Following his brilliant performance in “Squid Game” Season 2, rapper-actor Choi Seung Hyun, formerly known as BIGBANG member T.O.P, finally speaks in an official interview, discussing his performance and the previous controversy. This is the first time in 11 years that the renowned Korean rapper has broken his silence. And as it is a momentous occasion, there are crucial details you must know from the interview regarding the controversy involving former BIGBANG T.O.P, now actor Choi Seung Hyun. Dive deeper into all the crucial facts with us below.
Actor Choi Seung Hyun Addresses “Squid Game” and Past Controversy
After 11 years of staying away from the public, rapper-actor Choi Seung Hyun (former BIGBANG member T.O.P) finally addresses his past controversy and his rising journey with “Squid Game” Season 2.
On January 15, as an actor who played Thanos in “Squid Game” Season 2, Choi Seung Hyun publicly spoke in a series of interviews with Korean media outlets. Since the interview was so extensive, as he touched on several issues including the controversy when he was still BIGBANG T.O.P, let us help note down all the crucial details he said.
All Crucial Facts & Details from Former BIGBANG T.O.P Interview
“Squid Game” Season 2 Casting Controversy: NO Connections, Official Audition
Firstly, Choi Seung Hyun discussed his “Squid Game” Season 2 casting controversy in the interview.
Previously, speculations emerged that he joined the series due to his close relationships with Lee Jung Jae and Lee Byung Hun. Yet, former BIGBANG T.O.P revealed that his role in “Squid Game” Season 2 had nothing to do with the senior actors. Echoing what the director said, he joined “Squid Game” through an audition.
“The production team contacted me about auditioning for the role.
But I struggled with the decision when I first read the script and saw the character description. The character faced issues that mirrored my shameful past, and honestly, I thought, ‘This could permanently tie me to this [drug-related] image.’
But something about the role felt meant for me—like it came into my life for a reason. So I decided to take the chance and recorded an audition tape to send in.
After that, I met with the director and the production team to discuss the character in detail. They even asked me to record another tape after our discussions.
Finally, after going through that whole process, I was cast.
So, when I heard people mentioning respected seniors Lee Jung Jae and Lee Byung Hun in connection to my casting, I felt really sorry because they had nothing to do with it.”
Choi Seung Hyun.
The actor also thanked “Squid Game” Season 2 director Hwang Dong Hyuk for the opportunity.
“There was a time—nearly 10 years—when nobody paid attention to me.
During that time, Director Hwang Dong Hyuk was the first person to extend a hand to me. His trust and the courage he gave me helped me find the strength to take on this role.”
Choi Seung Hyun.
Why Did T.O.P Leave BIGBANG? Here’s the REAL Reason
Secondly, Choi Seung Hyun revealed the exact reason why he decided to leave BIGBANG.
“I made some big mistakes. And it caused a lot of harm to BIGBANG and YG. That’s why I told the agency and the members, ‘I don’t want to keep causing trouble, so I’m going to leave the group.’
If I were to move forward on my own, I need to take full responsibility for everything, including the criticism. Returning to the group would only bring my issues back to the members, and I just couldn’t handle the guilt of putting them through that.
That’s why I decided to leave, and it’s been a long time since then.”
Choi Seung Hyun.
About His Relationship with BIGBANG Members Today
Thirdly, Choi Seung Hyun talked about his relationship with former BIGBANG members in the interview, especially related to the controversy surrounding T.O.P. He also admitted his guilt, so he often gets defensive and hurt when fans ask him to return to the group.
“Honestly, I’m not in touch with them (the other BIGBANG members) right now.
I can’t pinpoint exactly when we lost contact, but my guilt is still overwhelming. I just haven’t dared to reach out yet.
When I see fans hoping for a reunion or read their messages, it really breaks my heart.
To me, it feels like looking at photos of a family you’ve been separated from. Seeing those memories on social media is a pain that’s hard to describe.
I do regret some of the ways I handled things—they were careless—but that was never what I truly intended.”
Choi Seung Hyun.
What He’s Been Doing for the Past Seven Years
Now, if you’re wondering what Choi Seung Hyun has been doing all this time, here’s a definitive answer. After facing the drug controversy as BIGBANG member T.O.P, Choi Seung Hyun revealed in the interview that he had been working on his music.
“For almost seven years, I’ve been cut off from the world.
