Former BIGBANG member T.O.P (Choi Seung Hyun) is ready to speak out for the first time about the scandals and criticism that have surrounded him since joining Squid Game Season 2.

According to Netflix’s Squid Game team, T.O.P will meet the press at a café in Seoul on January 15. This will mark his first public statement since skipping the drama’s press conference and promotional events.

In Squid Game Season 2, T.O.P takes on the role of "Thanos," a former rap star who falls from grace due to drug addiction and bad cryptocurrency investments, forcing him to join the deadly game. However, his casting caused a huge backlash in South Korea because of his real-life drug conviction in 2017, which earned him a suspended prison sentence.

Viewers were further divided when the show aired, criticizing not only his controversial past but also his acting. Some found it uncomfortable to see him playing a character tied so closely to his real-life issues, sparking heated discussions online.

Director Hwang Dong Hyuk, who faced criticism for casting T.O.P, addressed the controversy head-on. “I didn’t expect the casting to create such a strong reaction,” he admitted. “I believed the incident was in the past, and he had already faced consequences. Other public figures have returned after serving their penalties, so I thought it was possible for him to start anew. But public opinion was much more negative than I anticipated.”

Hwang defended his decision, saying, “We thoroughly reviewed everything, and T.O.P showed strong determination during auditions and table readings. Despite initial concerns, he demonstrated great effort and talent. I believed he was the most suitable choice for this challenging role.”

The director also highlighted differences in how the character of Thanos has been received internationally versus in South Korea. “International viewers seem to appreciate the complexity of the character, but in Korea, the reactions have been much harsher. It’s unfortunate because I think his performance deserves recognition,” Hwang added.

Lead actors Lee Jung Jae and Lee Byung Hun also denied rumors that T.O.P was cast due to personal connections, standing by the decision as one based on talent and suitability for the role.

Now, all eyes are on T.O.P as he prepares to address the public for the first time. Fans and critics alike are eager to hear his side of the story and how he plans to move forward amid the ongoing controversies.

Meanwhile, Squid Game Season 2 continues to captivate audiences with its intense storyline, featuring Gi Hun’s return for revenge against the Front Man and the deadly competition. Season 3 is already in the works and is expected to premiere later this year.

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Lee Jun Young recently opened up about the emotional toll of playing a villain—and how one powerful scene made him break down in tears behind the scenes.

On the May 1st episode of KBS 2TV’s variety show Problem Child in House, Lee Jun Young appeared alongside co-star Jung Eun Ji to promote their new KBS drama Pump Up the Healthy Love.

During the show, Lee Jun Young was asked about the most unforgettable villain he’s played. He chose his role as Han Su Gang in the film Brave Citizen.

He explained, “It was really tough to film. I had to act like I was leading school violence, and there was even a scene where I bullied a grandmother.”

The hosts were surprised, pointing out how kind and gentle he seems in real life. Lee Jun Young shared how he transforms for such roles.

“I try to act as bad as I can, but sometimes the director says, ‘You still look too nice.’ Then I focus even harder and adjust right away.”

He also revealed that filming one particular scene hit him hard emotionally. “My real grandmother was sick at the time,” he said.

“In one scene, there’s a grandma selling gimbap, and I ad-libbed by stubbing a cigarette out on the gimbap. I was really into character, but after filming, I just broke down. So many thoughts came to me and I started crying.”

Fans praised his dedication to acting but also felt moved by how deeply the role affected him. Lee Jun Young’s honesty gave a raw look at how even fictional roles can hit close to home.

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