"For almost 10 years, I felt no one looked at me" — BIGBANG's T.O.P speaks out on his comeback in Squid Game 2 as Thanos after a decade of controversy

On January 15, 2025, South Korean media outlet The Korea Times published an interview with T.O.P, marking his first public conversation since stepping back from the spotlight. The interview addressed his long hiatus following the 2017 marijuana scandal and his unexpected return to entertainment through his role as Thanos in Netflix’s Squid Game 2.

Reflecting on his decade away from the limelight, T.O.P described feeling overlooked and isolated, a sentiment that paralleled the struggles of the character he portrayed.

"For almost 10 years, I felt no one looked at me, but director Hwang Dong-hyuk reached out to me first. The trust (and) the belief he had in me gave me the courage to take this on. As an actor, it is my duty to repay the trust. Excelling in my performance is another assignment in my life," he shared.

The scandal that derailed his career began in 2017, during his mandatory military service, when he faced legal repercussions for marijuana use. The backlash was swift and intense, prompting T.O.P to retreat from the entertainment industry and later announce his departure from BIGBANG in 2023.

His casting in Squid Game 2 raised eyebrows, given his earlier declaration that he had no intention of returning to the public eye. However, his portrayal of Thanos, a rapper battling addiction and financial ruin, was lauded for its raw authenticity, solidifying his return to the industry.

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T.O.P reflects on challenges and personal growth in the latest interview

In the interview with The Korea Times, T.O.P further shared insights into his journey during the years of public silence and the deeply personal connection he felt to the character of Thanos. He revealed that the role’s similarities to his own struggles initially made him reluctant to accept it.

"The offer to play Thanos was a daunting proposition. The character mirrored my past, reflecting aspects I'd rather keep hidden. The fear of being pigeonholed into one role made me hesitate. But destiny seemed to be pulling me in this direction," he said.

To prepare for the role, T.O.P revealed that he conducted extensive research to accurately depict the physical and emotional toll of addiction. He studied the psychological effects of substance dependency, incorporating these elements into his portrayal of Thanos.

"The drug that Thanos uses in the series is extremely potent, so I researched the effects of such substances while developing the character. I tried to act differently in scenes where Thanos had not yet used the drug versus those where he had," he shared.

His efforts extended to his character's mannerisms and musical style, drawing inspiration from mumble rap to highlight Thanos’s erratic and troubled persona.

T.O.P also reflected on the personal toll of his past controversies, describing his 30s as a period of deep introspection and creative exploration. Music, he explained, became his refuge during these years, allowing him to process his emotions and survive through artistic expression.

Though his return to acting surprised many, T.O.P emphasized that his focus now is on leading a more stable and peaceful life.

"My primary goal is to establish a stable and less dramatic life. I want to reach a point where I can wake up without being bombarded by negative news and feel more at peace," he said.

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While mixed reactions to his comeback persist in South Korea, Squid Game 2 has garnered him renewed attention on the global stage, with fans praising his performance and resilience in the face of adversity.