Choi Seung-Hyun Shines as Thanos in Squid Game Season 2 – A Redemption Story
Choi Seung-Hyun’s Breakout Role in Squid Game 2
Nearly a month after Choi Seung-Hyun, popularly known as T.O.P., was hailed as the breakout star of Squid Game Season 2, the former BIGBANG member has captivated audiences with his portrayal of Thanos. In a promotional video shared by Netflix, T.O.P. thanked fans worldwide for their overwhelming love and support for his character.
Netflix introduced the video with the caption: “It’s his world, we’re just living in it! Choi Seung-Hyun has a few words just for you.” The video showed a well-mannered and gracious Choi addressing the audience, a stark contrast to his on-screen persona. Fans were quick to express their excitement, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) commenting, “Netflix, THIS is what we want. DESPERATELY,” while another wrote, “Best message received today.”
Thanos: A Role That Mirrors Real Life
In Squid Game Season 2, Choi plays Thanos, a retired rapper and former drug abuser with a mischievous streak, adding much-needed comic relief to the dark and tense series. The character’s troubled past and complex emotions parallel Choi’s real-life experiences, making his performance authentic and impactful.
Despite initial backlash surrounding Choi’s casting due to his controversial past involving drug abuse and a legal conviction, his portrayal of Thanos has turned critics into fans. International viewers have largely praised his performance, while South Korean audiences remain divided.
T.O.P.’s Road to Redemption
Choi Seung-Hyun’s journey to redemption began long before his debut in Squid Game 2. After leaving BIGBANG in the wake of his legal troubles, Choi retreated from the public eye, living a solitary life. However, his candid interviews after the show’s release revealed a man eager to start afresh.
In one such interview, T.O.P. shared how he felt neglected and lonely during his hiatus but emphasized his desire to create new music and explore fresh opportunities. This honesty resonated with fans, earning him newfound admiration.
Netflix’s Controversial Decision Pays Off
Initially, Netflix faced significant backlash for casting T.O.P. in Squid Game Season 2. Critics argued that including him in such a high-profile series could send the wrong message. As a result, the streaming giant kept T.O.P. away from pre-release promotions. However, the tables turned post-release, with Thanos becoming one of the most talked-about characters.
Fans have since urged Netflix to feature Choi in future projects, with one commenter suggesting, “Netflix, cast him in your new shows! We need T.O.P. Choi Seung-Hyun.”
Choi Seung-Hyun’s Future in Entertainment
As T.O.P. enjoys his resurgence in the spotlight, fans are eagerly awaiting his next move. Whether it’s a new acting project or a return to music, Choi has hinted at an exciting journey ahead.
T.O.P: The Life and Career of Choi Seung-hyun
Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1987–2006)
Choi Seung-hyun, known professionally as T.O.P, was born on November 4, 1987, in Seoul, South Korea. He is the great-nephew of renowned abstract artist Kim Whanki and was exposed to art from an early age. Developing an interest in hip-hop, he performed as an underground rapper under the stage name “Tempo” and gained recognition through KBS Radio’s Rap Battle in 2003. His childhood friend Kwon Ji-yong (G-Dragon) introduced him to YG Entertainment, where he was initially rejected due to his weight. Determined, he lost 20 kg in 40 days and was later accepted into the agency.
Debut with BigBang and Rise to Fame (2006–2010)
Under the stage name T.O.P, he debuted as the lead rapper of BigBang in 2006. Initially consisting of six members, the group was reduced to five and gained significant popularity with hits like Lies (2007), Last Farewell (2008), and Haru Haru (2008). Their success cemented them as one of Asia’s best-selling groups.
Parallel to his music career, T.O.P ventured into acting, making his debut in the KBS2 drama I Am Sam (2007) and later starring in the thriller Iris (2009). His first film role came with 71: Into the Fire (2010), which earned him multiple Best New Actor awards.
Solo Career and Acting Ventures (2010–2016)
During BigBang’s hiatus, T.O.P collaborated with G-Dragon to release GD & TOP (2010), which spawned hits like High High and Knock Out. As a solo artist, he released Turn It Up (2010) and Doom Dada (2013), both of which achieved high rankings on South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart.
His acting career flourished with lead roles in Commitment (2013), for which he won the New Asian Actor of the Year award, and Tazza: The Hidden Card (2014). He also made a foray into design by collaborating with Vitra in 2015 and receiving the Visual Culture Award at the Prudential Eye Awards.
Legal Issues and Military Service (2017–2019)
T.O.P enlisted in the military in 2017 as a conscripted police officer. However, he was later charged with marijuana use, leading to his suspension from police duty. In court, he admitted to the charges and was sentenced to two years of probation. Following this, he completed his military service as a public service worker and was officially discharged in July 2019.
Shift Towards Art, Departure from BigBang, and Return to Acting (2019–Present)
Post-military service, T.O.P focused on art and became the first K-pop artist featured in Growse Magazine’s list of 200 influential figures in the art world. In 2022, YG Entertainment announced that T.O.P had ended his contract but would still participate in BigBang’s comeback. However, in 2023, he confirmed his departure from the group.
In 2024, he made his acting comeback as Choi Su-bong, also known as “Thanos,” in Netflix’s Squid Game: Season 2. His casting sparked controversy in South Korea due to his past legal issues, though his performance received a more positive response internationally.
Legacy and Ongoing Influence
Despite controversies, T.O.P remains a significant figure in the K-pop industry. From being an underground rapper to a global icon, his contributions to music, film, and art continue to shape his legacy.
FAQs
1. Who is Choi Seung-Hyun (T.O.P.)?
Choi Seung-Hyun, also known as T.O.P., is a former member of the K-pop group BIGBANG. He recently gained global recognition for his role as Thanos in Squid Game Season 2.
2. Why was T.O.P.’s casting controversial?
T.O.P.’s casting faced criticism due to his past legal issues involving drug abuse, which led to a brief jail term.
3. How did fans react to T.O.P. in Squid Game Season 2?
Fans worldwide praised T.O.P.’s performance as Thanos, while opinions in South Korea were mixed.
4. What’s next for Choi Seung-Hyun?
T.O.P. has expressed his desire to create new music and pursue acting opportunities.
5. Will Netflix collaborate with T.O.P. again?
While Netflix hasn’t announced any future collaborations with T.O.P., fans are actively campaigning for his inclusion in upcoming projects.
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