Former BigBang member T.O.P reported to be excluded from Squid Game 2 interview schedules amidst casting controversy

Former BigBang member T.O.P, real name Choi Seung-hyun, reportedly has been excluded from the press and promotional schedules for the highly anticipated Squid Game 2. On December 20, 2024, the official X account of @kdramahandle reported that the decision follows intense backlash surrounding his casting due to his past controversies, which included a high-profile m*rijuana scandal.

Previously, in November 2024, Maeil Business Newspaper reported that T.O.P was excluded from all Netflix interviews during Squid Game 2 promotions. Reportedly the show's lead cast, consisting of Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon, Lee Byung-hun, Park Gyu-young, Yang Dong-geun, Lee Seo-hwan, Kang Ae-sim, Park Sung-hoon, Im Si-wan, and Jo Yu-ri, along with director Hwang Dong-hyuk appeared for interviews.

Meanwhile, the announcement of T.O.P’s involvement in Squid Game 2 as player 230 stirred heated debate. Many fans of the series expressed disappointment, questioning the appropriateness of casting someone with a history of drug-related charges.

Despite the backlash, director Hwang Dong-hyuk stood by his choice, emphasizing that T.O.P had been selected through auditions and had demonstrated significant effort in preparation for the role. He admitted that the backlash against T.O.P’s casting initially made him reconsider the decision. However, he ultimately decided to retain the actor, citing his impressive audition and dedication.

"Many more people expressed their concerns than I thought, so I thought that I might have gone a little wrong... So I verified a lot of it. He also showed his strong will and wanted to audition, so let's audition in person, send it on tape," Hwang Dong-hyuk said.

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T.O.P's drug abuse controversy resurfaced amidst Squid Game 2 promotions

T.O.P was embroiled in a m*rijuana use scandal in 2017, which resulted in legal consequences. He was fined 10 million won and received a 10-month suspended prison sentence. Following this, the artist stepped away from the public eye. He officially left BigBang in 2022 after nearly two decades with the group.

While he had hinted at retiring from the entertainment industry, the rapper's unexpected return as part of Squid Game 2 reignited public scrutiny. Hwang Dong-hyuk explained that T.O.P’s casting was based on his suitability for the character, describing it as a role requiring "a lot of courage" and noting the actor’s commitment during rehearsals.

"I can't tell you in detail what kind of character it is, but it takes a lot of courage for Choi Seung-hyun to play this role. That's why I personally thought this actor was the best fit for me," the director said.

Meanwhile, on November 13, 2024, Maeil Business Newspaper reported that director Hwang Dong-hyuk clarified how T.O.P sent extensive practice videos and sought clarification on the character's nuances during script readings, demonstrating a strong commitment to the project.

The director emphasized his responsibility to showcase the outcome of T.O.P’s efforts, despite public reservations.

"It was controversial, but I've already spent a lot of time with the actor myself to reverse it, so we concluded that we had no choice but to show the viewers why we had to do this work with this actor as a result, so we proceeded without withdrawing it," Hwang Dong-hyuk said.

Meanwhile, Squid Game 2, which is set to premiere on Netflix on December 26, 2024, continues the story of desperate individuals competing in deadly games for an enormous cash prize. Lee Jung-jae, reprising his role as Gi-hun, revealed in an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on December 18, 2024, that the new season would introduce even more perilous and psychologically intense challenges.

While exact details remain under wraps, fans have been speculating about the return of iconic games such as "Red Light, Green Light" alongside new high-stakes trials.

The second season boasts a mix of returning cast members and fresh faces. Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon, Lee Byung-hoon, and Gong Yoo will reprise their roles. New cast members include Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon, Im Si-wan, Park Gyu-young, and more. T.O.P’s character, player 230, is expected to bring a unique dynamic to the competition, though his role remains shrouded in mystery.

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Squid Game 2 is reported to have seven episodes that will be released at once on December 26, 2024.