T.O.P’s Over-the-Top Acting Wins Thanos ‘Favorite New Character’ Vote Abroad Despite Korean Criticism

Survey Reveals Viewer Favorites in Squid Game 2

In a recent survey conducted by the official Netflix account, fans were asked to vote for their favorite new character in the highly anticipated season of Squid Game 2. The poll drew a staggering participation of 700,000 viewers, showcasing the global interest in the series. Taking the lead was T.O.P, whose portrayal of Thanos garnered an impressive 50% of the votes.

Notable Performances and Viewer Responses

Following T.O.P, Park Sung-hoon secured second place for his role as Hyeon-ju, receiving 23% of the votes, while Jo Yu-ri, who played the character of the pregnant Jun-hee, came in third with 19%. The press conference revealed T.O.P’s absence, which raised eyebrows among international fans and led many to express their curiosity through online comments.

Controversy Surrounding T.O.P’s Casting

T.O.P’s role as Thanos, a rapper on a hip-hop survival show, has been controversial from the outset. His prior decision to step back from the South Korean entertainment scene in light of public opinion sparked criticism regarding his casting. Viewers in Korea have voiced their discontent, particularly commenting on his rap skills and physical expressions, which some have labeled as “bad acting.”

The controversy is further complicated by T.O.P’s past legal troubles; in 2017, he faced a conviction for marijuana use, resulting in a 10-month prison sentence and two years of probation. His character’s narrative—centered on a rapper whose career is devastated by drugs—strikes a poignant chord with his real-life experiences.

Global Perspectives on Thanos

Despite the negative feedback in South Korea, international audiences have embraced T.O.P’s portrayal of Thanos, recognizing him as a “game changer” in this season of Squid Game. This disparity in reception may be attributed to the viewing experience; audiences outside Korea often watch with subtitles or dubbing, allowing them to appreciate the character in a different context. Thanos stands out as a uniquely memorable figure in season 2, capturing the fascination of global viewers.

BigBang T.O.P — T.O.P, formerly of Big Bang, faces intense scrutiny regarding his acting, which some argue detracts from the series’ overall success.

International media outlets, including Business Insider, have praised T.O.P’s performance, highlighting the character Thanos as one of the most discussed villains of the year. Critics noted his compelling presence, which ranges from delivering unsettling performances to engaging in choreographed dance amid intense challenges.

Director Hwang’s Insights on Casting Decisions

In an interview, Director Hwang defended T.O.P’s casting, stating, “We auditioned many people, and T.O.P was the best among them. I don’t know him personally, nor am I a BigBang fan. My goal was not to support his comeback.” He anticipated that Thanos would resonate more with international viewers, who tend to favor exaggerated characters, a sentiment he attributed to cultural differences in performance perception.

Meanwhile, although T.O.P has opted out of attending official promotional events for Squid Game 2 due to concerns about public sentiment, he remains actively engaged in promoting the show via his social media channels.

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