Big Bang's T.O.P. in intensive care unit after suspected drug overdose
Choi Seung-hyun is currently receiving treatment at a Seoul hospital.K-pop star T.O.P. has been hospitalised in Seoul, South Korea. Police say the 29-year-old singer, whose real name is Choi Seung-hyun, apparently overdosed on tranquilisers he'd been taking for medical reasons.
News outlets including Comicbook.com, The Korean Herald and The Straits Times reported that according to the band's agency YG Entertainment, Choi was found unconscious and is currently in intensive care unit.
The Korean heartthrobe left Big Bang in February to complete his compulsory military service, which he has to complete before the age of 35. His service in the military was steeped in scandal when he was found smoking marijuana last October, for which Choi was officially indicted last Wednesday. Marijuana is illegal in South Korea.
According to the Korean military police, a law states a soldier can be expelled should he be unfit to fulfill his duties. Choi was on the brink of being ordered to leave the division.
Soon afterwards, Choi issued a letter of apology through YG Entertainment to make amends for the pain he caused the band, their agency, friends and family.
“I have no excuses and deserve any kind of punishment. I feel very regretful and ... I will reflect on my wrongdoing over and over again," his letter read.
Since his hospitalisation was announced, support from his fans have been pouring in on social media. According to Koreaboo.com, Choi's mother says he's "close to dying". Meanwhile, YG Entertainment's official Twitter account have yet to address the incident.
Edited by Karly Cox