Recently, a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) attracted a lot of attention. He references an article discussing the internal criticism “Squid Game 2” director Hwang Dong-hyuk faced for choosing TOP. In the article, Hwang stated: “I didn’t expect people to be so ruthless towards TOP’s past.“
The post amassed a whopping 30.9 million views and sparked a wide range of comments, mostly from international users, who expressed views that were starkly different from those in Korea.
One netizen wrote: “This guy (TOP) was the highlight of this season, but I can’t believe they (Koreans) treat him like a demon just because of marijuana.”
Another added: “I find it disconcerting that Korean fans haven’t forgiven him for smoking marijuana nine years ago.“They continue:”Instead of this nonsense, can’t we focus on the incredible reception it has received from international audiences? The world does not agree with the Koreans’ perspective.“
Others chimed in with similar sentiments,”If you didn’t know who he was, you’d think he was a murderer or something, but all he did was smoke marijuana.”
Some defended TOP by quoting “Squid Game 2” cast member Song Young-chang, questioning the fairness of the criticism.
An international user commented: “Korea is a nation I deeply respect, but it is seriously problematic that they demand greater accountability for those who smoke marijuana rather than repeat pedophiles or rapists.”
Another noted: “It’s shocking that Koreans haven’t forgiven him for smoking marijuana, yet they barely talk about someone who paid a 16-year-old girl for sex.”
Several users criticized the disproportionate outrage, “Koreans treated him (TOP) like a pedophile or worse than him (Song Young-chang) when all he did was smoke marijuana. It’s ridiculous that 90% of Koreans attacked him for this.“
Mentions of child prostitution by some international users were aimed at Song Young-chang, highlighting the perceived double standards in the domestic reaction.
