In a recent interview, T.O.P opened up about his appearance in the second season of the hit Netflix series “Squid Game”. The former BIGBANG member also addressed his past controversies, including a drug use scandal that led to a prison sentence. He also shared his thoughts on embarrassing his former group members.
T.O.P, whose real name is Choi Seung Hyun, stepped away from the entertainment industry after being sentenced to 10 months in prison and 2 years of probation for marijuana use in 2016.
Eight years later, he made a surprise return to the spotlight with his appearance as “Thanos” in Season 2 of “Squid Game”. However, he did not attend any of the press conferences, showcases, or other promotional events due to the criticism surrounding his casting.
The 37-year-old rapper decided to address the backlash in an interview, and it’s finally here.
T.O.P on “Squid Game 2”
T.O.P expressed, “If it weren’t for the role of ‘Thanos’ in Season 2 of <Squid Game>, I think I would have found it hard to muster the courage and wouldn’t have been cast at all. In fact, it wasn’t easy for me either. I had to confront my past due to my mistakes.
I believe the character of Thanos represents those in the MZ generation, particularly those who have fallen from grace. He was a character that satirized people who are dependent on drugs, and in that sense, I see him as a character with a social message. Since he embodies the archetype of a failed life, a pathetic ‘hip-hop loser,’ I found the courage to want to play this Thanos.”
Choi Seung Hyun portrayed Thanos, a rapper who rose to fame but fell into bankruptcy after investing in a cryptocurrency recommended by Lee Myung Ki (played by Im Siwan). Notably, Thanos is depicted taking drugs before participating in the game and even offering them to Lee Myung Ki.
He revealed that filming these scenes was the most embarrassing experience for him. T.O.P revealed it was “embarrassing and psychologically difficult” to film scenes where he was taking drugs in front of hundreds of people on set.
He also talked positively about the criticism he received for his awkward acting. The K-pop star expressed, “I humbly accept any evaluation, whether it’s praise or criticism. If my acting was uncomfortable or lacking, I will find those points, study them, and strive to become a better actor.”
T.O.P shared that he did not take any acting classes and was not active socially for the past 7-8 years.
T.O.P on BIGBANG Members
T.O.P also talked affectionately about his former groupmates, saying “I watched BIGBANG’s stage at the ‘2024 MAMA Awards‘ last year.”
He continued, “Through BIGBANG, I had a brilliant twenties that can’t be compared to anyone else. It was a beautiful time, but I caused harm to the team with my mistakes. I was sorry that my mistake caused harm to the team and that the members were criticized together.”
He revealed the reason behind his departure from the team saying, “I didn’t want to cause any more harm to the team, so I expressed my intention to leave. About 5 years after that, I parted ways with the team. In the meantime, I received a proposal for the ‘Still Life’ (2022) project, and I thought it would be BIGBANG’s last appearance for the fans and members, so I accepted.”
When asked if he plans to make a comeback with BIGBANG, he replied, “No, I don’t. The reason I can’t go back is that I’m ashamed.”
T.O.P Apologizes for His Drug Use Controversy
T.O.P apologized, saying, “I want to apologize to everyone. I think I was too careless in the past, so it may take time for the public to accept me. I don’t think the public is being too harsh on me.No matter how long it takes, it’s a problem I need to solve, and it’s a burden I must bear entirely.”
Lastly, he promised fans to return as a better version of himself in the future.
