Viewers are abuzz with reactions to the official trailer for 'Squid Game' Season 2, with some saying it gave them 'goosebumps.'
On popular online forums, fans have been dissecting the trailer, honing in on a surprising detail in one particular scene where a well-known actor stands just left of the main character. The actor is none other than Lee Byung Hun, most likely reprising his role as Hwang In Ho, the enigmatic Front Man and brother to Hwang Jun Ho, the police officer who infiltrated the game in Season 1.
The sighting of Lee Byung Hun’s character among the players was “shocking” and “unsettling” for many, as he is meant to oversee the game rather than participate. Equally surprising to fans was his return at all, given past controversies involving him and younger women.
Though familiar with his role in the first season, some viewers are speculating that Lee Byung Hun may play a more prominent role this time. Commenters even theorized that this scene could be a flashback, showing the Front Man during a past game in which he ultimately won.
Meanwhile, fans also noted the appearance of T.O.P, another figure with a controversial past, joining a list of contentious casting choices for Season 2.
Reactions varied widely:
"I was creeped out when I heard that T.O.P would be in it."
"Wow, they’re really using a ton of controversial actors lol."
"Lee Jung Jae's character probably won’t even recognize his face; they kept his eyes covered until the end. Wasn’t Lee Byung Hun a past winner who wore a mask? In Season 1, his brother looks at a list of past winners, and his name was on it, wasn’t it?"
"(Referring to actor playing Player 100) Shouldn’t there be basic decency to avoid casting people with criminal records, especially those who committed crimes against minors? Even if it happened in the past, a crime is still a crime."
"Since it’s not on public broadcasting, I guess they can cast whoever they want lol… if they’re good at acting. It shows that even if they’re criminals, as long as they’re skilled, they’ll do well… It’s sad, but that’s reality."
"What creeps me out even more is that people think casting controversial figures is okay just because they fit the roles. Are these people fans? Famous people get praised even when they mess up, and it’s crazy to see someone with a past drug scandal just appearing like this. Korea isn’t Hollywood; if people are comparing T.O.P to Robert Downey Jr., he would need an RDJ-level career to justify it. But he doesn’t, so I don’t understand why people are defending him."
"Lee Byung Hun is in it too, so why can’t T.O.P be? I’m not a fan, but I’m curious why people apply this standard only to T.O.P."
"Didn’t that person have a past involving a minor (Player 100), right in front of Lee Byung Hun?"
"It’s a flashback scene from when he participated in a past game."
"That’s why I’m not watching it ol. It’s like a controversy convention."
"The moment T.O.P showed up, I was done—not watching."
"Even the cast of 'Culinary Class Wars' got backlash, so does this actor in 'Squid Game' Season 2, who was involved with a minor, think he’s ready for global backlash?"
"(Referring to actor playing Player 100) An old man paying a young woman for sex is disturbing enough, but a minor? Isn’t that crossing the line? They should avoid casting actors with controversies."
What are your thoughts?
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