Squid Game season 2 expands its universe with a variety of new characters, including a notably ruthless rapper named Thanos, portrayed by T.O.P, a well-known South Korean rapper. This new addition not only amplifies the show’s tension but also stands out due to T.O.P’s larger body of work which deserves recognition. Despite Thanos’s fate in the series, T.O.P’s talent shines through, significantly enhancing the character’s impact on the storyline.
Thanos is undeniably one of the most intriguing figures in the latest season of Squid Game. With his distinct purple hair and a haughty demeanor, he quickly becomes a source of peril for fellow contestants. Nevertheless, the character’s true power lies in T.O.P’s compelling performance. Known for his multifaceted career as a rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor, T.O.P initially garnered fame in 2006 after assuming the role of lead rapper in the iconic boy band BigBang. His shift towards acting has revealed further dimensions of his talent, warranting exploration into his previous works.
5
Nineteen (2009)
Three Teens Are Accused of Murder
T.O.P made one of his earliest appearances in the 2009 television film Nineteen. The plot revolves around three teenagers who find themselves implicated in the murder of a classmate. Faced with widespread disbelief in their innocence, including from their own families, the group bands together to uncover the true killer and clear their names. In this film, T.O.P is cast as Jung-hoon, a university student embroiled in these dire circumstances.
Nineteen offers a glimpse into T.O.P’s formative years in acting. Additionally, he contributed to the film’s soundtrack, performing the theme song alongside co-star Seungri. Although the film may feel somewhat dated by today’s standards, it is a reflective artifact of T.O.P’s early career and provides an engaging viewing experience.
4
I Am Sam (2007)
A Teacher Moves In with His Troubled Student
In 2007, T.O.P took his first significant role in the K-drama I Am Sam. The story follows a mobster who, worried about his daughter’s academic decline, offers a hefty reward to a quirky teacher to move in as her tutor. T.O.P plays the character Chae Moo-shin, a classmate of the daughter, whose interaction with the cast adds layers to the humorous narrative.
Despite its unconventional premise, I Am Sam stands out as an entertaining piece, showcasing T.O.P’s signature bad boy persona, similar to his role in Squid Game. While T.O.P may not have a leading role, this show effectively illustrates his early acting style against the backdrop of 2000s K-drama aesthetics.
3
Iris (2009)
Two Best Friends Become Secret Agents
The crime K-drama Iris, released in 2009, features T.O.P in a thrilling narrative that follows two best friends who rise through the ranks of the Republic of Korea Army’s elite unit. When offered positions in the National Secret Service, their friendship is tested by romantic tensions and ambitions. T.O.P portrays Vick, a mysterious assassin intertwined with dangerous plots.
Iris shares a dark, suspenseful vibe similar to Squid Game, making it an excellent recommendation for viewers seeking continued intrigue. Once again, T.O.P embodies an enigmatic role, which allows him to showcase his bilingual abilities in Korean and English, adding depth to his character.
2
Tazza: The Hidden Card (2014)
A Gambler Enters a Deadly Scheme
For those looking to see T.O.P in a leading role, Tazza: The Hidden Card is highly recommended. This film, based on a popular manhwa, follows Ham Dae-gil, a man drawn into the perilous gambling world. After falling victim to a scheming plot, Dae-gil faces the ultimate life-or-death game where only his skills will determine his survival.
T.O.P’s character resonates with Thanos’s bravado but embodies a different essence as the protagonist striving to escape perilous situations. The film’s themes of risk and survival align perfectly with those in Squid Game, making it an engaging follow-up for fans.
1
Secret Message (2015)
A Man & Woman Connect Over Their Past
Concluding this list is T.O.P’s role in the 2015 romance drama Secret Message. Here, he plays Woo-hyun, a Korean man who finds an unexpected connection with Haruka, a woman from Japan. Their journey reveals shared vulnerabilities, addressing profound themes of love and past traumas.
This work showcases T.O.P’s versatility as he transitions from his typical arrogant persona to a more empathetic and nuanced character. Secret Message contrasts with his previous roles, making it a delightful pick for viewers who wish to see him in a heartfelt narrative following Squid Game.
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