“Examining Underage Prostitution: Why the Criticism of T.O.P? A Comparison of ‘Squid Game 2’ Reactions from Domestic and International Audiences”

Controversy Surrounding T.O.P’s Casting in “Squid Game 2”

A recent post on social media platform X (previously Twitter) has attracted considerable attention, igniting discussions about the domestic backlash against “Squid Game 2” director Hwang Dong-hyuk for his decision to cast T.O.P. In an accompanying article, Hwang remarked, “I didn’t expect people to be so unforgiving of T.O.P’s past.”

The post went viral, generating approximately 30.9 million views. It spurred a diverse array of comments, predominantly from international audiences, who expressed viewpoints that sharply contrasted with those in South Korea.

One commenter stated, “This guy (T.O.P) was the highlight of this season, but I can’t believe they (Koreans) are treating him like a demon just because of marijuana.”

Another user voiced confusion, saying, “I find it puzzling that Korean fans haven’t forgiven him for smoking marijuana nine years ago. Instead of this nonsense, can’t we focus on the incredible reception he’s received from international viewers? The world does not share the same perspective as Koreans.”

This sentiment was echoed by others, with one user commenting, “If you didn’t know who he was, you’d think he was a murderer or something; all he did was smoke marijuana.”

In defense of T.O.P, some users highlighted fellow cast member Song Young-chang, questioning the rationale behind such harsh criticism towards T.O.P.

Some mentioned that it’s unfair to hold T.O.P to a standard that seems more stringent than that reserved for other, more serious charges.

One international observer noted, “Korea is a nation I deeply respect, but it’s seriously concerning that they demand greater accountability for smoking marijuana than for repeat pedophiles or rapists.”

Another commenter remarked, “It’s shocking that Koreans haven’t forgiven him for smoking marijuana, yet they barely discuss anyone who has paid a 16-year-old girl for sex.”

Many cited this apparent double standard as they criticized the disproportionate outrage surrounding T.O.P. One commenter reflected, “Koreans treated him (T.O.P) like a pedophile or worse than him (Song Young-chang) when all he did was smoke marijuana. It’s ridiculous that 90% of Koreans attacked him for this.”

Discussions surrounding underage prostitution were also raised, particularly in relation to Song Young-chang, which drew attention to the perceived inconsistencies in the domestic reactions to various offenses.

Read More for a deeper understanding of contrasting reactions to “Squid Game 2″from domestic and international audiences.