Despite TOP’s infamous criminal record for marijuana use, Korean critics believed the idol was inadequate in his role as Squid game 2the ultimate villain, Thanos.
Showrunner and director of the Netflix giant Hwang Dong Hyuk had previously defended his casting of the idol, assuring fans that the Big Bang member was right for the role.
Korean media, however, criticized the actor for his “unbearable” acting and claimed that the idol was poorly cast and contributed little to the show’s final season.
“After watching the second season of Squid Game, TOP’s screen time seems overly abundant, to the point of being unbearable,” said MBC’s Kim Kyung Hee.
“The fact that Thanos is a drug-using character overlaps with T.O.P.’s real-life controversies amplifies the unpleasantness of seeing him play such a character.”
“His acting isn’t particularly impressive either. Instead, he comes across as awkward and creepy. Was it really necessary to cast someone with a criminal record for a role like that? Even the character’s rap-filled lines are hard to understand. And, frankly, just watching him walking into a scene seems unappealing.”
The critic went on to add that the director should have gone with a “talented newcomer” and that it was a missed opportunity to nurture the growth of an emerging superstar.
“They could have gained global recognition through this role, and viewers probably would have felt less disappointed. Furthermore, director Hwang Dong Hyuk would have been praised for his eye for discovering new talent,” Kim said.
“It’s unclear what TOP gains from appearing in this project. His previous conviction for marijuana use has been brought back into the spotlight, his acting is receiving criticism, and his character isn’t one to garner sympathy.”
JoyNews agreed with Kim’s sentiments, questioning Hwang’s judgment in choosing the actor for the critical role.
“Director Hwang said, ‘I believe viewers will understand that this decision was not an easy one and that TOP himself must have found it difficult to take on this role.’ However, after watching Squid Game Season 2, viewers are left wondering instead: why did Hwang feel the need to choose TOP, and what exactly was the courage the idol would show?” the outlet asked.
“Although the production team said they carefully vetted the casting, the result is a character that feels hollow due to a lack of acting skills, which ultimately breaks the immersion of the show.
“Why are viewers expected to understand or empathize with the difficulty TOP faced in accepting this project? The creators sincerely believed that by saying, ‘We looked at it’ and ‘We thought it was suitable,’ viewers would simply nod agreement and move forward?
“Or did they assume that because the Squid Game series caters to a global audience, Korean viewers’ disappointment could be ignored? These are new questions that viewers now feel compelled to ask director Hwang Dong Hyuk.”
