirming that G-Dragon’s contract has expired.

It’s true that G-Dragon’s exclusive contract has expired,” a spokesperson for YG Entertainment said. They then added that Kwon Jiyong is in negotiations with the agency for a possible renewal.

“We are currently discussing various options including partial contracts for his activities in areas such as advertisements,” they said. “Should the artist wish to resume his promotions as a musician in the near future, we plan to negotiate a new contract with him and offer him the agency’s full support.”

If the renewal negotiations are successful, G-Dragon will be the last BIGBANG member to stay with YG Entertainment. Taeyang is currently signed with YG affiliate THE BLACK LABEL while Daesung signed a contract with R&D Company in April 2023.

Although they will no longer work under the same label, G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung are all expected to continue group activities as BIGBANG.

In related news, T.O.P recently confirmed his departure from the group. The BIGBANG rapper recently responded to a fan comment on his own Instagram post. Choi Seunghyun claimed that he left the group when his contract with YG Entertainment expired and he is currently working on a solo project.

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T.O.P Confirms BIGBANG Exit, Teases First Solo Project

T.O.P has confirmed that he is no longer a member of BIGBANG. The rapper addressed his departure from the supergroup and revealed he left back in 2022. In addition to that, Choi Seunghyun is currently working on his first solo project since leaving BIG BANG.

T.O.P Officially Announces His Departure From BIGBANG, Continues Teasing Solo Debut

T.O.P recently shared a post on his official Instagram account. The post features a video of the rapper playing the keyboards while the photo confirms he is “still working on my albums.”

It seemed like a typical T.O.P post until one fan asked an important question in the comments. “TOP DID YOU LEAVE BIGBANG?” they wrote. Interestingly, Choi Seunghyun replied to the comment with a firm confirmation.

I’ve already withdrawn,” he wrote. In a second reply, T.O.P explained that this isn’t a fresh update.

“I’ve already told you guys that I’m leaving and I’m now facing a new chapter in my life since last year,” he wrote.

Although T.O.P insists this isn’t a recent update, fans were shocked by his confirmation. Back in February 2022, YG Entertainment announced that Choi Seunghyun had terminated his exclusive contract with the agency. However, T.O.P was still expected to join BIGBANG in their group activities.

In April 2022, T.O.P reunited with G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung for “Still Life”, BIGBANG’s first comeback in four years. It was also the group’s first project as a quartet since former member Seungri retired from the industry. It would also become T.O.P’s last project with BIG BANG.

For now, YG Entertainment has not made an official announcement about T.O.P’s departure from BIGBANG. Likewise, Choi Seunghyun has not yet shared further details about his first solo effort.

Moreover, BIG BANG has not yet confirmed their plans for their next comeback. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

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