T.O.P. Responds to Squid Game Controversy with Apology for “Reckless” Comments

T.O.P., known for his role in K-pop and as Thanos in the much-anticipated Squid Game Season 2, has opened up in a recent interview, expressing his apologies for what he calls his “reckless” behavior. In his candid discussion, the artist shared insights into why he made a return to acting amid his tumultuous past.

Thanos stands out as one of the most distinctive characters in Squid Game Season 2. Polls on Netflix’s social media indicate he is also one of the most popular. Unlike the other contestants, Thanos embodies a drug-addicted, animated celebrity who thrives on the chaos and challenges presented in the game.

While T.O.P. has garnered praise globally for his performance, his experience in South Korea has been marred by controversy. His appearances in South Korean broadcasts have often been blurred, and he has seen a significant reduction in visibility on Netflix’s Korean platforms.

Real name Choi Seung-hyun, T.O.P. faced legal repercussions for his past marijuana use, an offense that, while considered minor by some, carries considerable stigma in South Korea. This incident significantly impacted his career both as an actor and as a member of the K-pop group BigBang.

Confronting Past Mistakes

In a series of interviews, T.O.P. has addressed the criticism directed at him, expressing regret for his previous actions. He stated,

“I felt a strong desire to apologize for everything that has happened. I also believe that the lack of communication has resulted in many misunderstandings. After a lot of reflection, I found the courage to come forward,” he shared (via CNA).

Reflecting on his past, he noted, “In my 20s, I enjoyed remarkable success and received immense support. However, I fell from grace due to my own mistakes. This downfall caused me considerable mental anguish.”

thanos is truly the character of all time 😭 seung-hyun held nothing back!#SquidGame2 #SquidGame #ChoiSeungHyun #최승현 #탑 #Netflix pic.twitter.com/Eh1Qeozo6c

— Netflix Philippines (@Netflix_PH) December 29, 2024

He admitted, “I struggled to make sound decisions as negativity surrounded me, leading to self-hatred. Consequently, I made several poor judgments that I now deeply regret.”

Following intense negative attention, T.O.P. announced his retirement in 2020, stating he would not return to Korea. In a conversation with Sisa Week, he reflected, “I made significant mistakes due to my stress. I live with that shame, and it is something I will reflect upon for the rest of my life. I am truly sorry.”

Choosing Thanos: A Bold Decision

T.O.P. received commendation from Squid Game’s creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, who praised his bravery in accepting the role amidst his past controversies. T.O.P. explained his motivation for taking on the character, stating,

“I felt a strong desire to repay the trust the director placed in me, considering it had been a decade since anyone acknowledged me.” His confidence in accepting the role stemmed from the realization that Thanos was not a typical “righteous” character; rather, he was depicted as a flawed individual grappling with issues such as drug addiction, a reflection of contemporary society.

In discussing the challenges of portraying Thanos, he remarked, “It was a daunting task. The character resonated with my own past, highlighting aspects I’d rather forget. The fear of being typecast played a role in my initial hesitation, yet I felt a sense of destiny guiding me towards this project.”

Despite his complex past with BigBang, T.O.P. has no intention of rejoining the group, citing that the time apart feels too significant. However, he hopes to regain the forgiveness of the Korean public and to cultivate a more stable and serene life moving forward.

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