I spent all my time at home or in my music studio. After all, making music was the only thing that gave me a sense of relief—it was the one space where I could really breathe. Honestly, it felt like I made music just to keep myself going.
During that time, I poured all my pain and emotions into the music I wanted to hear. I’ve created so many songs, and I feel it’s my responsibility to share them with the fans who’ve supported me.”
Choi Seung Hyun.
About His Quarrel with Fans
Also, do you remember? Former BIGBANG member T.O.P once made a commotion on Instagram. At the time, he declared that he would never make a comeback in South Korea.
Today, he finally addressed the quarrel in the interview.
“At that time, there were some individuals who were maliciously leaving hate comments on my social media.
Honestly, this may sound like an excuse, but I wasn’t in my right mind back then.
I was facing darkness and challenges I’d never experienced before, and I wasn’t in a stable place emotionally. I was incredibly thoughtless, and when I think back on it now, it really breaks my heart.
I deeply regret those moments.”
Choi Seung Hyun.
Will T.O.P Eventually Return to BIGBANG?
Now, if you’re hoping for the complete 4-member reunion of BIGBANG, you might want to hold your thoughts. In an interview with OSEN, former BIGBANG member T.O.P revealed that it was hard to return to the group after the marijuana controversy.
“I know fans still hope for a reunion, and while I understand, it’s not something I can feel the same way about. It doesn’t make me upset, but it does break my heart.
I often see photos on social media where people tagged me together with the other members. Those photos bring back a deep sense of guilt, one I know I’ll carry for the rest of my life.
Looking at them feels like seeing pictures of a family I’ve been separated from. It’s hard to explain the pain to anyone who hasn’t experienced it.
I also realize now that I didn’t handle leaving the group and ending things the right way. For that, I sincerely want to apologize from the bottom of my heart.”
Choi Seung Hyun.
Due to this unbearable guilt, he believes he doesn’t deserve to return as a BIGBANG member.
“Let me say this again—I feel I don’t deserve to go back.
It’s been so long since I made that decision, and I’ve never wavered from it since.”
Choi Seung Hyun.
How Choi Seung Hyun Views His “Squid Game” Character, Thanos
Meanwhile, in his new journey as an actor, Choi Seung Hyun revealed an interesting approach in portraying his “Squid Game” character, Thanos.
In the interview, Choi Seung Hyun stated that Thanos from “Squid Game” Season 2 is a character he and director Hwang Dong Hyuk meticulously designed.
“Some people think the character feels a bit out of place, but the director and I put a lot of thought into designing him. From the start, he was written not only to be dark and heavy but also to provide some comic relief. For us, he’s a character that’s unrealistic and cartoonish.
Thanos wasn’t supposed to be a cool or flashy rapper—he was a hip-hop’ loser,’ someone with a failed life. Since his character relied on drugs, we intentionally made him look ridiculous and clumsy.
His rap scene was absurd and over-the-top. Given Thanos’ childish mental age, the rap was meant to feel like something a kid, like that Crayon Shinchan, would do. So I tried to capture the cringey awkwardness of a hip-hop’ loser.’”
Choi Seung Hyun.
Choi Seung Hyun and Former BIGBANG T.O.P – Is He Okay?
Now, as loyal BIGBANG fans, you may want to ask T.O.P: are you okay now? The answer is he is—at least—stronger now.
“It’s not perfect, but I think I’ve improved a lot and become much stronger.
Even saying something like this might seem reckless, but I left BIGBANG because I felt so sorry for the team. Unfortunately, this is something that some people may not realize, so it causes them to misunderstand and experience more pain.
Now, with this interview, I’ve been able to speak honestly and candidly, so I think those misunderstandings have been cleared. I can confidently say this.”
Choi Seung Hyun.
Finally, while Choi Seung Hyun might feel ashamed and guilty for the controversy he caused as BIGBANG member T.O.P, he still expressed his gratitude in the interview for the warm welcome he received.
“T.O.P and Choi Seunghyun are both my names. Now, I want to become a more stable version of T.O.P.
Thank you for welcoming me more warmly than I expected. Now, I hope to wake up in the morning and not see bad articles about myself on Naver. The last 10 years have been so noisy.”
Choi Seung Hyun.
So, what do you think about this interview from “Squid Game” rapper-actor Choi Seung Hyun? Can you forgive his past controversy as former BIGBANG member T.O.P and welcome the new chapter of the “Squid Game” actor?
Share your answers with us below.
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Source: OSEN
