Choi Seung-hyun, also known as T.O.P, surprised fans with his noticeably thinner face at the Squid Game Season 3 premiere event in Seoul. The former BIGBANG member confidently discussed his role in Season 2 and addressed past controversies.
Netflix hosted a grand event in Seoul to celebrate the release of Squid Game Season 3, which premiered on June 27, 2025. Among the star-studded cast, T.O.P stood out as he made his first public appearance in South Korea in nearly three years. Fans and media were shocked by his slimmer appearance, sparking discussions online.
T.O.P played Thanos, a rapper character in Squid Game Season 2, who was involved in organ trafficking and met a brutal end. At the event, he joked about his character’s fate, saying:
“I already did enough bad things in Season 2 and paid the price. I have no regrets about not being in Season 3.”
He expressed deep gratitude to director Hwang Dong-hyuk and the production team for giving him the opportunity to join the global phenomenon. When asked which game he would choose if he were in Season 3, he humorously replied:
“Hide and seek, as I’m confident in my agility.”
T.O.P’s Controversial Past and Comeback
T.O.P’s return to the public eye has been met with mixed reactions due to his past legal issues. In 2017, he was convicted for marijuana use and received a 10-month suspended prison sentence, leading to his departure from the entertainment industry. After completing his alternative military service in 2019, he largely stayed out of the spotlight, even announcing his retirement at one point.
His casting in Squid Game Season 2 sparked debates, with some questioning whether he was given the role due to industry connections. However, his performance was very well-received, marking his official return to acting.
During a past livestream, T.O.P had admitted:
“I had no plans to return to the Korean entertainment scene. My time away was for reflection and personal growth.”
Despite this, he gradually resumed activities, including music and acting. His appearance at the Squid Game 3 event confirms his continued presence in the industry.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Fans took to social media to share their thoughts on T.O.P’s new look and his comments about the show. Some expressed excitement over his return, while others remained critical of his past actions.
“T.O.P looks so different but still has that charisma. Missed seeing him!” – @VIPforever
“Not sure how I feel about him being back after everything… but Squid Game did give him a solid role.” – @KdramaThoughts
“His character was terrifying in Season 2, so he did a great job. Hope he keeps acting!” – @SquidGameFan
Squid Game Season 3 Reception
The final season of Squid Game has been met with strong reviews, with critics praising its emotional depth and shocking twists. The season continues the story of Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) as he fights to survive deadly games while protecting an unexpected new player—a baby born during the competition.
T.O.P’s absence in Season 3 did not diminish fan interest, as the show remains one of Netflix’s most-watched series. His participation in Season 2, however, added an extra layer of intrigue given his real-life controversies.
While he did not confirm any new projects, T.O.P hinted that he is open to future acting opportunities. His return to the public eye suggests he may continue his career in both music and film.
Also Read: Squid Game Season 3 Breaks Records by Topping Netflix Charts In 93 Countries on Release Day
For now, fans can revisit his role in Squid Game Season 2, now streaming on Netflix, alongside the newly released final season.
Source: Daum
