Netflix released Squid game Season 2 at 5pm on December 26 (KST). Despite being one of the most awaited OTT productions, the sequel left viewers feeling uncomfortable. Netflix premiered all seven episodes to the press on December 23, exuding confidence, but once the series aired, TOP’s awkward portrayal of Thanos overshadowed even the stellar performances of leads Lee Jung-jae ( as Gi-hun) and Lee Byung-hun (as Frontman).
Thanos, the character from T.O.P., is a former rapper and runner-up in a hip-hop survival show. He is described as a drug addict and retired celebrity who lost a fortune through cryptocurrency investments. While T.O.P.’s real-life controversies mirror this character, including his conviction for marijuana use in 2017, which led to a 10-month suspended prison sentence and his removal from Big Bang, his performance failed to capitalize on this personal experience to increase the depth of the role.
TOP’s acting was riddled with problems, from awkward facial expressions to muffled pronunciation. In scenes that required intense emotions, such as anger, confusion, sadness, or temptation, his exaggerated expressions interrupted the narrative flow. Attempts to appear “tough”, such as raising eyebrows, frowning and adopting a slouched walk, further detracted from the overall immersion.
The stark contrast between TOP’s performance and the strong acting of his co-stars, such as No Jae-won and Im Si-wan, who are highly regarded among actors of their generation, was evident. TOP’s inability to blend into scenes left viewers frustrated.
Another point of contention is TOP’s significant screen time. Despite early speculation that his controversial casting might lead to 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 such as Park Sung-hoon, Im Si-wan, Lee Jin-wook, Park Gyu-young, and Jo Yu-ri, TOP had many more scenes.
Towards the end of the series, Thanos’ death suggests that TOP will not return for season three. However, his extensive presence in all seven episodes of the second season remains a tough test for viewers.
Adding to the frustration is the lack of promotional activity involving TOP. He was excluded from interviews and press events Squid game 2leaving the audience unable to hear his thoughts on character preparation or self-evaluation of his acting.
Ultimately, the responsibility for the casting and performance of TOP lies with director Hwang Dong-hyuk. The director will have a press interview on January 2, during which he will face difficult questions about the controversial role of T.O.P. and its impact on the series. With his significant screen time and controversial performance, all eyes are on Hwang to provide clarity and justification.
