BIGBANG’s T.O.P, also known as Choi Seung-hyun, spoke about his past drug scandal during a Squid Game 3 pre-release event in Los Angeles. The event took place on May 29, 2025, with a press conference the next day. Fans praised his honesty and courage in addressing his past mistakes.
T.O.P plays a character named Thanos in Squid Game season 2. Thanos is a failed rapper who joins the deadly game after his career collapses due to drug use and financial losses. The role made T.O.P reflect on his own struggles.
“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 but Director Hwang gave me so much trust so that I could have the confidence to play this role.”
In 2017, T.O.P received a 10-month suspended jail sentence for marijuana use during his military service. After the scandal, he left BIGBANG in 2023 and stayed out of the public eye. His appearance at the Squid Game event marked a major step in his comeback.
This has been a sensitive subject for a long time but that fact that he’s addressing it in a space such as this, in front of fans, really shows he’s ready and wanting to move on and I’m so so proud of him pic.twitter.com/83Xsa35pQV
Fans shared emotional messages online, showing strong support for his return.
“I’m so happy that he’s getting comfortable being around people and fans again and may life always bring him peace and happiness. Looking forward to this new chapter of his life.”
MASSIVE respect to SeungHyun‼️ The way he personally said that being Thanos in SG made him reflect on his past experiences 😭😭 I really wish knets to change their view to father TOP again❤️🩹 https://t.co/k1ReR3I5ES
“MASSIVE respect to SeungHyun! The way he personally said that being Thanos in SG made him reflect on his past experiences. I really wish knets to change their view to father TOP again.”
i’m so happy that he’s getting comfortable being around people and fans again and may life always bring him peace and happiness. looking forward to this new chapter of his life and can’t wait to see more of it, he deserves all the love in the world❤️🩹 https://t.co/l73X3zAZu0
T.O.P also mentioned that working on Squid Game helped him heal. He studied how drugs affect behavior to prepare for his role. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk supported him throughout the process.
Earlier this year, T.O.P gave his first interview in over a decade, discussing his past and his role in Squid Game. He admitted feeling guilty about his actions but said the show helped him move forward.
“The offer to play Thanos was a daunting proposition. The character mirrored my past, reflecting aspects I’d rather keep hidden. But destiny seemed to be pulling me in this direction.”
Fans continue to cheer for his return to music and acting. T.O.P has hinted at releasing new music in 2025, calling it his “responsibility as a musician.”
Squid Game season 3 will premiere on June 27, 2025. The final season promises more intense games and shocking twists. T.O.P’s role as Thanos has been praised by international audiences, despite initial backlash in South Korea.
“You deserved all the warmest hugs all the world for being so brave thru out, Choi Seunghyun. You did well our strongest moon man!”
“Now I’m crying; you are an amazing human being Choi SeungHyun; you deserve the best of the life. Everyday I’m grateful for you and your life.”
T.O.P’s journey from scandal to redemption has inspired many. His return to the spotlight is seen as a fresh start for the artist.
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