Netflix released Squid Game Season 2 at 5 p.m. on December 26 (KST). Despite being one of the most highly anticipated OTT productions, the sequel left viewers feeling uneasy. Netflix had previewed all seven episodes to the press on December 23, exuding confidence, but once the series aired, T.O.P’s awkward portrayal of Thanos overshadowed even the stellar performances of leads Lee Jung-jae (as Gi-hun) and Lee Byung-hun (as the Front Man).
Thanos, T.O.P’s character, is a former rapper and runner-up in a hip-hop survival show. He’s depicted as a drug addict and a retired celebrity who lost a fortune through cryptocurrency investments. While T.O.P’s real-life controversies mirror this character—including his 2017 conviction for marijuana use, which led to a suspended 10-month prison sentence and his departure from Big Bang—his performance failed to leverage this personal experience to enhance the role’s depth.
T.O.P’s acting was riddled with issues, from awkward facial expressions to muffled delivery. In scenes requiring intense emotions—such as anger, confusion, sadness, or temptation—his exaggerated expressions disrupted the narrative flow. Attempts to appear “tough,” such as raising his eyebrows, wrinkling his forehead, and adopting a slouched walk, further detracted from the overall immersion.
The stark contrast between T.O.P’s performance and the strong acting from his co-stars, such as No Jae-won and Im Si-wan, who are highly regarded among actors of their generation, was glaring. T.O.P’s inability to blend into the scenes left viewers frustrated.
Another contentious point is T.O.P’s significant screen time. Despite early speculation that his controversial casting might result in heavily edited scenes, T.O.P appeared frequently, rivaling Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun in terms of screen presence. Compared to other cast members like Park Sung-hoon, Im Si-wan, Lee Jin-wook, Park Gyu-young, and Jo Yu-ri, T.O.P had far more scenes.
Towards the end of the series, Thanos’s death suggests that T.O.P will not return for Season 3. However, his extensive presence across all seven episodes of Season 2 remains a challenging ordeal for viewers.
Adding to the frustration is the lack of promotional activity involving T.O.P. He was excluded from interviews and press events for Squid Game 2, leaving audiences unable to hear his thoughts on his character preparation or self-assessment of his acting.
Ultimately, the responsibility for addressing T.O.P’s casting and performance lies with director Hwang Dong-hyuk. The director is scheduled for a press interview on January 2, where he is expected to face tough questions about T.O.P’s controversial role and its impact on the series. With his significant screen time and divisive performance, all eyes are on Hwang to provide clarity and justification.
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