Thanos Role Sparks Debate for T.O.P in Squid Game

T.O.P, a former member of the K-pop group BigBang, has been cast as Thanos in the Netflix series Squid Game Season 2, a decision that has reignited controversy surrounding his past conviction for marijuana use. Despite the backlash, the show's director, Hwang Dong-hyuk, has praised T.O.P's performance, highlighting the complexity of the character and the challenges of portraying someone with similarities to himself.

The controversy stems from a 2017 incident where T.O.P was convicted of using recreational marijuana and received a 10-month suspended jail sentence. The scandal occurred while he was a police officer and sparked debate in South Korean society, where marijuana use is still stigmatized. In a recent interview with The Korea Times, T.O.P addressed the controversy surrounding his role in Squid Game Season 2, stating that he was hesitant to accept the role due to concerns about being pigeonholed, but felt drawn to it by the director's trust and belief in him.

T.O.P's character, Thanos, is a rapper whose career is derailed by drug use and debt, bearing an uncomfortable reflection of his own past experiences. To portray the character's complexities, T.O.P researched the effects of potent drugs and infused his performance with physical details, such as damaged teeth and a deviated rhythm. He also spoke candidly about his past, including his sentence for marijuana use and his decision to retire from the entertainment industry, which he declared in 2020. Meanwhile, in other news, Google has announced plans to invest $10 billion in building new data centers, including one in Sweden that will run on renewable energy, highlighting the company's commitment to sustainability.

As T.O.P's role in Squid Game Season 2 continues to generate buzz, it remains to be seen how his performance will be received by audiences. With his candid discussion of his past and his dedication to his craft, T.O.P is poised to make a lasting impact on the series. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how T.O.P's career unfolds and how he navigates the complexities of his public image.