Squid Game series director Hwang Dong Hyuk shared the reason behind why he still cast T.O.P despite being criticized by netizens. The former rapper of the BigBang group is known to play Thanos, a rapper who is addicted to drugs.
Squid Game director revealed that T.O.P is the most suitable choice to play the character. "I auditioned several times, but it was very difficult to find someone who fit the role (of Thanos). The director team gave me a list of names and Choi Seung Hyun (T.O.P) was on it," said Hwang Dong Hyuk, as quoted by KBIZoom on January 5, 2025.
He then added, "I was wondering if he was still active in the entertainment industry, but they said he was willing to act." Hwang Dong Hyuk initially thought that T.O.P would not accept the offer because the background of the role of Thanos was similar to his past controversies.
"At first, I thought he wouldn't agree to play this role. But after much consideration, he contacted me and said he would give it a try. During the audition and script reading, I could see his great potential.
He fits the character, from his appearance to his acting," explained the director of Squid Game. He also revealed the criticism he received after announcing that the former BigBang member would be joining the series. The reason is, T.O.P was once caught up in a drug use scandal in 2016.
He was caught using marijuana at his home and was sentenced to 10 months in prison and 2 years probation. Considering many things, I cast him, but people haven't forgiven him. I didn't expect the backlash against him to continue.
I was surprised, if I had known it would turn out like this, I wouldn't have announced his casting earlier." He added. After serving his sentence for a drug case, T.O.P then took a long break from the entertainment world. Squid Game is their first comeback after a 9-year hiatus.
It's not only TOP that has raised pros and cons from the public. Several cast members of Squid Game season two also faced a lot of controversy, such as Park Sung Hoon, Lee Jin Wook, Won Ji An, and Lee Byung Hun.
In response, the director of Squid Game confirmed that he would try to find new faces and emphasized that the selection of actors was judged based on acting ability. "The principle of casting calls is because of their acting ability."
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