Director of 'Squid Game' Speaks Out on Controversy Over Top Appearance: "During President Park Jeong-hee's Era..."

6 to 7 Years After the Marijuana Controversy
"I Didn't Expect to Be Unforgiven to This Extent"

Hwang Dong-hyuk, the director of the popular Netflix drama series 'Squid Game,' spoke out about the controversy surrounding Choi Seung-hyun, known as T.O.P, a former member of the group Big Bang who played the rapper 'Thanos' in the series. T.O.P's portrayal of a drug-intoxicated singer in the drama sparked debate.

In an interview held on the 2nd at a cafe in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Director Hwang began by saying, "I didn't expect T.O.P to be unforgiven to this extent." He continued, "When casting T.O.P, I researched the histories of people who had stopped their activities due to marijuana or drug issues and then made a comeback. Since the era of President Park Chung-hee, there were people who were arrested for marijuana and banned from activities by the government, but they were allowed to return after four years," he added.

Singer T.O.P played the role of rapper Thanos in Netflix's Squid Game Season 2. Netflix Squid Game Season 2

Director Hwang explained, "By calculation, it had already been 6 to 7 years since T.O.P's drug controversy," and said, "I thought people might tolerate it to some extent, so I proceeded with the casting."

However, when the casting controversy arose, he admitted, "I was quite surprised, wondering if he really was unforgiven to this extent." But he said it was impossible to cancel T.O.P's participation after the role had already been confirmed.

He explained the casting process, saying, "We conducted a long audition but couldn't find an actor suitable for 'Thanos.' (T.O.P) seemed to have deeply considered taking on a role so similar to a friend who had quit everything because of marijuana. Later, through auditions and script readings, I saw some potential."

He added, "As a director, I just said, 'Let's work well together and show whether you can be forgiven or not,'" emphasizing, "I thought the media and public's forgiveness and acceptance would be decided afterward, so I decided to leave the judgment to that and that's how we have come this far."

The "top casting controversy" arose when the cast list for Squid Game Season 2 was released in 2023. Instagram capture

Meanwhile, T.O.P was prosecuted in 2017 on charges of smoking marijuana and was sentenced to 10 months in prison with a 2-year probation in the first trial. He was tried while serving in the military and subsequently underwent a period of self-reflection for several years.

In Squid Game Season 2, T.O.P plays a famous rapper who participates in the 'Squid Game' after failing in cryptocurrency investments. The character is depicted as taking new types of drugs whenever he becomes anxious or nervous, which sparked controversy among some viewers.

When the cast list for Squid Game Season 2 was released in 2023, T.O.P also faced backlash. At that time, Director Hwang defended him, saying, "I don't know if my judgment is right, but it was something that happened long ago, a sentence was given, and the execution ended. I thought enough time had passed, so maybe it was time to start working again."