T.O.P has found himself at the center of a heated online debate after his latest public appearance, with Korean netizens fixating on how much the former BIGBANG member’s visuals appear to have changed. The reaction erupted after photos from his October 23 airport appearance began circulating online.
T.O.P (Credits: Koreaboo)
The 38-year-old was spotted at Incheon International Airport as he departed for his solo fan meeting, T.O.P PRE-STUDIO 2026 in Bangkok. The event marks his first official fan meeting since his relationship with idol-turned-actress Nana became public, which made the airport sighting one of his most closely watched outings in some time.
T.O.P’s Changed Visuals Draw Harsh Comments Online
Once the photos spread, many netizens said they were taken aback by how different T.O.P looked. One widely shared post zeroed in on his lips, claiming they looked noticeably thinner than before, while others commented on the condition of his skin. The original poster wrote that it felt like a long time since they had last seen his face, and wondered whether lips really do thin out with age.
Not every reaction was cruel, but the tone of much of the discussion was blunt. For a star whose visuals were once considered one of his defining traits, the scrutiny shows just how unforgiving online attention can be when a celebrity returns to the spotlight after time away.
Backlash Over T.O.P and Nana’s Relationship Continues
The appearance chatter arrives against a backdrop of ongoing backlash over T.O.P’s relationship with Nana. Some netizens have criticized Nana for dating T.O.P because of his 2017 conviction for marijuana use, while some of T.O.P’s own fans have also withdrawn their support for him.
That context has made every public move a talking point. Rather than focusing on the Bangkok fan meeting itself, much of the conversation has drifted toward his appearance and his personal life — a pattern that has followed the couple since their relationship went public.
Still, the Bangkok event itself is a significant step. A solo fan meeting gives T.O.P a direct stage with supporters who have stuck with him, away from the noise of social media threads. Whether the online reaction fades once the event takes place remains to be seen, but for now, his airport look has become the story.
Also Read: BIGBANG’s Daesung Says G-Dragon ‘Paved the Way for Everything Since 2006,’ Sparking Fan War | 2027 K-Pop Tour Guide: BIGBANG, NCT 127, QWER and More Hit Asia and Beyond
Source: Koreaboo — read the full story there.
