Netflix’s announcement regarding “Squid Game” season 2 casting gained mixed reactions from the public after the network officially included BIGBANG’s T.O.P.
Over the streaming giant’s official Instagram, the highly-anticipated sequel introduced the K-pop star as one of the official cast members, joining a total of eight new characters for the series.
BIGBANG’s T.O.P., whose real name is Choi Seung Hyun, now joins Park Gyu Young, Jo Yu Ri, Kang Ae Sim, Lee David, Lee Jin Wook, Roh Jae Won, and Won Ji An on the show.
The latest addition comes after Netflix introduced lead stars featuring a mix of returning and new cast members.
Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun, Wi Ha Joon, and Gong Yoo, who all appeared in the first season, will reprise their respective roles.
In addition, Im Siwan, Kang Ha Neul, Park Sung Hoon, and Yang Dong Geun were all confirmed to join the series.
Although characters are yet to be revealed, viewers are excited to watch season 2; however, others were skeptical regarding Netflix’s decision to includes BIGBANG’s T.O.P.
BIGBANG T.O.P’s Casting in ‘Squid Game 2’ Criticized by Public
After Netflix made the announcement, #BIGBANG and #T.O.P became the trending topics on social media.
While some fans expressed anticipation to see the singer-actor on screen after almost 7 years, others threw hateful comments, slamming the K-pop star’s inclusion in the series.
As mentioned by a news portal, an overwhelming number of negative comments were posted following Netflix’s announcement.
Korean netizens were slamming the 35-year-old celebrity, noting that there are many deserving artists to join the sequel.
Furthermore, others even pointed out that casting the singer-actor was a “downgrade” and felt “like a B-grade movie,” while some criticized Netflix for casting a “druggie.”
As netizens slammed BIGBANG’s T.O.P. and his upcoming project, viewers brought up the name of Yoo Ah In, who is also facing controversy due to a drug scandal.
Among the comments are “At this rate, Yoo Ah In will star in Squid Game 3 when it comes out, LOL” and “Do you want to use him in the midst of Yoo Ah In’s controversy? I’ll never watch this.”
To recall, the K-pop star was found unconscious in the police barracks back in 2017 due to a suspected overdose of anti-anxiety medication, prompting him to rush to the hospital.
On the other hand, Yoo Ah In faced drug charges after testing positive for various types of drugs. With this, the award-winning star stepped down from his upcoming projects, including “Hellbound” season 2.
Is Lee Jung Jae Behind BIGBANG T.O.P.’s Casting in ‘Squid Game’ Season 2
Besides the public’s negative reaction towards the K-pop star, Dispatch revealed that Lee Jung Jae “helped” BIGBANG’s T.O.P. get the role.
However, the actor’s agency, Artist Company, immediately responded and clarified that Lee Jung Jae has no connection to the singer-actor’s inclusion in the show and has not spoken for years.
