The highly anticipated 'Squid Game 2' has received mixed reactions, with harsh criticism directed at T.O.P (Choi Seung Hyun), who makes his acting comeback following past drug convictions.

The Netflix series follows the intense rivalry between Gi Hun (Lee Jung Jae), determined to seek revenge, and the Front Man (Lee Byung Hun), as well as the suspense-filled survival games involving new participants. With months of heavy promotion, the series premiered on December 26th.

Much of the conversation around the show has centered on T.O.P, who plays the character Thanos. Despite the ensemble cast, T.O.P's performance has drawn significant criticism, largely due to the prominent role he plays.

Thanos, a hyper-realistic character, mirrors aspects of T.O.P’s real-life controversies. Convicted in 2017 for violating the Narcotics Control Act (marijuana use), T.O.P was sentenced to a 10-month prison term suspended for two years. After leaving his group BIGBANG and hinting at retirement, he surprised many by announcing his participation in 'Squid Game 2' through an audition, signaling his intent to return to the entertainment industry.

The announcement of T.O.P’s casting sparked widespread backlash. However, director Hwang Dong Hyuk defended the choice during a press conference last month, stating, “He was thoroughly vetted and demonstrated great effort and talent. It must have taken a lot of courage for Choi Seung Hyun (T.O.P) to take on this role.” Yet, as it turns out, it is the audience who needed courage to watch his portrayal.

In the series, T.O.P plays a "drug-addicted rapper," a role that involves numerous scenes of Thanos secretly ingesting colorful pills. With his purple hair and exaggerated expressions of euphoria, the production’s focus on this character's design is evident. 

However, T.O.P’s acting, including overly strained facial expressions and a lack of clarity in delivering lines, detracts from the overall immersion, particularly when compared to co-stars like Noh Jae Won (Nam Gyu) and Im Si Wan (Myung Ki), whose performances have been praised for their natural delivery. Im Si Wan, another idol-turned-actor, plays a less prominent role yet has avoided similar criticism.

Korean viewers, known for their high standards, had heightened expectations following the global success of Season 1. While Season 1 introduced fresh faces and ingenious games, Season 2 features more established actors, limiting the audience's sense of discovery and surprise. The show also leans heavily on action sequences, such as the gunfights in the latter half, rather than psychological tension and intricate character conflicts that defined the first season.

Familiar characters like Sang Woo (Park Hae Soo) and Sae Byeok (Jung Ho Yeon) from Season 1 are sorely missed, while the new female leads, such as Won Ji An and Jo Yu Ri, fail to leave a strong impression. Gi Hun (Lee Jung Jae) remains a frustratingly stubborn protagonist, further dampening the experience.

Director Hwang’s comment in an interview that “Season 3 will be better than Season 2” has left fans puzzled. Season 2, rather than standing as a self-contained story, feels more like a bridge to Season 3. While the series’ lead characters survive to transition into the next season, their reduced screen time compared to Thanos leaves much to be desired.

Despite the criticisms, 'Squid Game 2' has captivated global audiences. According to FlixPatrol, the series ranked first in Netflix’s global TV show category within three days of its release. It topped the charts in 92 countries immediately after its debut and added New Zealand the following day, bringing the total to 93 countries.

Both praise and criticism reflect the show’s ability to generate interest. The question remains: can 'Squid Game 2' overcome its harsh reviews and maintain its momentum?