The recently released trailer for Squid Game Season 2 has stirred intense reactions among fans, many of whom noticed an unexpected and unsettling detail involving returning character Hwang In Ho, portrayed by Lee Byung Hun. Known as the ominous Front Man who supervised the deadly games in Season 1, Lee Byung Hun’s character is spotted in the new trailer standing amidst the players—a detail that sparked surprise and intrigue on social media.

Unexpected Role and Flashback Theories for Lee Byung Hun’s Character

In a scene that immediately caught viewers’ attention, Lee Byung Hun appears alongside the other players, a position that contrasts his earlier role as a game overseer. Fans on popular forums described his presence in this role as both “shocking” and “unsettling,” questioning if his character might have originally participated in the game himself. Some speculate that the scene may be a flashback, hinting at a backstory where the Front Man, previously a participant, won the game before becoming the masked figure responsible for its brutal operations. This theory aligns with details from Season 1, where Lee’s character was listed as a past winner, lending credibility to fans’ interpretations.

This unexpected development comes as a surprise for viewers familiar with Lee Byung Hun’s character. It also raises questions about how deeply the show intends to delve into the enigmatic history of the Front Man, potentially hinting at a larger role for him in the new season.

Controversial Casting Choices: T.O.P and Actor for Player 100

The casting of T.O.P, the BIGBANG member with a history of legal issues, including a drug scandal, also caught fans off guard. While T.O.P has returned to the public eye after his controversies, his inclusion in ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 has been polarizing. Some viewers voiced discomfort with his presence, questioning the producers’ choice to involve an actor with a history of legal troubles.

The addition of another actor, reportedly portraying Player 100, has also faced scrutiny. This particular actor’s past includes legal issues involving a minor, which many find especially disturbing in light of the show’s intense and morally charged themes. Viewers expressed dismay that actors with controversial backgrounds were chosen for such high-profile roles, with some questioning whether basic ethical standards are being disregarded in casting decisions.

Viewer Reactions and Online Criticisms

The trailer’s release has generated a wave of varied opinions. Some viewers conveyed unease, while others criticized the trend of casting controversial figures. Here are some notable comments from fans:

“I was creeped out when I heard that T.O.P would be in it.”

“Wow, they’re really using a ton of controversial actors lol.”

“Shouldn’t there be basic decency to avoid casting people with criminal records, especially those who committed crimes against minors? Even if it happened in the past, a crime is still a crime.”

“It’s a flashback scene from when he participated in a past game.”

“What creeps me out even more is that people think casting controversial figures is okay just because they fit the roles. Korea isn’t Hollywood; if people are comparing T.O.P to Robert Downey Jr., he would need an RDJ-level career to justify it.”

“Didn’t that person have a past involving a minor (Player 100), right in front of Lee Byung Hun?”

“That’s why I’m not watching it lol. It’s like a controversy convention.”

“Even the cast of ‘Culinary Class Wars’ got backlash, so does this actor in ‘Squid Game’ Season 2, who was involved with a minor, think he’s ready for global backlash?”

These comments reflect a mix of disapproval, disappointment, and frustration from fans who feel that the cast’s backgrounds have overshadowed the excitement surrounding Season 2’s release. While some viewers suggest that casting decisions should focus more on acting ability, others argue that selecting actors with clean records should take precedence.

But some netizens are saying that T.O.P is a great actor and majority of people who watched Squid Games will not care about T.O.P’s legal issues.

Here are the comments from netizens in favor of T.O.P:

“It must be so hard for all these people to live. They find controversy even when the others are just breathing.”

“That’s you people LOL. Even Americans aren’t as nosey as you people. Why do you care what people on the other side of the world are doing…? Singapore, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, there are soooooo many other countries where your career would end if you got caught doing drugs. Go touch some grass.”

“Famous people get praised even when they mess up” – whoever wrote this comment is straight up frustrated in his life, so taking it out on a celeb. Gosh, some of these comments about TOP really made my blood boil!

“I highly doubt anyone was ‘startled’ if they are even paying attention; he was the front man in season 1—you can hear only his voice. Also, wasn’t his past controversy back in 2014? Anyone who doesn’t pay attention to film actors would think this happened a year ago or something… This writer is trying to compile an article about an artist still having a career after going through controversy, and let’s be real, this is solely about T.O.P. 🙄. Squid Game season 2 is almost here, and after the launch of the trailer, every malicious person is going in on him. T.O.P illegally smoking marijuana was wrong because S. Korea goes ham on people that do drugs. I get it! But I really can’t silently read and agree with these crazy people that are so quick to talk about others when their life is probably a mess yet they still have a job…using words like ‘creeped out’ is a major eye roll too. Like, you’re disturbed by a man that smoked weed illegally on your TV/laptop screen… Let me stop this long post; these comments had me annoyed! 😂 Over there acting like we care that you won’t watch. Congrats! We know you’ll still ‘hate-watch’ it.”

“I will say that the majority of people who watched Squid Games will not care about T.O.P‘s marijuana history. They would probably invite him over to hang out and chill. As for the other actor with the minor, well Hollywood is not without their problems, but yet Koreans support them, cough Marvel cough.”

“Most people who watch Squid Game won’t even know who he is, never mind his history. Even if they look it up, they’ll see it and laugh at how pathetic the Korean justice system is. Most people outside Korea don’t think what he did is anything to get all worked up about.”

“Squid Games is a globally acclaimed show, so the netizens can give it all a rest. The world isn’t as conservative as SK is🤣. As long as they haven’t committed a serious crime, I could care less about an actor’s past.”

“So happy that T.O.P is back!!!”

“Even though they were upset with TOP, I’m very happy that he’s back.”

“For crying out loud, dragging TOP again? He was punished. Job done. Now grow up and move on. If you don’t like that he’s in it, here’s a suggestion – don’t watch it 🙄.”

“Some of you people need to chill. T.O.P is a great actor. Someone saying it creeps them out is a little bit crazy! His past is ‘Past.’ Get over it. If you don’t like who’s in it, don’t watch it. Simple!”

What Lies Ahead for ‘Squid Game’ Season 2?

As anticipation for ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 continues to build, the casting choices have introduced a layer of controversy that may shape public perception of the new season. Fans remain divided over whether to support the show, with many voicing reservations about watching it. How the producers address these concerns—or if they do at all—remains to be seen, adding an additional layer of suspense to the much-discussed series’ return.

For more updates on ‘Squid Game’ Season 2, stay tuned to Vviptimes.