Drug Top Casting Controversy Continues with On-Set Disputes
Production Team Apologizes, "We Will Be More Careful Moving Forward"
Some Online Calls for Viewing Boycott
The noise surrounding the Netflix series 'Squid Game 2' on the online video service (OTT) platform shows no signs of stopping. Following the backlash over casting T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun), a former member of the group Big Bang with a drug conviction, a controversy over power harassment on the filming set has erupted.
On the afternoon of the 11th, a post titled "I saw a 'Squid Game 2' staff member who acted like filming was a privilege yesterday" was uploaded on the online community Bobae Dream.
The author wrote, "Yesterday afternoon at Incheon Airport, there were lots of cameras and it seemed like filming was in progress. I saw actor Lee Jung-jae with red hair. Seeing that, I realized they were filming 'Squid Game 2.'"
They continued, "When I tried to use the escalator, a staff member who looked over 180 cm tall and big-bodied blocked people trying to use it and, in a commanding and unpleasant tone, told them to go somewhere else."
They criticized, "If they were inconveniencing Incheon Airport users, they should have politely apologized and asked for understanding while telling people to leave because of filming."
They added, "That staff member didn’t say a single word of apology but suddenly blocked the way and irritably ordered people to take the elevator next to them. That made me very angry."
The author said, "Even people who weren’t interested in the filming and just wanted to pass by looked very bewildered. Acting like filming is a privilege is ridiculous. They didn’t even rent out the entire Incheon Airport," expressing frustration.
They went on, "There have been several controversies before about entertainment or drama filming staff being rude to citizens, but does this staff member not know that? They caused inconvenience to people but act so arrogantly and shamelessly," they questioned.
The production company issued a statement saying, "We have received reports that citizens experienced discomfort during the filming of 'Squid Game Season 2' at Incheon Airport. We made our best efforts to provide guidance about the situation on site to citizens during the filming process, but we apologize for causing inconvenience."
They added, "We sincerely thank the citizens who allowed the filming and will continue to be careful during the filming process."
Released on Netflix in September 2021, 'Squid Game' (directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk) gained worldwide popularity, sparking a global K-content craze. Interest in producing a sequel grew. The second installment, confirmed after two years, features actors Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Gong Yoo, and Wi Ha-joon reprising their roles, with Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon, and Yang Dong-geun joining the cast.
After the lineup was announced, backlash followed. T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun), a former member of Big Bang with a marijuana use conviction, was included, sparking debates over the suitability of the cast. T.O.P had withdrawn from the group and was in self-reflection following the controversy. Since 'Squid Game' is a globally watched content, criticism arose that T.O.P’s participation was inappropriate, leading to calls for his removal.
There was even speculation and rumors about "who recommended whom," fueling the controversy over the casting background, but Netflix and director Hwang Dong-hyuk stood by T.O.P until the end.
Amid online calls for a boycott (a protest through a refusal to watch) of the series, the situation worsened. Following the casting controversy, the power harassment issue has surfaced, and the 'Squid Game 2' team, just setting sail, is facing unfavorable public opinion.
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