The highly anticipated second season of Netflix's breakout series, Squid Game, has officially premiered, and with it, renewed scrutiny surrounding its cast member, T.O.P, also known as Choi Seung-hyun of the famed K-Pop group Big Bang. Following its launch on December 26, 2024, the series has drawn viewers back to the harrowing world of survival games, this time featuring the idol-turned-actor as a significant character within the narrative.
Bringing forth the tension of revenge and grit, Squid Game Season 2 picks up with lead character Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae, returning to confront challenges alongside the infamous Frontman portrayed by Lee Byung-hun. T.O.P's character, Thanos, is positioned as one of the key antagonists, being part of the twisted games set against the backdrop of his own struggles, including drug addiction—a portrayal which has rekindled conversations about T.O.P’s past.
Since his casting announcement, T.O.P has faced considerable backlash due to his 2017 conviction for marijuana use which led to probation. Critics question the appropriateness of casting someone with such history as a drug-using rapper within the series. This connection, unsurprisingly, has raised eyebrows and spurred debate about the integrity of the choice.
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk addressed the matter during press events last August, stating, “I didn’t anticipate this level of controversy. The incident occurred years ago, and the probation period has ended. I thought it was time for him to return to work.” He added, “I feel now, considering the outpouring of concerns, perhaps my judgment was off.” This admission has elicited mixed reactions from audiences who still hold reservations about T.O.P’s involvement with the project.
At the same time, T.O.P appears to distance himself from promotional activities for the series. Notably absent from the public relations efforts surrounding Squid Game Season 2, he did, nonetheless, share previews to his social media shortly before launch, stirring discussions about his engagement with the series and how it contrasts with his avoidance of interviews and appearances.
T.O.P’s character, Thanos, is not only defined by his past misdeeds but also by setbacks encountered within the plot, going through struggles such as investment failures, and culminating to performing under the influence of drugs. This setup has effectively blurred the lines between reality and fiction, as audiences are confronted with the duality of T.O.P the character—and T.O.P the person.
The viewers’ reactions have been varied. Some took to social media to express their disapproval, with comments such as, “How can they cast him for this role?” and others approvingly questioned the potential for method acting at play, pondering whether T.O.P's life experiences could lend authenticity to the role. Viewership numbers have been noteworthy, exemplified by clips of T.O.P’s debut scene accumulating over 490,000 views on X (formerly known as Twitter), indicating the high level of public interest.
Despite the hype and fervor surrounding T.O.P’s presence, the overarching sentiment leans toward skepticism. Many fans and critics alike have voiced their concerns over whether the production made the right decision, thereby questioning the potential impact his past might have on the narrative of Squid Game.
Hwang has remained steadfast, emphasizing performance is central to the idea behind the casting. “We’ll only fully understand the rationale behind casting decisions through the final product,” he asserted resolutely during interviews. Alluding to the character's complexity, he expressed confidence viewers would see the layered portrayal as integral to the storytelling.
Nonetheless, many believe the casting choice poses risks, as T.O.P's past controversies loom over the series. Some feel it detracts from the creative storytelling and emotional depth the show aims to deliver, distracting viewers from the narrative progression. Even with Hwang's assurance of T.O.P's talent and ability, reality often weighs heavily on perception.
With Squid Game Season 2 currently streaming for audiences worldwide, results of its reception remain to be clearly defined through viewership metrics and public sentiment. While many fans eagerly await to engage with the series, the intermingling of K-Pop and drama—reflected through T.O.P's character— is finding itself at the intersection of entertainment and real-world repercussions.
Only time will tell how this controversial casting decision will play out amid the thrill of the death games and the world's reactions—proving the complexity of fandom, fame, and artistic reflection is always ripe for discussion.
