Ex-Big Bang member T.O.P confronts his past through Squid Game role

SHAH ALAM - Choi Seung-hyun, better known as T.O.P, has opened up about shame, redemption and his bold return to acting in Netflix’s Squid Game Season 2.

The 37-year-old, who gained fame as a member of the K-pop sensation Big Bang, has stepped back into the spotlight after years of silence.

In the highly anticipated second season of Squid Game, Choi plays Thanos, a failed rapper battling addiction and financial ruin.

For Choi, this role felt personal, mirroring his own struggles and presenting a unique challenge that pushed him to confront his past.

“For nearly a decade, I felt invisible. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk believed in me and gave me the courage to take on this role.

“It was daunting because Thanos reflects parts of my own history I would rather leave behind. Accepting this role felt like fate pulling me in a direction I could not ignore,” he said.

Choi’s journey has been anything but smooth.

His career was derailed in 2017 after he was convicted of marijuana use during his military service, which led to a 10-month prison sentence.

The aftermath of the scandal eventually resulted in his departure from Big Bang in 2023.

Reflecting on his thirties, Choi described the period as ‘lost time,’ one marked by deep shame and self-loathing.

The character of Thanos, who turns to drugs after losing everything, required Choi to revisit painful memories from his own life.

“The character’s drug dependence was central to his persona, so I researched how these substances affect people both physically and mentally. I even studied mumble rap, a southern US hip-hop style often associated with stimulant use, to infuse Thanos’ speech with authenticity,” he said.

Choi also incorporated details like Thanos’ damaged teeth and erratic demeanor into his portrayal.

While some critics found his performance exaggerated, others praised it as a deliberate choice by director Hwang.

“Acting is subjective. Thanos is a delusional rapper with a childlike mindset and that is what the director envisioned. I did my best to bring that vision to life," he said.

Director Hwang defended Choi’s performance, emphasising that the outcome was exactly as he had directed and approved.

He highlighted that it was a collaborative effort, and Choi delivered exactly what was needed.

Acknowledging the impact of public opinion, Choi admitted that changing perceptions about him would take time but stressed his commitment to taking responsibility for his past actions.

During his years of isolation following the scandal, Choi poured himself into music.

“Music was my lifeline. During those dark times, I wrote countless songs to survive. Creating music helped me heal, and I want to share that with my fans,” he said.

Choi hinted at a musical comeback but refrained from confirming future acting projects.

His primary focus now is on building a stable and peaceful life.

Despite facing criticism and challenges, Choi remains determined to move forward.

He views his role in Squid Game 2 as an opportunity to confront his inner struggles and evolve, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his journey.