Ex-BIGBANG's T.O.P admits past mistakes for first time through ‘failed drug addict' character: ‘I can finally move on with my life'
Ex-BIGBANG member T.O.P, who recently made his comeback to the spotlight with Netflix series Squid Game, may have shattered fans' hopes of a band reunion with his recent interview. The K-pop group went on an indefinite hiatus, having faced several controversies. T.O.P, aka Choi Seung Hyun, was at the peak of his stardom in his 20s and then came a big downfall that ruined his career. Back in 2016, the K-pop idol got embroiled in a drug scandal, and later, in 2017, he pleaded guilty. This led to a 10-month suspended jail sentence. He then eventually left BIGBANG and YG Entertainment. T.O.P hadn't spoken publicly or done interviews for over 11 years. But recently, during promotions for Squid Game 3 in Los Angeles, he decided to break his silence and admitted to his past mistakes for the first time.
Also read: Squid Game S3 gets brutal with new poster: A baby born into hell tests how low humanity can sink
Bouncing back in the spotlight with Squid Game Season 2 as a character named Thanos, T.O.P signed up for a role that mirrored his own challenges. Thanos is a failed rapper and drug user. His role instantly became a popular choice among Squid Game fans. 'I think Thanos is a character that I had to have a lot of talks with Director Hwang to create,' the rapper said when asked to describe his character at Netflix FYSEE LA. 'We had a lot of talks down to the most minute details of this character. He's not an amazing rapper, he's more like a failed soul, a failed young person who's reliant on drugs. I looked up what happens when someone's addicted to those kinds of strong drugs.'
The rapper had earlier called his return to the group 'shameful,' claiming he had hurt the reputation of the members. However, for the first time, he admitted to spiralling into tough times driven by anxiety and mood swings, and he took a chance to include those elements in the character of Thanos. 'I have made my mistakes in the past, and I have to come face to face with those mistakes when I was playing this character. So, I needed to muster up a lot of courage to take on this role,' he said. After his probation ended, T.O.P managed to work with BIGBANG again, but he received backlash and cancellation calls in return. Since 2023, he disappeared from the public eye, only to make a controversial return that proved to be a hit, and now he wants to open a new chapter in his life. 'Director Hwang gave me so much trust that I could have the confidence to play this role. While creating this character, Thanos, I could self-reflect about my past, and I think I can finally move on to a new chapter of my life. I learned a lot from this character,' he added.
Also read: Squid Game season 2 review: Netflix's biggest series returns, filled with twists but not as fast-paced as season one
Squid Game 2 received major boycott calls in South Korea when the initial casting lineup was announced with T.O.P's name among K-drama stars like Im Si Wan, Park Gyu Young, Kang Ha Neul, Lee Jin Uk, Park Sung Hoon, Yang Dong Geun, Kang Ae Shim, Lee Da Wit, etc. Some debated that he should not be allowed back into the spotlight ever. In 2017, the K-pop idol was convicted of marijuana use, with records suggesting it happened on three occasions. He was also discharged from the military and largely stayed off social media as well. Squid Game director Hwang Dong Hyuk had to later step in to justify his casting, saying, 'The incident happened a long time ago, and the sentence was completed,' adding that he has seen many artists return to the spotlight after such incidents and that it might be an appropriate time for him to return to work.
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