Squid Game Season 2 Thanos Actor Discusses Casting Backlash in Exclusive First Interview

Squid Game Season 2: T.O.P Breaks Silence Amid Casting Controversy

Following the release of Squid Game Season 2, breakout star Choi Seung-hyun, popularly known as T.O.P, has addressed the backlash surrounding his portrayal of Thanos. His character quickly became a fan favorite, showcasing a unique blend of humor and darkness during the intense games. However, T.O.P’s casting was not without criticism, stemming from his infamous marijuana scandal from eight years ago. Despite this being a significant comeback project, the actor chose to limit his media engagement due to numerous calls for a boycott from certain segments of the Korean audience.

In a candid interview with The Korea Times, T.O.P reflected on the significance of embracing the Thanos role, contemplating his journey since the controversy that cast a shadow over his career. He initially hesitated to accept the part, feeling that it echoed his past challenges. However, after encouragement from the series’ creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, he committed to delivering a remarkable performance as a personal response to the trust placed in him.

“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.”

“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.”

T.O.P also undertook extensive research to authentically portray the character of Thanos, particularly focusing on the effects of potent drugs. He delved into the psychological and physical implications associated with drug use, which informed his portrayal and the nuances of Thanos’ demeanor, including adopting elements of “mumble rap”to enhance his character’s unique voice.

“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.

There’s a type of rap style in southern U.S. hip-hop called ‘mumble rap,’ often associated with rappers who use powerful stimulants. I tried to channel that in the way Thanos delivers his lines.”

Wrapping up his thoughts, T.O.P detailed the impact of his eight-year hiatus from the public eye, during which he focused on music as a means of coping. He expressed a yearning for a more tranquil life, free from the drama that has often surrounded him, hoping to wake up each day without the weight of negative headlines.

“For the past seven years, I have lived almost isolated from society, spending most of my time at home and in my music studio. So I just kept working on music in the dark and the reason I did that was not for any other reason, but because music was the only place where I could breathe, when I was composing music and standing in front of the microphone. I think I made music to survive.”

“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.”

The Significance of T.O.P’s First Interview Post-Squid Game Season 2

A Comeback Story Worth Sharing

Before transitioning into acting, T.O.P was a member of the internationally acclaimed K-pop group BIGBANG. His journey began in front of the camera with the 2007 series I Am Sam. However, a scandal in 2017 concerning marijuana use during his mandatory military service caused significant damage to his career. Following his sentencing to two years of probation, T.O.P found himself largely absent from the public eye, dealing with the repercussions of his actions in the strict Korean entertainment environment.

His long-awaited return in Squid Game Season 2 has sparked widespread reactions among audiences. Netflix viewers have embraced his character Thanos, leading to a surge of fan edits and memes celebrating his portrayal.

Despite the calls for boycotts in Korea, show creator Hwang Dong-hyuk and his fellow actors publicly supported T.O.P’s casting, highlighting it as a necessary step in his redemption journey. While the response within Korea remains mixed, international audiences seem to have connected positively with his performance, indicating that Squid Game might just mark the beginning of T.O.P’s resurgence in the entertainment industry.

Our Perspective on T.O.P’s Remarks

It’s Time to Move Forward and Forgive

Having closely followed this evolving story, I believe it is high time for forgiveness in the face of past controversies. With marijuana being legal in many Western nations including the United States, the stigma surrounding T.O.P’s actions may be seen differently outside Korea. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to acknowledge the deeper cultural context that shapes public perception in his home country.

This interview represents a significant step toward reconciliation and offers a glimpse into T.O.P’s commitment to his craft. His dedication is evidenced by not only his preparation for the role but also the physical toll involved, including a ribcage injury sustained while filming critical scenes. I genuinely hope that he experiences a flourishing career from this point forward, especially given his striking contribution to Squid Game Season 2.

Source: The Korea Times

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