The Difference In Reactions To T.O.P In “Squid Game 2” Between Korean And International Outlets Spark A Debate
Squid Game 2 has seen a mix of reviews, with some praising the show, but others slating the series.
One character that has received mixed reactions is Thanos, played by T.O.P.
T.O.P was one of the newest cast members, playing former rapper Thanos, who had been scammed out of his earnings after investing in cryptocurrency.
When Squid Game 2 was released, T.O.P’s acting was hit with scathing reviews, full of criticism.
Shortly after the articles were posted, netizens noticed that they came out five minutes after the show was released. Fans found it odd as T.O.P didn’t make an appearance until the third episode, yet there was criticism about the acting that wouldn’t have been seen yet.
Korean Media Release Negative T.O.P Articles 5 Minutes After “Squid Game” Released
Following the criticism from Korean media, netizens noticed that international sites have praised T.O.P for his portrayal. Netizens noticed the difference in the portrayal and review of the Thanos character between Korean and international media outlets, with the former being more negative compared to the latter.
Choi Seunghyun was recognized as one of the 13 Best TV Performances of 2024 by The Wrap. His portrayal of Thanos, an unhinged and psychotic character, blended unsettling levity with raw honesty, making him one of the year's most memorable villains.
🔗 https://t.co/uN5HZs2HM3… pic.twitter.com/ElgI6mLd4V
— TTTOP Support 🌙 (@TTTOPSUPPORT) December 29, 2024
Ooverseas viewers are naming Thanos played by #Choiseunghyun as the most attractive character in #SquidGame2
Foreign media outlets agreed with this. the Hollywood Reporter commented that #Thanos was “unpredictable and vibrant.”
Entertainment Weekly “swagger, unique energy,” pic.twitter.com/EU2UIL83bZ
— QUEEN & TTTOP👑❤️ (@QueenVIPam) December 31, 2024
all those THANOS hit tweets with 100K plus likes, millions likes on insta and tiktok, million of views on YouTube, comments full of thanos and LOCALS defending thanos from ⁷, International media applauding him for his acting skills, locals want him in S3 oh everything is so good
— thanos (@stillxxxlife) December 31, 2024
K-media ignoring the elephant in the room which is TOP receiving love from all over the world as Thanos in Squid Game 2 is hilarious to me 🤣 pic.twitter.com/FDG0ssQCRc
— ᴄʜᴏɪ ꜱᴇᴜɴɢʜʏᴜɴ ꜰᴀɴ (@AFer_JenTOP) December 29, 2024
"No matter what the future holds for T.O.P., it will be exciting. He's not sticking to the old rules. Instead, he keeps pushing boundaries. He's changing the game. He's rethinking & reshaping what it means to be a global artist in an ever-evolving world."#TTTOP #CHOISEUNGHYUN pic.twitter.com/Wz86uxkrXh
— 👑 시노시작🆔🖍️ (@tttop131kon) December 31, 2024
Netizens also noticed that the split in approach between Korea and international outlets seemingly stretched to Netflix. Netizens noticed that global accounts praised T.O.P, posting a lot of clips about Thanos, but they noticed that Netflix Korea hadn’t posted anything at all.
All netflix account posting about Thanos, except Netflix Korea lmao. They can continue pleasing their hateful netizens, Thanos still on top
— Welcome Back G-DRAGON!!! (@mims88124) December 31, 2024
Choi Seung Hyun as Thanos in Netflix Korea, Brasil, Thailand, India, Japan, UK, and Taiwan#TOP #ChoiSeungHyun #Player230Thanos #SquidGame2 pic.twitter.com/qEqMW8RO8M
— T.O.P ⭐ Updates (@TOPupdates_1987) December 28, 2024
#THANOS be collecting the 💕’s of all the Netflix accounts across the world. Except one. No mention of him on Netflix Korea. Crazy isn’t it? #ChoiSeunghyunForSquidGame pic.twitter.com/bhmzoqsiG2
— 🐼AudgeLuvs5Bangs💙🦋 (@Audge_bangVVIP) December 31, 2024
Many think that Korean media’s views are based on T.O.P’s past controversy regarding drugs.
