Squid Game 2 Participants: Top's Character, a Retired Rapper?

Source: Netflix youtube

Squid Game 2 Unveils T.O.P's Groundbreaking Character

Netflix's global hit show, "Squid Game," is returning for a second season, generating immense anticipation. This season reveals newly joined participants and their intriguing backstories. Particularly noteworthy is the character played by T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun), a member of the K-pop group Big Bang.

The main character introductions and posters for "Squid Game 2," released on the 5th, revealed each participant's unique circumstances. T.O.P explained his role as a "retired rapper" who "invested in a YouTuber and lost all his fortune, leading him to participate in the game." His story of entering the game for survival after bankruptcy is expected to be a major highlight of season 2.

Source: Netflix youtube

Participants' Diverse Backstories

This season features a large cast of characters with varied backgrounds, promising a richer narrative.

• Im Si-wanplays ‘Myunggi,’ who participates in the game for revenge after suffering significant losses due to a cryptocurrency scam. His relationship with his ex-girlfriend ‘Jun-hee’ (Jo Yu-ri) adds further intrigue.
• Kang Ha-neulplays ‘Daeho,’ using his affability to devise survival strategies, while Park Sung-hoonplays ‘Hyun-ju,’ foreshadowing a powerful character who seeks funds for gender confirmation surgery.
• ‘Yongsik’ (Yang Dong-geun), who participates to pay off gambling debts, and his mother ‘Geumja’ (Kang Ae-sim), will add depth to the conflict with their story centered around family conflict and choices.

Source: Netflix youtube

T.O.P returns as ‘Thanos,’ a rapper who was a runner-up in a hip-hop survival show. The story of his fall from grace due to investment failures and his subsequent participation in the game for survival is generating considerable curiosity. T.O.P is expected to showcase his new charm by incorporating his hip-hop background.

"Squid Game 2" depicts participants with diverse personalities and goals clashing as they make extreme choices for survival. The show promises to be entertaining as viewers watch the impact of characters like the timid ‘Minsu’ (Lee Da-wit), the shaman ‘Seonnyeo’ (Chae Guk-hee), and those who follow or oppose T.O.P on the game.

The confrontation between Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who vowed revenge in the previous season, and the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) will continue, raising anticipation for even more suspenseful storytelling.

Source: Netflix youtube

Who is T.O.P (T.O.P), a former member of Big Bang?

T.O.P (real name: Choi Seung-hyun), born November 4, 1987, in Seoul, is a South Korean rapper, lyricist, composer, producer, and actor. He was formerly a member of the popular South Korean boy group Big Bang.

Big Bang Days

• He debuted as a member of Big Bang in 2006 through YG Entertainment's survival program.
• He primarily rapped in the group, characterized by his unique ultra-low voice and excellent flow.
• As a member of Big Bang, he released numerous hit songs, including "Lies," "Haru Haru," and "Bang Bang Bang."

Solo Activities

• He debuted as an actor in 2009 with the drama "IRIS."
• He released his solo song "DOOM DADA" in 2013.
• Besides Big Bang activities, he engaged in various solo music projects and acting roles.

Departure from Big Bang and Recent Activities

• In April 2022, he left Big Bang after 16 years.
• After leaving Big Bang, he expanded his activities to various fields, including wine curation and art collecting.
• In May 2023, he announced through SNS that he is preparing a solo album.
• He was cast in the Netflix original series "Squid Game 2," signaling his return as an actor.

T.O.P has been recognized for his musical talent and acting ability but also faced controversy in 2017 for marijuana use. He is currently pursuing new challenges as a solo artist and actor, having left Big Bang.