In Squid Game season 2, a subtle yet amusing detail is lost for viewers relying on the English dub. The character Thanos, played by T.O.P, frequently slips into English during conversations in the original Korean audio.
This quirky habit adds a fun layer to his personality but is absent in the English-dubbed version, where he already speaks English throughout.
Thanos’ Unique Communication Style
Thanos, one of the most divisive new characters in the series, often switches between Korean and English in the original audio. While this doesn’t affect the story’s progression, it highlights his musical background.
Like many Korean rappers, Thanos incorporates English into his speech, likely a nod to his experience penning bilingual lyrics. This habit feels natural in the Korean version but vanishes in the English dub, where the charm of his linguistic shifts is replaced by a uniform language.
Interestingly, the French dub retains this quirk, preserving Thanos’ occasional English outbursts. This detail underscores how dubbing can sometimes alter character nuances, depending on the language selected.
Why Thanos Speaks English
Thanos’ bilingual tendencies might stem from his background as a Korean music star. English is often used in Korean rap and pop to increase global appeal, and it has become a stylistic choice in the industry.
His English outbursts likely reflect this influence, even if it’s unclear whether other contestants understand him.
There’s also a meta explanation. After the global success of Squid Game season 1, the creators may have intentionally included English lines in the original Korean audio to cater to the show’s international audience.
Although this detail doesn’t impact the plot, it’s a small, enjoyable element that enriches Thanos’ character in the original Korean version.
Fans relying on dubs might miss out, but the character’s bilingual charm remains a delightful aspect of Squid Game season 2.
Leave a comment