One side is praised as the “return of the king,” while the other receives side-eyes even before the preview airs. This is the story of G-Dragon, who recently made a comeback with his digital single ‘Power’, and T.O.P (Choi Seung Hyun), who is about to appear in Netflix’s upcoming series ‘Squid Game 2’.

On October 31 KST, G-Dragon made his comeback after seven years and has since dominated various music charts and generated significant buzz. The music video for ‘Power’ surpassed 10 million views within a day, and the track reached the number one spot on iTunes song charts in 15 countries, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Finland, and Vietnam.

On November 4, G-Dragon created another stir when he left for a Chanel fashion show in Hong Kong, arriving in the yet-unreleased Tesla Cybertruck. His airport fashion and nail art also made headlines, and a pair of $10 massage slippers glimpsed in his social media photo sparked a shopping frenzy, selling out instantly.

Netizens reacted enthusiastically, with comments like, “The fashion world is moving again,” “The icon of the era,” “G-Dragon is one of a kind across generations,” “Thank you for coming back,” and “It feels like watching the G-Dragon of those days again.”

The success of G-Dragon’s comeback lies in his unique style and the way he has met the long-standing expectations of his fans. Leading up to his return, he appeared on tvN’s ‘You Quiz on the Block’, where he candidly shared his recent life and struggles. He addressed rumors and his changed appearance, stating, “I’m taking it easy for my health, which is why you might notice some changes. I prefer this less intense version of myself.”

He also appeared on Daesung’s YouTube channel with Taeyang, showing off the enduring chemistry of Big Bang, and he has created a private social media account to share his more relaxed daily life. This adept approach to connecting with fans has fueled anticipation for his upcoming performance at the 2024 MAMA Awards on November 23rd KST.

In contrast, T.O.P has faced a less welcoming response. In 2016, he was convicted of smoking marijuana at his home and sentenced to two years of probation. His status as a conscripted policeman was revoked, and he completed his service as a public service worker, being discharged in July 2019.

That same year, T.O.P responded to a fan’s comment saying “don’t come back,” with “Yes! God! I don’t plan to either. Go look at animal pictures,” hinting at his retirement. In February of the following year, he declared, “I don’t plan to make a comeback in Korea.” Later, he left Big Bang, drawing an ‘X’ over a headline that labeled him as a member of the group. In August, he blocked fans’ accounts celebrating Big Bang’s 18th anniversary and updated his profile to mark his solo debut in 2010 as his debut date, further alienating fans.

So, when T.O.P appeared in the preview for ‘Squid Game 2’, the public’s reaction was frosty. Despite the brief appearance, there was criticism of his acting, alongside negative remarks about his drug conviction and perceived inconsistencies in his retirement stance.

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