Squid Game Fame Lee Byung Hun Clears the Air on T.O.P’s Casting in Squid Game Season 2

Even before Squid Game Season 2 hit the screens, rumors swirled around the casting of former BIGBANG member T.O.P. Many speculated that influential cast members, including Lee Byung Hun and Lee Jung Jae, might have played a role in bringing T.O.P back to the acting world.

When T.O.P’s performance as Thanos received mixed reviews, these rumors gained traction. Critics questioned whether personal connections influenced his casting, with Lee Byung Hun’s previous collaboration with T.O.P on the 2009 drama Iris adding fuel to the fire.

On January 8, 2025, Lee Byung Hun addressed the allegations in a press interview, dismissing any claims of his involvement in T.O.P’s casting. He explained his stance on the boundaries actors should maintain in such decisions.

 I have done no such thing as recommending (someone) or anything like that. But it’s also up to me whether or not I want to make a statement on the matter. In general, I’ve never really been the type to voice my opinions just because I have them. Regarding casting, I believe that as an actor who has worked in the industry for over 30 years, it is overstepping boundaries for an actor to speak on casting decisions.

Lee clarified that while directors might occasionally consult actors about potential co-stars, it’s usually to ensure smooth collaboration rather than to evaluate acting skills.

Of course, there are times when a director asks, ‘I’m considering so-and-so for this role as your co-star, what do you think?’ But that’s not really asking for an evaluation of that person’s acting skills. It’s more so about checking if there might be underlying personal issues between the cast members since they have to work closely together throughout the show. That’s the extent of it. For an actor to suggest to a director something like, ‘I think this person is good for this role,’ would be overstepping boundaries.

Meanwhile, Squid Game creator Hwang Dong Hyuk has also addressed the backlash surrounding T.O.P’s portrayal of Thanos. While the director acknowledged the criticism, he emphasized the creative choices behind the character’s development.

As Season 2 continues to stir discussions, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming third season, set to release in 2025. With its compelling storyline and star-studded cast, the series remains a global phenomenon despite the controversies.