Big Bang’s T.O.P. is found unconscious, rushed to hospital

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Big Bang member Choi Seung Hyun, aka T.O.P., was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday, June 6, after he was found unconscious.

UPDATE: According to Soompi.com, on Wednesday, June 6, T.O.P.’s mother told news outlets: “T.O.P has yet to regain consciousness; please refrain from reporting that ‘he is just sleeping.’ In a situation where we don’t know what will happen, these types of reports are just painful.”

Soompi also reported that T.O.P.’s doctors at the Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital clarified his condition, saying, “After conducting a urine test, we concluded that the patient had suffered from respiratory depression due to an overdose of prescribed tranquilizers.”

T.O.P. is still in a state of severe lethargy, they said, and he will continue treatment with the hospital’s department of mental health services when his condition improves. 

“Currently, we are unable to determine the exact amount of medication that the patient ingested. Recovery time depends on the patient’s age so it’s difficult for us to give an exact time frame. From previous cases, we’ve seen that younger patients with no complications usually recover in approximately a week,” said Professor Lee Deok Hee to the press. 

Found unconscious

Earlier on June 6, a report from Allkpop.com said that a representative from YG Entertainment confirmed that singer was taken to the hospital and is in the intesive care unit for a suspected drug overdose.

“We’ve been told T.O.P is receiving intensive care for a drug overdose after being taken to the emergency room. His mother is currently staying beside him at the hospital,” the representative said. “We are still checking whether or not he has regained consciousness yet. Please wait for developments.”

In an updated report on Soompi.com, another representative from YG Entertainment said more about T.O.P’s condition: “T.O.P has been taken to the Intensive Care Unit and is receiving intensive care. He normally takes tranquilizers, but according to the police, he took more than usual this time.”

Expelled from the military

The singer, who enlisted in the military early this year, was expelled on Monday, June 5, after he admitted to smoking marijuana. In a letter posted on Big Bang’s social media accounts, T.O.P. apologized for his behavior and said that he will not make the same mistake again.

According to the English translation, part of the letter read: “First of all, I want to apologize with all my heart for disappointing many and causing a controversy through my fault.

“I am too embarrassed of myself even to apologize in person… I do not have any excuses and I have many regrets. I am now cautiously writing while I am afraid of everything…

“I believe I should be rightly punished for hurting the members, the label, the public, the fans who cherished me, and my family in a way that cannot be fixed. My heart hurts, and I am very disappointed in myself.”

His military service, according to the report, will be on hold and he will likely have to re-enlist. 

Big Bang is one of Korea’s top groups that have a massive following worldwide. They are known for their hits such as “Fantastic Baby,” “Bad Boy,” and “Haru Haru.” – Rappler.com