"It's like art imitating life!" - Fans react to T.O.P playing a retired rapper in Squid Game season 2

Former BIGBANG member T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) plays Thanos (Image via YouTube/@Netflix)
Former BIGBANG member T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) plays Thanos (Image via YouTube/Netflix)

T.O.P's fans are thrilled by the latest details Netflix revealed about his character in Squid Game season 2. The excitement intensified when Netflix shared a 'Meet the Cast' video introducing the new participants on December 5, 2024, on social media platforms.

For Squid Game season 2, former BIGBANG member T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) plays Thanos, a retired rapper whose life takes a dark turn after losing all his savings to a risky investment influenced by a YouTuber. Desperation drives him to enter the deadly competition, where he faces the consequences of his choices while seeking redemption.

In the meet the cast video released on December 5, T.O.P introduces his character, saying,

"Thanos is a retired rapper. After watching Myung-gi's YouTube and putting full confidence in him, Thanos went all-in, investing all the money he'd saved. But he ended up losing it all, which led him to join the game."

Fans have drawn comparisons between the artist's real-life journey and his character's story, leading to reactions such as,

"The casting is so on point—it's like art imitating life! Can't wait to see how T.O.P. brings his iconic charisma to Squid Game. 🔥"
"THIS HITS HARDER THAN IT SHOULD BE EXCUSE MEEEEEE," posts a fan on X.
"Please make him break into a cringe musical number squid game I beg," writes a netizen.
"now i kinda hope him leaving the group is just a method acting for this role and he will be back soon 🤓" reads one comment on X.

Fans eagerly awaiting T.O.P's return as an idol following his departure from BigBang also remarked on the irony of his Squid Game character being a retired rapper.

"IT IS OKAY WE TOTALLY GET THAT YOU WILL NOT GONNA RAP ANYMORE ITS OKAY DW," says one fan.
"This b**ch refuses to make music even in fiction. 😒" Joked another fan.
"It was a mistake, he is not retired or anything. He will return with a new song with doom dada2 🥺" shared another netizen.

Many others also praised his acting debut in such an emotionally complex role. Social media buzz highlighted anticipation for how T.O.P would bring depth and authenticity to Thanos's journey.

"I can't wait, actor Choi Seunghyun! 🥹😭" Shared this X user.
"he's just gonna be himself 🙌🏾" posted one individual on X.

T.O.P. takes on the role of Thanos in Squid Game season 2, joining a diverse cast of complex characters

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According to a report from media outlet KBIZoom, Thanos in Squid Game season 2, played by T.O.P is a former hip-hop star who once rose to fame as a runner-up in a survival show. After trusting a YouTuber's investment advice, he lost all his savings, leading him to join the life-threatening game in desperation. The character grapples with his financial downfall and seeks redemption, making him a compelling addition to the show.

The second season of Squid Game is set to introduce a diverse group of participants, each with unique motivations and backstories that heighten the stakes of the deadly competition. Im Si-wan portrays a cryptocurrency YouTuber who, after causing massive financial losses for his subscribers, becomes a fugitive and enters the game.

The teaser hints at the tension between T.O.P's character, Thanos, and Im Si-wan's Myeong-ki, whose investment advice led to Thanos's financial ruin. Their strained dynamic adds a layer of conflict to the game.

T.O.P's character gets into conflicts with Im Si-wan's character (Image via YouTube/Netflix)
T.O.P's character gets into conflicts with Im Si-wan's character (Image via YouTube/Netflix)

Park Sung-hoon brings to life the story of a transgender woman striving to save enough money for gender-confirmation surgery, showcasing resilience and strong leadership. Lee Jin-wook plays a father desperate to secure treatment for his daughter's leukemia. Yang Dong-geun and Kang Ae-shim explore the emotional depth of a mother and son attempting to balance survival instincts with their familial bond.

Kang Ha-neul plays a charming and strategic participant who uses his wit to form alliances. Meanwhile, Park Gyu-young portrays a woman consumed by despair as she looks for her missing child, adding another layer of urgency and emotional intensity to the game.

Returning characters like Gi-hun, played by Lee Jung-jae, have undergone significant transformations. Unlike the naive contestant of season 1, Gi-hun now exhibits grit and determination, re-entering the game to uncover its secrets and confront the Front Man. Alongside him, Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) continues his quest to find his brother, In-ho, leading to a riveting clash of loyalties.

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk has highlighted the expanded scope of Squid Game season 2, delving into the complex relationships and motivations of the contestants. Connections between characters, including personal and financial betrayals, add emotional depth to the story. Themes of trust, survival, and desperation intertwine as the players navigate alliances and conflicts within the deadly arena.

The teaser posters, released on December 5, also show contestants wearing optimistic big smiles, unbeknownst to the grim reality awaiting them. This juxtaposition heightens the tension, especially when contrasted with Gi-hun's somber and determined expression, symbolizing the gravity of his mission.


Premiering on December 26, Squid Game season 2 introduces a mix of returning and new characters with compelling backstories. T.O.P's portrayal of Thanos adds complexities to the narrative as the character navigates alliances and personal conflicts. With intense drama and complex relationships, the new season expands the series' narrative, promising to keep viewers captivated with high-stakes action and multifaceted characters.

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Edited by Ivanna Lalsangzuali
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