The Extremes of ‘Squid Game 2’… Shocked by Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P)’s Acting, Relieved Thanks to Lee Byung-hun

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[OSEN = So-young Park] Finally, Netflix’s most anticipated ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 has been unveiled. Given the high anticipation, opinions among viewers and media both domestically and internationally are mixed. However, what is clear is that the hearts startled by Choi Seung-hyun’s cringeworthy rap acting are somewhat calmed by Lee Byung-hun’s superb performance.

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Released worldwide at 5 PM (KST) on the 26th, ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 tells the story of Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) who returns determined for revenge and enters the game again, facing off against the Front Man (played by Lee Byung-hun) in an intense showdown as the real game starts anew. It has returned after three years following Season 1, gathering immense anticipation from fans around the world.

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However, the lineup itself was shaky from the start with the casting of BIGBANG’s Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P). In 2016, Choi Seung-hyun was convicted for marijuana use and received a suspended sentence of ten months imprisonment with a probation period of two years. Not only did he cause social controversy, but his acting skills are also not proven enough to appear in such a major work, raising questions about his casting in ‘Squid Game’ Season 2.

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As expected, in Season 2 now revealed, Choi Seung-hyun became the flaw among the impressive cast lineup. The character he plays, Thanos, participated in the ‘Squid Game’ after seeing a coin YouTube channel run by Myung-ki (played by Im Si-wan) and going ‘all-in,’ losing money. He is depicted in the drama as a villain who shouts at Myung-ki and seems to enjoy other people’s suffering, truly living up to his name.

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Thanos is what you might call a ‘junkie rapper.’ Given that Choi Seung-hyun ended his BIGBANG activities due to a marijuana scandal, Director Hwang Dong-hyuk might have expected realistic acting, but his awkward and exaggerated performance makes viewers frown. Already, there is a flood of ridicule and criticism over Choi Seung-hyun’s rap-like acting style.

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Previously, Director Hwang Dong-hyuk addressed the controversy regarding Choi Seung-hyun’s casting, stating, “He underwent a lot of scrutiny. He showed strong personal will, and it reached a point where I told him ‘let’s do an audition, send a tape,'” deciding on the casting after such a verification process.

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In particular, he emphasized, “I judged that this actor was the most suitable. I concluded that there was no choice but to show through the results why I had to do this project with this actor. You may not understand why I insisted on Choi Seung-hyun, but I want to reveal that I had my process.”

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Nevertheless, viewers’ reviews are definite. Even if the character’s situation in the drama involves being in a drugged state, Choi Seung-hyun’s acting is cringe-inducing. His performance, heavy with forced energy and an over-the-top English rap style, merely surprises viewers. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk’s casting criteria remain puzzling.

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The shock induced by Choi Seung-hyun’s performance is calmed when seeing Lee Byung-hun. Holding amazing plot twists in Season 2, he convinces with just a glance. Lee Byung-hun’s attention to small details and complete embodiment of his character makes you naturally engrossed in ‘Squid Game’ Season 2.

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‘Squid Game’ shot Seasons 2 and 3 simultaneously, with sequential releases. All episodes of Season 2 were unveiled on the 26th, and the ending of episode 7 hints at a serious showdown between Gi-hun and the Front Man in Season 3. While Lee Jung-jae carried Season 1, Lee Byung-hun’s role becomes even more significant through Season 2 and into Season 3.

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It’s truly time for the world to indulge in Lee Byung-hun’s high-quality performance. If you are feeling the stinging blow from Choi Seung-hyun’s acting, it can only be soothed by Lee Byung-hun’s performance.

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[Photo] Netflix

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