‘Squid Game’ Creator Applauds T.O.P’s Bold Comeback: “I feel that it took him a lot of guts”

As a seasoned movie critic with a soft spot for stories of redemption and resilience, I found myself utterly captivated by the bravery and tenacity displayed by Choi Seung-hyun, also known as T.O.P, in his portrayal of “Thanos” in “Squid Game 2”. This South Korean rapper, singer, and actor has had a turbulent journey marked by scandal, banishment, and personal struggle, yet he has managed to rise from the ashes like a phoenix.

T.O.P’s portrayal of Choi Su-bong is nothing short of impressive, considering his nine-year hiatus due to a drug-related scandal. The fact that Hwang Dong-hyuk chose him for this role speaks volumes about T.O.P’s acting prowess and his determination to prove himself once again in the Korean entertainment industry.

It takes immense courage to step back into the spotlight after being banished, especially when the character you are playing shares some unsettling similarities with your past. The fact that T.O.P took on this challenge head-on is a testament to his resolve and his unwavering commitment to his craft.

In a world where second chances are often hard to come by, T.O.P’s comeback serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can find redemption through perseverance and self-reflection. His performance in “Squid Game 2” is a beacon of hope for those who have faced their own struggles and are seeking a second chance to prove themselves.

As I watched T.O.P navigate the treacherous waters of the deadly games, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony – here was a man who had been on the brink of losing it all, now standing tall amidst the chaos he once created in real life. It seems that the tables have turned for T.O.P, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what the future holds for this phoenix rising from the ashes.

As a die-hard fan of Korean dramas and someone who has been eagerly awaiting the return of my favorite show, I can’t contain my excitement as I share that the highly anticipated second season of Squid Game, aptly titled Squid Game 2, was finally released on Netflix on December 26, 2024. Having closely followed the career of its creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, and having been captivated by his brilliant storytelling, I knew this season would not disappoint.

The star-studded cast includes familiar faces such as Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon, and Lee Byung-hun, whom I’ve admired for their exceptional acting skills in previous roles. To my delight, several new actors have also joined the ensemble, promising fresh perspectives and dynamic performances.

Having binge-watched the entire season in one sitting, I can confidently say that Squid Game 2 surpassed all expectations. The plot was engrossing, the character development was exceptional, and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. If you’re a fan of high-stakes drama with a twist of dark humor, I highly recommend giving Squid Game 2 a watch. Trust me; it’s worth every minute!

The narrative unfolds three years later since the initial season, focusing on Seong Gi-hun who reenters the lethal competitions, this time driven by a fresh ambition. He’s now competing against novel adversaries for a grand prize of ₩45.6 billion. Simultaneously, Hwang Jun-ho partners with the military in a separate plotline to track down Gi-hun.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m excited to share that one of the fresh faces in the cast is Choi Seung-hyun, portraying the character named Choi Su-bong, more famously recognized as “Thanos.” You might be familiar with him under his stage name T.O.P., a South Korean sensation who dabbles in rapping, singing, and acting. His journey began in the underground rap scene, where he eventually made it big in 2006, leading the rap section for BigBang – one of Asia’s most illustrious and successful music groups.

Last July 2017, I found myself facing a ten-month imprisonment sentence along with a two-year suspension, all due to a conviction for marijuana use – an offense strictly prohibited in South Korea. The ensuing scandal brought about my banishment from the vibrant Korean entertainment industry, casting a shadow over what seemed to be a promising career trajectory.

The director of Squid Game, Hwang Dong-hyuk, shared with PEOPLE his admiration for T.O.P’s acting in the series and explained the reasons behind casting him. He highlighted that T.O.P had been absent from the Korean film industry for nine years due to a scandal, making this role a significant return to the spotlight for him.

Hwang commended T.O.P for his bravery in portraying a drug-using rapper character, which mirrors aspects of his personal history, labeling it as a fearless and daring choice.

You might recall that actor Seung-hyun faced a marijuana scandal approximately nine years ago, leading to a nearly decade-long absence from the Korean entertainment industry. Now, he’s making a return with this role, which depicts a character that is both a rapper and a drug user. This is his comeback after a significant break.

It seems to me that he showed remarkable bravery by playing a character who shares many striking similarities with aspects of his own personality that could be seen as unfavorable. Therefore, I believe it required great courage for him to accept this role.

Even after the extended break, I must commend him for his exceptional performance as a director. Frankly, I’m extremely pleased with how he developed the character.

Source

Following the indictment in June 2017, Choi Seung-hyun (also known as T.O.P) penned a heartfelt apology to his fans on YG Entertainment’s official website. In this letter, he acknowledged his deep remorse for causing distress and stated that the shame he felt was so overwhelming, he found it difficult to confront people face-to-face.

In a straightforward manner, Choi acknowledged that he was accountable for his actions and accepted any consequences that came with them. He extended his apologies to his fans, fellow group members, agency, friends, and family for the pain he inflicted, vowing to examine his conduct more closely. Furthermore, he apologized once more for not being able to speak to everyone individually.

Following the indictment, Choi was admitted to a hospital during his mandatory military service, having been discovered unresponsive due to an overdose of prescription sedatives. Later, YG Entertainment reported that he regained consciousness and was transferred to a different hospital for psychological treatment.

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2024-12-29 13:44