South Korean rapper and actor Choi Seung-hyun, famously known as T.O.P from the global K-pop sensation BIGBANG, has made a dramatic return to the spotlight after nearly a decade of silence. His re-entry comes as he takes on a prominent role in the highly anticipated second season of Netflix’s Squid Game. This marks his first major project since a 2017 marijuana scandal that nearly derailed his career and left him ostracized from the Korean entertainment industry.
In 2017, T.O.P was convicted of using marijuana, an illegal substance in South Korea, and was sentenced to 10 months in prison with a two-year suspended sentence. The scandal occurred while T.O.P was serving in the military as a conscripted police officer, leading to further public outrage. Shortly after his indictment, Choi suffered a personal crisis, overdosing on tranquilizers, which left him hospitalized and receiving psychiatric care.
The fallout was swift and severe. T.O.P faced immense public backlash and was effectively blackballed from the entertainment industry. His group, BIGBANG, went on hiatus, and Choi retreated from the public eye, leaving fans uncertain about his future in music and acting.
In heartfelt handwritten apologies released through his agency, YG Entertainment, Choi expressed deep remorse. “I have no excuses and deserve any kind of punishment. I feel very regretful and fearful for having left an irreparable scar in everyone’s hearts,” he wrote. He also promised to learn from his mistakes and work toward rebuilding trust with his fans and the public.
Now, seven years later, T.O.P has stepped back into the limelight with Squid Game Season 2, portraying Thanos, an eccentric rapper and drug user competing in the show’s deadly games. The role is a daring move, given its striking parallels to Choi’s real-life struggles. However, this choice has been lauded by critics and fans alike as an act of courage and self-awareness.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Squid Game director Hwang Dong-hyuk shared his thoughts on casting T.O.P, calling it a “gutsy” decision. “It took him a lot of courage to portray a character who mirrors some of the negative aspects of his personal life,” Hwang said. “Despite the long hiatus, I have to say, as a director, he performed very impressively, and I’m very satisfied with what he did with the character.”
The series has already garnered massive attention for its first season, and T.O.P’s involvement in Season 2 adds another layer of intrigue. His performance as Thanos is being praised as a nuanced and impactful portrayal that reflects both his talent and his resilience.
For T.O.P, Squid Game represents not just a career milestone but also an opportunity for redemption. Fans of BIGBANG and K-drama enthusiasts alike have been rallying behind him, acknowledging the effort it takes to rise above past mistakes and reestablish oneself in an industry as unforgiving as entertainment.
The journey hasn’t been easy, but Choi’s return to acting signals a new chapter. His role in Squid Game Season 2 highlights not only his acting prowess but also his determination to face his demons head-on and rebuild his legacy.
As T.O.P continues to carve his path forward, his comeback serves as a powerful reminder that redemption is possible, even in the face of public scrutiny. With this new chapter, Choi Seung-hyun proves that he is more than his past and ready to redefine his future in the world of entertainment.
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