Former BIGBANG member T.O.P made headlines after showing up looking dramatically thinner at Netflix’s big global fan event, Tudum 2025, held in Los Angeles.
This appearance marked T.O.P’s first official promotion for the Squid Game series. Alongside him were top stars like Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun, Park Sung Hoon, Kang Ae Shim, and director Hwang Dong Hyuk.
On stage, T.O.P greeted fans saying, “You might be surprised to see me here,” before adding, “There’s no way I’d miss such an amazing event. I’m here to share a little about the upcoming Squid Game.”
He also posted several photos from the event on social media, drawing attention not just for his stylish fashion, but more so for his noticeably slimmer face. Many fans were shocked by how much his appearance had changed since he played the controversial villain Thanos in Squid Game Season 2.
Online, reactions poured in:
- “Maybe he went through something emotional.”
- “He looks so different now.”
- “Big Bang aged, and we did too.”
- “Is this a hint at a comeback?”
- “Did the hate comments get to him?”
Despite his Squid Game 2 character dying, his appearance at the Tudum event raised eyebrows. A production insider explained, “Since this event was for fans, Choi Seung Hyun (T.O.P’s real name), who played the popular character Thanos in Season 2, also took part.”
T.O.P has been surrounded by both praise and controversy. In 2016, he was sentenced to 10 months in prison with 2 years of probation for using marijuana. His casting in Squid Game 2 sparked debate, especially in South Korea, with some viewers criticizing both his past and acting. Still, the show was a hit internationally.
Now, fans are wondering if his appearance signals a possible return to the spotlight—or if this was just a one-time surprise.
Meanwhile, Squid Game Season 3 will officially be released on the 27th. The story will follow Seong Gi Hun (played by Lee Jung Jae) as he deals with the loss of a friend, while the mysterious Front Man (played by Lee Byung Hun) returns to the deadly game. The season will consist of six episodes.
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