Warning – this article contains major spoilers for Squid Game season 2.
Squid Game enthusiasts have rallied around actor and ex-rapper Choi Seung Hyun, better known as T.O.P, amid backlash over his portrayal of Thanos in the show’s second instalment.
The celebrity marked a triumphant return to the spotlight with his role in the eagerly awaited sequel of the hit K-drama this year, following a hiatus due to a marijuana scandal in 2017.
In the latest series, dropped on the streaming service this Boxing Day, T.O.P steps into the shoes of Player 230, an infamous and temperamental rapper who shares a moniker with the Marvel villain Thanos.
His character quickly gathers a gang to challenge protagonist Seong Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) and resorts to deceit to advance in the early stages, all while eyeing the ultimate cash prize.
Squid Game fans rush to defend ‘most hated’ character after intense backlash (Image: NETFLIX)
Despite some viewers and Korean media outlets slamming his performance as the detestable foe, calling it “unbearable” and demanding he “apologise to the global audience”, as reported by 8days, international fans have come to his defence, even praising his “cringey” antics.
One fan expressed admiration on : “I love how in red light green light, you just see him freeze in whacky poses like he’s having a blast,” adding, “Easily my favorite character of the season.”
Another chimed in with similar sentiments: “My favorite character on the show. Absolutely loved him lol.”
Squid Game is finally back for season two (Image: NETFLIX)
One enthusiastic fan gushed: “I LOVED HIM. I found it absolutely hilarious every time he randomly spoke English (I never watch the dub) XD.”
“He’s the character you love to hate,” said another admirer, adding: “As soon as I saw him vaping during the ddakji scenes, I knew he was going to be hilarious.”
Debate among devotees has soared after Thanos met an untimely end; some viewers assert that his elimination came too soon, particularly in light of the rebellion where Lee Myung-gi (Im Si-wan) dispatches him with a fork in a lavatory scuffle.
Another audience member expressed regret, claiming: “I’m actually a little sad that he’s gone. Most entertaining character of the season by far,” highlighting the depth of the character’s appeal.
Former rapper T.O.P has received backlash from some viewers (Image: NETFLIX)
Meanwhile, another critic observed: “I laughed at him a lot, mostly just out of absurdity lol his character really added to this season I reckon.
“Even though I really wanted him to die, a fork in the neck wouldn’t have been my choice, he deserved a better death.”
Fans are left pondering Thanos’ narrative arc, questioning whether his time came too early or if it was the fitting moment for his final bow, leaving audiences to speculate about the potential twists had he survived into the third season.
Squid Game season 2 is available to stream on . Season 3 will be released in 2025.