T.O.P Is The Only Newly Added Cast Member Who Is Not Attending “Squid Game 2” Press Conference

T.O.P (real name Choi Seung Hyun) is returning as an actor after a 7-year hiatus following a marijuana controversy. However, he will not attend the upcoming production press conference, possibly in consideration of public criticism.

On November 14, Netflix announced an event for the production presentation and premiere of its original drama Squid Game Season 2. The event will take place on December 9 in Seoul, featuring cast members Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun, Im Siwan, Kang Ha Neul, Wi Ha Joon, Park Gyu Young, Lee Jin Wook, Park Sung Hoon, Yang Dong Geun, Kang Ae Shim, Lee Seok Hwan, Jo Yu Ri, and director Hwang Dong Hyuk. T.O.P’s name is notably absent, despite his recent casting and completion of filming for Squid Game Season 2.

In 2017, T.O.P was serving his mandatory military duty as a police officer when he was found guilty of smoking marijuana at his home in 2016, leading to a court trial. He received a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years. After the scandal, he hinted at retiring from the entertainment industry through his social media accounts but has since resumed both music and acting.

Prior to the controversy, T.O.P acted in the 2013 film Commitment and the 2014 film Tazza: The Hidden Card and his last acting role was in the 2015 web drama Secret Message.

Some have questioned why director Hwang Dong Hyuk chose to cast T.O.P, he explained, “For this character, I cast the actor I believed best suited the role, either through auditions or direct casting. The same principle applied to this project.”

Hwang added, “When we cast Choi Seung Hyun, enough time had passed since his case, with his sentence completed and probation over. I thought it was appropriate for him to have another opportunity. Although there was backlash, I decided to proceed, having gone through extensive discussions and evaluations with him. I believe we can only demonstrate why we chose him for this project through the final result.”

He concluded, “I think that once people see the show, they will understand that our decision was not easy, and that taking on this role wasn’t easy for Choi Seung Hyun, either. I ask for patience and hope viewers will judge our decision after seeing the work.”

Squid Game Season 2 will premiere on Netflix on December 26.

Source: (A)