Former Big Bang member T.O.P. will not be attending the production presentation for 'Squid Game' Season 2.

T.O.P, who began his acting career in 2009 under his real name Choi Seung Hyun, was sentenced to 10 months in prison with a two-year probation in 2017 for marijuana use in 2016. At the time, he hinted at retiring from the entertainment industry, but he revoked this decision by joining the cast of 'Squid Game' Season 2, set to premiere on December 26.

The news of T.O.P’s return to acting after over seven years since the drug controversy has drawn a cold response from the public, including Big Bang fans. Due to rising criticism about his casting, 'Squid Game' director Hwang Dong Hyuk addressed the controversy during a press conference held in August.

Director Hwang commented, "I honestly didn’t expect it would become a controversy," adding, "I don’t know if my judgment was correct, but the incident happened a long time ago, he was sentenced, and his probation period has ended."

He continued, "There have been others in the past who caused social controversy but have managed to make a comeback. I thought with time, it would be considered more of a personal matter, but seeing the extent of the concern expressed, I realized, 'I may have underestimated the reaction.'"

He further added, "However, he proved himself and we confirmed his strong personal commitment."

Perhaps in response to the criticism surrounding his return, T.O.P has decided not to attend the 'Squid Game' Season 2 production presentation, scheduled for December 9 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul.

According to Netflix's announcement, the production presentation for 'Squid Game' Season 2 will feature the attendance of Director Hwang Dong Hyuk and cast members including Lee Jung Jae, Im Siwan, Kang Ha Neul, Wi Ha Joon, Park Gyu Young, Lee Jin Wook, Park Sung Hoon, Yang Dong Geun, Kang Ae Sim, Lee Seo Hwan, and Jo Yu Ri.

Meanwhile, 'Squid Game' Season 2, which will premiere on December 26, follows Gi Hun (portrayed by Lee Jung Jae) as he returns to the deadly game seeking revenge, facing off against the Front Man (played by Lee Byung Hun) as the game resumes for an intense showdown.

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