Big Bang kicked off their epic journey across the world back in March 2012 for their grand-scale 'ALIVE' world tour. The boys faithfully visited several countries to see their fans for their tour, even while still carrying out other activities such as promoting their album and participating in various solo activities.

We previously reported G-Dragon, Taeyang, Daesung, and Seungri's reflections on their epic World Tour sharing memorable moments and experiences with fans.

Now here is T.O.P's guest "Star Column" blog post on Naver:

 

Hello, it's Big Bang's T.O.P!!

During that time I was going through sort of a busy schedule, while simultaneously doing the Big Bang World Tour and filming 'Alumni', I especially got to greet my domestic fans in a long time. After a few more days, it's finally the finale! We are waiting for the Korea concert so please anticipate it~



After traveling for the Big Bang World Tour, I think we spent a lot of time inside the airplane. Are you curious on what our members did during our spare time in the airplane? Some members ordered and ate the ramyeon that can be cooked inside the cabin right after entering the plane, watched a movie, and slept. (Especially during long flights, there were a lot of times that I slept to make up for the hours I missed during my movie filming.)

But there is something that all of the members do. We read our fan letters received from our fans at the airport. Although I can't tell you specific details, when I read the fan letters, they were filled with a lot of content about how they monitor the different stages at each country, support messages, and stories from fans' daily lives.



It is more entertaining than any book, and when I read the fan letters filled with affection and love, I feel a sorry heart at the thought that I can't send more love than the love that my fans send me. After I read the fan letters, I receive positive energy from the fans and gain the strength to put on a better show.

On stage when I say my last words, I often say I love you. Honestly, before I go on stage I wonder what I should say... I think a lot about it. Sometimes I say a speech that is prepared beforehand, but when I see the fans, suddenly my heart becomes softened and there are many times when I improvise my honest feelings that I feel at the time. As I see each individual fan when I'm on stage, I want to remember at least one of the light in their eyes and their passionate images. And in my wish to express my feelings, I say things jokingly, but when I say I love you I'm being sincere.^^



Honestly, as we traveled for the Big Bang World Tour there are hardly any memories of us going outside. Especially in some countries, fans gathered all at once and to prevent any accidents, there are many times when we all spent all of our free time at the hotel.

At warm countries, the members would spend an enjoyable time at the hotel swimming pool with the dance team and staff. But since I was filming a movie at the same time, whenever I had remaining time, I would review and practice the script and meet with the director (there are many times when I would hold meetings on the phone.) While doing that, it was to the point that I was so busy that I didn't realize the time has passed.



During the tour, I who couldn't barely go outside of the hotel finished the LA concert and flew straight to New York. And although it was short, I was able to enjoy some time to myself. Although there is nothing special about going out, it was an enjoyable time just to go and visit the restaurants that I like. The menu that I recommend is New York's famous hamburger Shake Shack Burger and Totto Ramen.

I normally have a lot of interest in furnishings so I remember a lot about my time going to furniture stores in New York. When I shop, there were a lot of times that I bought clothes and shoes, but since I have a lot of interest in furnishings, whenever I look at furnishings there I don't realize that time has passed. (Although I am sorry to my manager who always goes with me..^^;)



There is one other reason why I especially remember New York. Honestly I didn't arrive in New York by myself, my mom and aunts also came to watch the New York concert and spent time with me. I didn't get to spend much time with my family while promoting as Big Bang, but during this New York concert I was able to spend a meaningful time with my family. Especially my mom said she had fun eating delicious dinners and riding the horse carriage in Central Park, and my aunts who have a deep interest in art loved visiting the MOMA museum, and said they were touched. After hearing that although I didn't go myself, I felt the feelings they were sending me so I was happy.^^



I want to share that all of you who came are the reason why we were able to successfully finish this world tour safe and sound. Through this tour, I was reminded once again that there are a lot of people who love us, and as I met fans from each country it became a meaningful time through which I learned and felt a lot. When I see fan letters from foreigners who seem like they don't know Korea or the Korean language at all write in Korean, and people who shed tears just from seeing us, I was able to realize how big the level of how touched we get from our fans are. Honestly, I was having a difficult time because this tour and my film schedule overlapped, and there were also hardships that I can't even express. But as I spend time with the fans, I was able to have a time to mature myself.



Note that the film is currently in its last-minute filming!!^^ To meet my fans with upgraded music and image in the future, even though today gets a little difficult and tiring, Big Bang and T.O.P will work harder and do our best. Honestly I want to tell more funny stories, but even during the tour I think a lot about filming the movie so I don't have any special episodes [to share]. Although I regret that I don't have any funny stories to share like the other members, I will make an effort to share more stories during the next world tour.^^



Even now I am currently conducting last-minute filming for the movie. Although it was short, it was an opportunity to reflect on the fun memories as I shared past stories so I wanted to share my message of gratitude to Star Column. Goodbye, I have to go film the movie. I ask for your love and support for 'Alumni' which will meet everyone soon! (The movie came out very well. hehe)

# T.O.P's Mother's Story

Hello, this is Big Bang's T.O.P, Seunghyun's mother. During this vacation in New York, I spent my son Seunghyun's birthday together, and I also got to go watch Big Bang's concert.



I was unexpectedly touched in New York by my all-grown up son's proud image, Big Bang's concert's impressive production and experienced a refreshing revelation at the arena. An audience of different demographics including people of different skin color, seniors, and children all became one while singing and dancing along to Big Bang's songs, and my sons' bright images on stage still remains in my heart.

Big Bang were so perfect on stage, the refined production, and the emotions felt from the music were a gift. Also with the careful support of my son Seunghyun, we were able to stay in a beautiful artist's house in Soho and were able to tour a museum which made it an even more happy vacation.



Hwaiting to Seunghyun and the Big Bang members in New York which I left..!! It was a memory that our family will never forget for the rest of our lives and will remain as a touching [memory].

Thank you son?"

Source: Naver Star Column