Critiques of T.O.P’s Performance in ‘Squid Game 2’: ‘His Entrance Alone Is Disappointing’

Critique of T.O.P’s Role in Squid Game 2: A Risky Casting Decision?

Despite his controversial past involving marijuana use, T.O.P of Big Bang fame has faced a wave of criticism regarding his casting as the character Thanos in the highly-anticipated second season of Squid Game. Many Korean critics argue that T.O.P lacks the acting prowess for such a significant role.

Defending the Casting Choice

Hwang Dong Hyuk, the showrunner and director of Squid Game, has come to T.O.P’s defense, expressing confidence in the idol’s fit for the character. However, this assertion has not alleviated the discontent among fans and critics alike.

Harsh Criticism of Performance

Media outlets have been particularly vocal in their disapproval, describing T.O.P’s portrayal as “unbearable.”MBC critic Kim Kyung Hee highlighted that the actor’s screen time detracts from the overall viewing experience, stating, “After watching the second season of Squid Game, T.O.P’s presence feels excessively abundant, to the point of being unbearable.”

Kim further elaborated, noting that the character Thanos—who grapples with drug use—draws uncomfortable parallels to T.O.P’s real-life controversies. This overlap amplifies the viewer’s disconnection with the character. “His acting isn’t particularly impressive,”Kim remarked, “and it feels awkward and unsettling. Was it truly essential to cast someone with a criminal record? The rap-heavy dialogue is also difficult to comprehend, and just watching him enter a scene lacks appeal.”

A Lost Opportunity for Fresh Talent

The critique extends to a call for nurturing new talent in the industry. According to Kim, casting a “talented rookie”could have enhanced the show’s appeal and provided an opportunity for a rising star to gain international recognition. “Director Hwang could have earned acclaim for his ability to discover fresh talent,” the critic asserted.

A Questionable Benefit to T.O.P

There’s a lingering question regarding what T.O.P stands to gain from this appearance. His prior conviction has resurfaced, his acting has come under fire, and the character lacks sympathetic qualities, raising doubts about the intentions behind his casting.

Industry Perspectives on the Casting Decision

JoyNews echoed Kim’s frustrations and openly questioned Hwang’s judgment. Hwang had stated, “I believe viewers will understand that this decision was not an easy one and that T.O.P himself must have found it challenging to take on this role.”However, critics report that viewers are questioning the rationale behind delivering such a casting choice.

The outlet emphasized, “Although the production team asserted that they thoroughly vetted the casting, the resulting character comes across as hollow due to insufficient acting skills, thereby disrupting the narrative immersion.”

Viewers are left pondering if the creators genuinely believed that their assurances would negate the dissatisfaction from Korean audiences. The broader question remains—did they underestimate the global impact of viewer feedback?

As anticipation for the series continues to grow, it will be interesting to observe how future episodes unfold in relation to T.O.P’s performance and the reactions they generate.

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