Jacket and shirt, Giorgio Armani.
“For nearly 10 years, I almost completely cut myself off from the public and focused solely on making music. Other than staying at home and in the studio, I barely interacted with the outside world. I devoted myself entirely to creation. I think that period was incredibly constructive and productive.” These 10 years were not a blank space, but the most nourishing chapter of his life. He gave all his time to music and the studio, as producing music became the centre of his existence.
T.O.P describes those quiet years as a perfect time. “It gave me enough space to create music. Deep inside, complex and noisy voices accompanied me, expanding my potential and self-awareness tremendously. I became bolder and more fearless.” During that period, music was no longer a performance tool, but a bridge to his inner dialogue. His lyrics evolved from cool and confident into something more intense and daring; his melodies broke free from pop frameworks and ventured into more experimental, impactful territories. “I’m confident that when people hear my new music, they will feel this.”
Coat, shirt, and tie, AMIRI.
He is exceptionally strict with himself, especially when creating under the name T.O.P, almost to the point of severity. “Only now do I feel that this album has finally reached my extremely high standards and taste.” Behind those words lies his uncompromising pursuit of musical excellence—the true catalyst for his return. The title Another Dimension literally refers to “another dimension,” and symbolises “multiple perspectives.” T.O.P hopes to deliver an unprecedented experience through this body of work. “This time, I used a narrative approach I’ve never attempted before, with complex sonic structures. When people listen, they should experience a wide range of emotions.” He refuses to impose his intentions beforehand, instead leaving the experience entirely to the audience. “This album is about organising my past self and crossing into a completely new chapter. I no longer want to repeat the past. This album represents a new identity.”
Throughout the creative process, T.O.P’s visual sensibility played a crucial role. Since childhood, he has been deeply passionate about fine art and curation. “My dream is to create music that endures like a piece of art, where the creator’s intention isn’t overly obvious, and each listen reveals something new.” Beyond the music itself, the visual presentation of this comeback is equally compelling. Squid Game 2 cinematographer Kim Ji-yong serves as the MV’s chief director, while art director Chae Kyoung-sun oversees all production design and set creation. The team behind the global phenomenon Squid Game reunites to create what T.O.P calls a “historic” collaboration. Chae Kyoung-sun also serves as the art director for the physical album, transforming its musical essence into a tangible, visual reality.
Coat, shirt, and tie, AMIRI.
In every moment of making the album, T.O.P experienced an unprecedented sense of happiness. “When I’m creating music, I am the happiest person.” Those words encapsulate his love for music. A decade of retreat has transformed him from the charismatic rapper into an artist with deeper dimension and philosophical thought. He no longer chases trends; he creates them. He no longer seeks to please the masses; he invites them into his “another dimension.”
For fans around the world, T.O.P’s return is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated moments of the year. Another Dimension is not only a new personal chapter, but a bold experiment within the K-pop industry. From the first track to the last, T.O.P bids farewell to the past as he steps into a new musical journey. As he says, “You will witness this new chapter with me.”
Ten years of waiting have brought back a more mature and fearless T.O.P. This legendary artist into a new musical era, in Another Dimension. Every listener will discover a dimension of their own.
Coat, shirt, trousers, tie, and shoes, AMIRI.
You have been absent from the spotlight for a long time. What have you been doing during that period?
For nearly 10 years, I almost completely cut myself off from the public and focused solely on making music. Other than staying at home and in the studio, I barely interacted with the outside world. I devoted myself entirely to creation. I think that period was incredibly constructive and productive.
Looking back, how did those “quiet” years shape you compared to the life of being adored on stage?
For me, it was a perfect time. It gave me enough space to create music. Deep inside, complex and noisy voices accompanied me, expanding my potential and self-awareness tremendously. I became bolder and more fearless. I’m confident that when people hear my new music, they will feel that.
Shirt, Homme Plissé Issey Miyake.
During that time, what helped you stay grounded and at peace?
In every moment of creating music, I truly understood the meaning and purpose of my existence. Over the past 10 years, as I continuously built new music, the sounds I heard and the evolution of my music sometimes became more intense, and my lyrics grew bolder and braver.
At what moment during the making of this album did you feel the greatest joy and satisfaction?
When I’m creating music, I am the happiest person.
What made you feel that “now” is the right time to return?
I finally felt that it was “complete.” I am extremely strict with myself, especially when creating under my own name—almost harsh and highly rational. Only now do I feel that this album has reached my very high standards and taste.
Blazer and shirt, Maison Margiela.
What emotions or ideas do you hope to convey through this album?
Just like the title: “multiple perspectives” and “another dimension.” This time, I used a narrative approach I’ve never attempted before, with complex sonic structures. When people listen, they should experience various emotions. I don’t want to impose my intentions on listeners before they hear the music. I hope they will simply experience the emotions freely as they arise.
When you began making this album, did it feel like a continuation of your past story, or the beginning of something entirely new?
That’s a great question! This album is about organising my past self and crossing into a new chapter. I don’t want to repeat the past anymore. It represents a new identity, the process of packing up everything from my twenties and arriving at a new self. I hope to create music that reflects my age, and that everyone will witness this new journey with me.
What exactly is “Another Dimension”?
What does it represent to you personally? Literally, it means “multiple perspectives, another dimension.” It represents the new version of me that everyone is about to encounter.
How long did it take to prepare this album?
Over nearly 10 years, I completed not only this full-length album as a starting point, but also several additional full-length albums set to be released over the next five years. This album is the beginning of the entire series. For now, I’ll leave it at that. A little teaser.
Please choose one track from the album. Why is it especially meaningful to you?
I see the album as a whole; a complete piece of work. Once you listen from beginning to end, you’ll understand. It’s a cinematic album with a grand narrative, and the way the story unfolds will offer a completely new experience.
You have a strong interest in art and curation. How does your visual sensitivity influence the way you create music?
Since childhood, I’ve had a deep connection with fine art. I’m the kind of person who gets inspired by beautiful things and then translates that inspiration into music. My dream is to create music that endures like fine art, where the creator’s intention isn’t too obvious, and each listen brings new discoveries.
Can you share more about the creative process behind this album?
I’ve always been exploring. In this era, as someone living in the present, what kind of music do people truly need? Based on that reflection, I created this work. I had no trivial worries or excessive calculations. I freely searched for new, more experimental forms of expression. The entire process was flexible and free.
There were rumours last September that Squid Game art director Chae Kyoung-sun would direct the MV. Is that true? What was it like working with her?
All projects and planning were kept highly confidential, so some reports are correct while others are inaccurate. What was confirmed first is that Squid Game 2 cinematographer Kim Ji-yong serves as the MV’s chief director, while art director Chae Kyoung-sun oversees all production design and set creation. The cinematography and art teams who worked together on Squid Game returned for this MV, creating something meaningful, something historic. And Chae Kyoung-sun served as the art director for my physical album. She, her art team, and I are incredibly excited about designing it. Being able to present fans with an album that is truly extraordinary, experimental and beautiful like an art piece, makes me extremely excited.
Photography: Yoon Ji Yong
Editorial Director: Jumius Wong
Creative Direction: Jenine Oh
Styling: Lee Myung Sun
Executive Producer: Lee Kyung Kim / BL Creative House
Hair: Kong Tan
Make Up: You Hye Soo
Set Designer: Lee Ye Seul
Wardrobe Coordinator: Tung Kam
Photography assistants: Lee Ji Hu, Yoon Seok Min
Fashion assistants: Kim Ji Hyun, Lee Si Eun, Song Ye Rim
On-set Coordinators: Lee Jin Kyung, Park Mi Jeong / BL Creative House
