Actor and singer T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) from Squid Game 2 has become embroiled in a casting controversy.

Following the release of Squid Game 2 on December 26, T.O.P's acting has drawn criticism. Returning to screens as the character "Thanos," a drug-addicted rapper, his performance was anticipated to showcase "method acting" but instead sparked a debate over his acting skills.

In the series, Thanos is a former cryptocurrency investor who, after financial ruin, joins the deadly game to make a comeback. His character secretly smuggles synthetic drugs, stirs chaos among the participants, and pushes weaker players to their demise. While some praised T.O.P's portrayal as reminiscent of a Korean "Joker," others criticized it for breaking immersion and being overly exaggerated.

T.O.P's casting has been controversial since it was announced, due to his past legal issues. In 2017, during his mandatory military service, he was investigated for marijuana use, which significantly tarnished his public image. His lack of public atonement and sudden return to the globally acclaimed Squid Game series has drawn mixed reactions, with many questioning the rationale behind his casting.

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk addressed the controversy surrounding T.O.P's casting in Squid Game 2, emphasizing the actor's determination and suitability for the role.

"T.O.P showed strong commitment," Hwang stated. "When I suggested he audition, he sent in a carefully prepared acting tape. Personally, I've always regarded him as an actor with potential." He further noted that T.O.P took on the role of "Thanos" with great courage, adding, "I believed he was the right fit for the character."

In a recent interview with People magazine, Hwang even praised T.O.P's performance, saying he was "deeply moved" by the actor's portrayal.

However, following the release of Squid Game 2, this confidence appears to have failed to resonate with the audience. Online discussions have highlighted the personal connections among T.O.P, Lee Jung-jae, and Hwang Dong-hyuk, fueling allegations of "nepotism casting." Speculations about T.O.P earning 300 million KRW per episode have further intensified public criticism, although no confirmation has been made. In contrast, Lee Jung-jae's reported episode fee of 1.3 billion KRW has been officially disclosed.

Adding to the controversy, T.O.P faced backlash from fans in August when he blocked posts tagging him in celebration of BIGBANG's 18th anniversary. His actions sparked outrage among BIGBANG fans, further straining his public image.