the interpreter of Thanos breaks the silence on the casting controversy

Choi Seung-hyun finally breaks his silence over the controversy surrounding his role in the second season of the series Squid Game.

A controversial return to Squid Game

Choi Seung-hyun, better known by his stage name TOP, member of the group BIGBANG, caused a sensation by joining the cast of the second season of Squid Game on Netflix. He plays the character of Thanos, inspired by the famous Marvel villain. The move sparked controversy among fans, as the actor has not worked since his arrest for using marijuana in 2017, an illegal act in South Korea.

The challenge of playing Thanos

When interviewed by The Korea Times, Choi described the offer to play Thanos as an “intimidating proposition.” The character reflected on his past, revealing aspects of his life that he would prefer to keep hidden. Despite his fears of being confined to only one type of role, Choi accepted the offer, considering it a form of destiny.

Preparing for the role of Thanos

Choi also worked hard to understand and accurately portray his character. He studied the effects of the powerful substances used by Thanos in the series, in order to vary his interpretation depending on whether the character is under their influence or not. He even incorporated this research into his rap style, drawing inspiration from “mumble rap”, a style of southern hip-hop often associated with rappers who use powerful stimulants.

Retirement and future of Choi Seung-hyun

Choi had announced his retirement from the Korean entertainment industry in 2020, leading some to question whether his participation in Squid Game marked the beginning of a great comeback. However, Choi said he mainly devotes himself to music, seeking healing from his past. He expressed his desire to live a more stable and less dramatic life, escaping negative news and finding more peace.

The first two seasons of Squid Game are now available to stream on Netflix, and the third and final season is planned for later this year.