BIGBANG T.O.P Cleared of Military Violation For 'Flower Road' Release

by Jessica Rapir / Apr 06, 2018 03:41 AM EDT

MSouth Korea's military clears BIGBANG member T.O.P. of any military rule violation for releasing latest track "Flower Road." Photo by: BIGBANG / Facebook

South Korea's Military Manpower Administration has cleared BIGBANG member T.O.P. of any violation of military law. The office confirmed that the K-pop singer did not violate any military rule when the quintet released its latest track "Flower Road."

It was earlier reported that the K-pop idol is under investigation by the Seoul Regional Military Manpower Administration. T.O.P allegedly broke the laws that prohibit soldiers or public service workers like him from engaging in additional business while they are actively in service.

BIGBANG's label, YG Entertainment, previously denied that T.O.P. violated the military code. The agency explained that "Flower Road" had been recorded two years ago while the band was working on their MADE album. The recording was done before T.O.P started his mandatory military service in 2017. Moreover, the 30-year-old singer did not participate in any promotional activities for the track.

"Fans already know that 'Flower Road' was recorded two years ago while working on the MADE album. This is something that was made known to the general public through media reports. We don't understand why this is being made into an issue," the agency said when the accusation first surfaced.

"Flower Road" was co-written by T.O.P. and bandmate G-Dragon. BIGBANG released the track last month, and it debuts at No. 1 on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart.

Korean Military's Decision on BIGBANG T.O.P Alleged Violation

The Regional Military Manpower Administration recently released the results of its investigation. A rep from the office confirmed that T.O.P. did not violate any law, Soompi reported.

T.O.P. began his military service as a conscripted police officer on February 9, 2017. He was originally set to be discharged on November 8, 2018. His service time, however, has been extended to June 2019 after he was charged and prosecuted without detention for illegal drug use. He resumed his service earlier this year.

Currently, four members of BIGBANG are serving their two-year mandatory military service. G-Dragon began his training in February. Taeyang and Daesung started their service in March. Seungri is expected to be enlisted in the second half of 2018.

Meanwhile, Korea's Gaon music chart released the chart results for March 25 to March 31. BIGBANG topped the overall digital chart with "Flower Road" for three consecutive weeks, achieving a triple crown on Gaon. "Flower Road" is still available on digital music platforms including iTunes and Apple Music.