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On January 24, 2025, Choi Seung-hyun, also known as T.O.P and formerly a member of BigBang, made a rare public appearance in a promotional video for Squid Game season 2. The clip, shared on the show's official social media pages, was captioned,
"Welcome to the Thanos world 💜."
In the video, Choi introduced himself, saying,
"Hello, Netflix, I'm Choi Seung-hyun from Squid Game season 2. Thank you to all the fans around the world for your love and support for Thanos. If you want to see Thanos again, please watch Squid Game Season 2 on Netflix. Then, I'll see you on Netflix."
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This marked T.O.P's first significant public engagement since his hiatus in 2017 and his debut promotional activity for the highly anticipated second season of Squid Game. Fans were thrilled to see the idol-turned-actor making a media appearance. They flooded social media with excitement and expressed their admiration. One fan commented,
"I’ve missed him so much, I have waited eight years 😭"
"for people who don’t get it this is like if beyonce disappeared for a decade and then randomly reappeared" explained one fan.
"I DONT KNOW IF YOU GUYS KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS FOR US KPOP FANS BUT THIS HAS MADE MY DAY HES BACK😭😭😭😭" posted this netizen.
"I actually yelled so loud when he threw the finger heart aaaaaa new Choi Seunghyun TOP finger heart I'm gonna freaking cry, that's my husband! king you look amazing, you're rocking that Alexander McQueen so beautifully, you're a SUPERSTAR and we love you so much 🫂💛💜" wrote an X user.
"this makes me so happy FINALLY top gets to do some promo for squid game and accept the praise and recognition he’s been getting for his role" mentioned one individual on X.
Social media platforms were flooded with reactions, with many expressing excitement about his return and anticipation for his future projects.
"The way I wish him success 😭 it doesn't sit right with me that his career was ruined over some weed in a country that sentences rapists to 18 months in prison" read a comment on X.
"Bless the director of Squid Game for being stubborn enough and giving this man a well deserved chance to make a comeback. I wish we see him many many more projects. He was probably only entertaining element in SG 2." wrote a netizen.
"i hope he gets more projects this year. he deserves it!" posted this netizen.
"Top being the break out international star of the season after korea treated him like trash is satisfying" added one person on X.
T.O.P shines as Thanos in Squid Game season 2 amid mixed reactions
T.O.P, a former member of BigBang, delivered a standout performance as Thanos, a troubled rapper with a heartbreaking past, in Squid Game season 2. The character, burdened by a 1.19 billion won debt after being misled by a cryptocurrency-investing YouTuber, Myeong-gi, played by Im Si-wan, resonated deeply with viewers.
On December 4, 2024, Netflix unveiled T.O.P as part of the Squid Game season 2 cast. The announcement was made via a "Meet the Cast" video shared on the streaming platform's official YouTube channel.
Despite the anticipation surrounding his inclusion in Squid Game season 2, T.O.P’s casting sparked mixed reactions. While fans celebrated his return after years of hiatus, critics were quick to revisit his past controversies, including his absence from the entertainment industry and personal struggles. Due to the backlash, T.O.P refrained from participating in the show’s promotional activities before its release.
For those who are unfamiliar, in 2017, Choi Seung-hyun faced prosecution for marijuana use during his military service. He admitted to using marijuana four times in 2016 and was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years.
Following a disciplinary review, he was reassigned to reservist status and completed his service as a public service worker, finishing on July 6, 2019. In June 2023, he parted ways with BigBang, citing a focus on self-reflection.
At the wake of the news of him getting cast in Squid Game 2 fans, however, rallied behind the artist, urging others to judge his performance based on merit rather than his history. Social media was flooded with messages of support, praising his courage to rebuild his career and take on a challenging role in a global phenomenon.
In the face of the backlash Squid Game writer-director Hwang Dong-hyuk addressed skepticism surrounding T.O.P's casting, stating,
"We decided that we had no choice but to prove to the viewers through the final result as to why this character and work had to go to T.O.P. That was why we did not cancel it and pressed through with it."
When Squid Game season 2 premiered on December 26, 2024, T.O.P’s performance was met with praise from fans and international critics alike, solidifying his place as a promising actor. However, some Korean media outlets remained unconvinced, suggesting that his involvement detracted from the sequel’s potential.
Amid the ongoing controversy, T.O.P’s global fanbase has stood firm, defending his dedication and applauding his portrayal of Thanos. For many, his performance is a testament to his resilience and ability to thrive despite challenges, marking a significant chapter in his career.
