T.O.P on ‘Squid Game,’ His Past Struggles, and His Music Comeback

After years away from the spotlight, T.O.P has returned to the entertainment world with a major role in Squid Game Season 2.

The former BIGBANG rapper plays Thanos, a fallen rapper caught in the deadly games after losing his fortune in a cryptocurrency scam. The role marks his first acting project in seven years, following a period of personal and professional struggles.

T.O.P, whose real name is Choi Seung-hyun, was forced out of the Korean entertainment scene in 2017 after being convicted for marijuana use. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, and faced intense media scrutiny.

In 2020, he announced that he had no plans to return to the industry. However, everything changed when Squid Game director Hwang Dong-hyuk reached out to him.

“I had to go through an intense darkness,” T.O.P shared in a recent interview. “There were times when I felt such deep shame that I wanted to quit everything.”

During those years, he stayed away from the public eye, focusing on making music in private. When he received the offer to play Thanos, he hesitated but eventually saw it as a chance to move forward.

“I worried that this role might define me in a way I didn’t want,” he admitted. “But I also felt like it was destiny that I met this character.” He also credited director Hwang’s trust in him as a key reason he decided to accept the role.

Though T.O.P was once a seasoned actor, returning to the set after so long was challenging. “At first, everything felt surreal,” he recalled. “Standing among the 456 players in Squid Game, I realized—this is really happening.”

While his acting future remains uncertain, T.O.P confirmed that music is his priority. “I will be sharing my music for the first time in almost a decade,” he revealed. “During my time away, music was the only thing that kept me going.”

As a member of BIGBANG, T.O.P helped bring K-pop to the global stage with hits like “Bang Bang Bang” and “Fantastic Baby.” His 2010 solo track “Turn It Up” and 2013’s “Doom Dada” also gained major success. Now, after years of self-reflection, he is ready to share a new musical chapter with his fans.

“My music has changed a lot,” he said. “I have matured, and I believe my fans will feel that growth.”

With his Squid Game comeback and a new musical era ahead, T.O.P is stepping back into the spotlight—not as the person he once was, but as someone who has learned, grown, and is ready to move forward.