T.O.P. addresses BigBang departure, 'Squid Game' character Thanos
MANILA, Philippines — Korean singer-actor Choi Seung-hyun, better known as T.O.P., opened up about his departure from boy band BigBand in 2023 as well as his participation in Netflix's hit show "Squid Game."
T.O.P. spoke with several members of the Korean media weeks after the second season of "Squid Game" dropped, marking his first official press junket since promoting his 2014 movie "Tazza: The Hidden Card."
During the interview, the artist admitted to thinking about reuniting with former bandmates G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung (Seungri left BigBang in 2019 following his own set of controversies).
"I do imagine it a lot — [situations where] we give each other blessings," T.O.P. said. "Honestly, I just carry a life-long sense of guilt. I left because I felt I had no right to stay. All I feel is that I’m just deeply sorry."
The 37-year-old singer-actor shared he felt lost the past several years, having to deal with intense shame and self-contempts, leaving him to deeply reflect and find healing in music.
"If I were to imagine my 40s, I hope to live as a responsible and stable man, just like any ordinary young person in Korea," he added, citing a balanced diet and regular exercise. "I want to live a life where, when I wake up in the morning, there are no negative articles about me in the news."
Related: BigBang's Taeyang returning to Manila after 7 years
Several years ago, T.O.P. admitted to smoking marijuana, and controversy further spiked when he was cast in "Squid Game" as individuals claimed he was handed the role through connections.
His character Thanos is a rapper whose career is derailed by drug use and failed cryptocurrency investments, leaving him in debt.
"The offer to play Thanos was a daunting proposition. The character mirrored my past, reflecting aspects I'd rather keep hidden," T.O.P. shared. "The fear of being pigeonholed into one role made me hesitate. But destiny seemed to be pulling me in this direction."
T.O.P. had not acted since the 2017 movie "Out of Control," but he said it was showrunner Hwang Dong-hyuk who reached out to him for an audition.
"The trust [and] the belief he had in me gave me the courage to take this on. As an actor, it is my duty to repay the trust. Exceling in my performance is another assignment in my life," T.O.P. ended.
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