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T.O.P's fans expressed frustration and disappointment over his absence from the second poster of Netflix's Squid Game. Amid growing anticipation for the release of Squid Game season 2, Netflix dropped its second main poster on November 27, 2024, which immediately caught fans' attention.
Former BigBang member T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun), who was previously announced as part of the cast, was noticeably absent from the poster.
Released on November 27, the poster showcased participants running in an unknown direction, led by actor Lee Jung-jae. However, T.O.P's face was not visible among the group. The poster featured the cast, including Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Lee Jin-wook, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-shim, and Jo Yu-ri, which sparked curiosity over T.O.P's absence.
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Fan reactions to T.O.P's exclusion from the Squid Game season 2 poster were strong, with many expressing frustration over his continued association with past controversies. One fan commented, voicing their disbelief that T.O.P was still being judged for events from so long ago. The fan said:
"it’s been 7 years, get over it! #TOPSquidGameS2"
"What controversy? The one from like 2017?? Let the man breathe. That’s really saddening that his „scandal“ is still present after 7 years," another fan expressed dissatisfaction.
"What controversy? All the dude does is promote his Win and post about arts ???" posted one netizen on X.
"just because bro smoked weeds…" commented a X user.
Other fans speculated on how the producers of Squid Game might handle T.O.P's involvement if changes were made.
"well they're gonna add what we've seen in the trailer anyways so gluck to the viewers. not unless the writers choose to "kill him after the first episode, off-screen with some white text saying he was disqualified smth smth," one viewer shared.
Meanwhile, some fans noted that T.O.P was not the only actor missing from the poster. They also reminded others that T.O.P appeared in both main trailers for the season, suggesting that his absence from the poster might not reflect his actual involvement in the show.
"He is not the only one who isn't on the poster!! Are the other actors now excluded too? BTW he is in both MAIN trailers !" remarked one fan.
T.O.P's legal challenges, military service, and recent updates in brief
Choi Seung-hyun, known as T.O.P, is a singer and actor who rose to fame as a member of the K-pop group BigBang. He began his mandatory military service as a conscripted police officer on February 9, 2017, initially scheduled for discharge on November 8, 2018. However, his service was interrupted in June 2017 when it was revealed that he would face prosecution for marijuana use.
Following the announcement, Choi Seung-hyun was transferred to a different police division and suspended from duty while awaiting trial. Shortly after, he was hospitalized after being found unconscious in the police barracks due to an apparent overdose of prescribed anti-anxiety medication. His mother later confirmed he had regained consciousness and was recovering.
During his first trial on June 29, 2017, at the Seoul Central District Court, Choi Seung-hyun admitted to using marijuana four times in October 2016. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison and suspended from duty for two years.
After a disciplinary review by the police, the Ministry of National Defense reassigned him to reservist status. As a result, he was transferred from the police force to complete his service as a public service worker.
On January 26, 2018, Choi Seung-hyun resumed his duties as a public service officer at the Yongsan Arts and Crafts Center in Seoul. He completed his mandatory service and was discharged on July 6, 2019, with the official dispensation recorded two days later.
In June 2023, T.O.P officially parted ways with BigBang, stating his intention to focus on self-reflection. Recently, he hinted at a return to music in 2025. When a fan asked about a potential sequel to his 2013 solo album Doom Dada, T.O.P responded simply with "2025."
Choi Seung-hyun, a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor, began his career as an underground rapper before joining YG Entertainment and debuting in 2006 as BigBang's lead rapper. The group became one of Asia's best-selling acts and a global sensation.
In 2010, during BigBang's hiatus, Choi Seung-hyun collaborated with G-Dragon on the album GD & TOP. As a solo artist, he released the hit singles Turn It Up (2010) and Doom Dada (2013). Both of the tracks performed well on South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart, peaking at number two and number four, respectively.
He debuted as an actor in 2007 with I Am Sam. For his role in 71: Into the Fire (2010), Choi Seung-hyun won the Best New Actor at the Blue Dragon and Baeksang Arts Awards. He later starred in Commitment (2013) and Tazza: The Hidden Card (2014), earning accolades and solidifying his acting career.
Squid Game season 2, premiering on Netflix on December 26, 2024, continues the story of Gi Hun, played by Lee Jung-jae. Three years after surviving the deadly games, he returns, seeking revenge and facing even greater dangers as he competes for 45.6 billion KRW. The season features intense confrontations, including a showdown with the frontman, played by Lee Byung-hun, as the deadly competition resumes.
