South Korean broadcaster censors K-star TOP in 'Squid Game 2'

Despite the worldwide excitement surrounding the release of Netflix's 'Squid Game 2', the show has not been well received in its home country of South Korea, particularly by one of the leading broadcasters, MBC, which censored certain parts of the show because it featured ex-BIGBANG member TOP as one of its key actors.

Image: Netflix

TOP, also known as Choi Seung-hyun, plays Thanos in 'Squid Game 2'. Other than his role as Thanos, he is also known for being an ex-member of one of K-pop's biggest boybands, 'BIGBANG', as his main rapper, until his departure in May 2023.

Back as a K-pop star with 'BIGBANG', TOP was also part of the sub-group 'GD & TOP'. He was then known as one of the scene's biggest rappers due to his skill and affiliation with BIGBANG.

Image: YG Entertainment

Altogether, some of his biggest music hits include 'Doom Dada', 'Turn It Up', and 'Friend', 'Knock Out', 'High High', 'Bang Bang Bang', among many other hits.

Image: YG Entertainment

Other than his involvement in music, TOP has also dabbled in acting, which makes sense for why he was cast in 'Squid Game 2'. Some of his acting works include a mixture of film and TV, with notable works such as 'Out of Control', 'Commitment', 'I Am Sam', and 'Secret Message'.

Despite being one of K-entertainment's best-known artists then, everything changed for TOP when he was involved in a drug scandal in 2017, when it was discovered that the star had taken marijuana back in 2016.

Despite attitudes in the West, drug use, which includes marijuana use, is heavily frowned upon in South Korea. The pressure of being investigated for drug use is heavy for many, especially celebrities, who potentially face losing their careers when caught.

Due to the consequences of being investigated and found to have used drugs, TOP had tried to end his life through overdosing on anti-anxiety medication and then disappeared from the public eye in South Korea after his release from his mandatory military service, reports The Straits Times.

Due to his involvement with drugs, Screenrant reports that TOP was blacklisted from the K-entertainment industry right after, and not much was heard from him until the announcement that he had left BIGBANG in May 2023, NME reports.

Hence, it was a surprise when it was announced that he had been cast in the sequel to one of Netflix's top hits, 'Squid Game' in June 2023, reports Korea JoongAng Daily. The report states that the initial reception towards his casting was a “cold” one due to TOP's past drug offenses.

Image: Netflix

Furthermore, the report from Korea JoongAng Daily stated that TOP's performance in 'Squid Game 2' was heavily criticized for being “awkward, unnatural and overly exaggerated”, on top of the already bad public opinion regarding the series' casting choice.

Image: Netflix

However, NME reports that 'Squid Game' director, Hwang Dong-hyuk, insists that casting TOP as Thanos in 'Squid Game 2' was a perfect choice, as the character matches TOP's troubles in real life to a tee, and saw TOP's performance in the part as one that was suited for a "comeback".

To understand more on how TOP shares an affinity with his on-screen character in 'Squid Game 2', you have to understand Thanos' character. According to Korea JoongAng Daily, Thanos was created as a disgraced rapper who uses drugs, and the characterization was a complete coincidence that mirrored TOP's own experiences very closely.

Image: Netflix

Unlike the cold and negative reception from South Korea, NME reports that TOP's performance as Thanos was extremely well-received in overseas markets. His performance as Thanos was also greatly praised by Hwang Dong-hyuk, who found TOP's acting impressive.

Image: Netflix

Despite his iconic role in 'Squid Game 2', TOP was reported by The Korea Times to have deliberately made the choice to skip out on key promotional events for the show not just in South Korea but also in overseas markets – despite the more welcoming reception to him and his character outside of South Korea.

According to Dexterto, the TOP blacklisting continues this day since MBC blurred the star's face throughout the official screening of 'Squid Games 2' on national South Korean television. Many people have criticized the broadcast network's decision, pointing out that others on the show were involved in much more serious crimes, such as assault, yet their faces were not blurred.

Image: Netflix

Despite so, The Korea Times reports that TOP is scheduled to make his first promotional appearance for 'Squid Game 2' in January 15. This will mark his first official appearance back on South Korean entertainment in years!