T.O.P, the former Big Bang member, has become a trending topic after his appearance in Squid Game 2. T.O.P’s portrayal of Thanos, a washed-up rapper turned Squid Game participant, has captivated fans in the second season of Netflix’s hit series.
The South Korean icon portrays Thanos, whose real name is Choi Su-bong, as a character weighed down by misfortune and debt. Fans are particularly thrilled by a scene where Thanos delivers some of his dialogue in a rap form, sparking widespread discussion online.
While the character is said to have retired from the music industry, the unexpected rap moment left viewers nostalgic for his BIGBANG days. Social media platforms have been flooded with comments like,
"The retired rapper is not retiring. 😂 That hand rapping gesture and the rhyming this is not Seunghyun this is TOP."
"The way he introduced himself as rapper Thanos 😭 so unserious T.O.P in #SquidGame2," says a fan.
"hes the highlight of the show no one else could have played this character the director was right for defending this decision T.O.P BACK IN THE GAME," comments a viewer of Squid Game.
"we got the THANOS rapping 😭 omygod choi seunghyun i already have tears on my eyes," posts another viewer.
"Choi Seunghyun will definitely be one of this season's fave character 🥹 So so so proud of you love! 🫶🏻" reads a comment on X.
However, it’s another scene that has truly electrified Big Bang’s devoted fanbase. Thanos, attempting to woo a woman, raps:
"In a sea of faces/You caught my eye/Red, orange, yellow, green/I am the legend, Thanos/I like you!"
Fans quickly notice a striking similarity between this verse and the rap from T.O.P’s part in Big Bang's hit song Last Dance. The parallel has sparked a wave of nostalgia and excitement on social media, with fans celebrating the subtle nod to his musical legacy.
"Crying cos isn’t that “red, orange, yellow, green” line from Last Dance? 😭," comments one fan.
"F**k rapping your OWN SONG in a drama where u play an evil character of a retired rapper.. OMG!!! He adds so much flavor.. VIPs watching literally," says anothe fan.
T.O.P’s Thanos steals the show with witty raps in Squid Game 2
T.O.P’s portrayal of Thanos, a struggling rapper with a tragic past, has become a standout in Squid Game 2. The character, falls into debt of 1.19 billion won after investing his savings into cryptocurrency, influenced by Myeong-gi, a YouTuber played by Im Si-wan.
The two characters meet during the deadly games, both grappling with the consequences of their financial failures. When Thanos recognizes Myeong-gi, emotions run high, culminating in a near physical altercation. Before the scuffle escalates, Thanos introduces himself with a rap:
"You may not know me/but I know you. MC Coin."
This line, delivered with humor, struck a chord with viewers, who praised the integration of T.O.P’s rap skills into the series. Thanos’ rapping is not just limited to moments of conflict, however. Another memorable moment sees the character rapping to impress a woman in the game.
Viewers have praised the creative integration of T.O.P’s real-life artistry into the character, adding layers of authenticity and relatability. As Squid Game 2 unfolds, Thanos’ journey—and his lyrical moments—continue to steal the spotlight, marking T.O.P’s return to the entertainment world as both bold and unforgettable for his fans.
Squid Game season 2: Gi-hun’s return and new players redefine the stakes
The much-anticipated season 2 of Squid Game has finally premiered on Netflix, bringing back familiar faces while introducing new characters with gripping backstories. The stakes are higher than ever as the prize money of 45.6 billion KRW draws in a new set of desperate participants.
Lee Jung-jae returns in Squid Game 2 as Seong Gi-hun, re-entering the deadly competition three years after his initial victory. Having abandoned his plans to move to the U.S., Gi-hun is now on a mission to uncover the dark secrets behind the game.
No longer the naive and reluctant player from the first season, he has transformed into a determined and strategic contender. Meanwhile, police officer Jun-ho, played by Wi Ha-joon, continues his relentless search for his brother, In-ho.
Squid Game season 2 introduces a cast of diverse and compelling characters as director Hwang Dong-hyuk delves deeper into the relationships and motivations of the contestants. The season emphasizes the emotional weight of personal and financial betrayals. The new cast features Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-wook, Park Sung-hoon, and more.
Squid Game season 2 debuted on December 26, 2024, exclusively on Netflix and is available for streaming worldwide.