‘Squid Game’ stars T.O.P, Park Sung-hoon see mixed reactions at home and abroad

As Netflix ramps up promotions for the upcoming third season of the global hit “Squid Game,” two of its cast members, T.O.P and Park Sung-hoon, are drawing attention for very different reasons, both at home and abroad.

Netflix unveiled the main trailer for “Squid Game 3” during its Tudum 2025 event in Los Angeles on June 1. The event drew global fanfare and featured appearances by cast members Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Park Sung-hoon, Kang Ae-shim and T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun).

Although T.O.P’s character, Thanos, died in Season 2, the rapper-turned-actor took part in the event, making headlines for his return to the spotlight after years of controversy in Korea.

T.O.P has actively promoted the series on his social media, sharing photos from the LA event and embracing his role as a “Squid Game” ambassador.

His renewed public presence signals a possible reentry into full-time acting, a notable shift given his rocky past. The former BIGBANG member was convicted of marijuana use in 2017 and faced criticism over alleged preferential treatment during his alternative military service in 2019. At the time, he announced his retirement from both the group and the entertainment industry.

However, his appearance in “Squid Game 2” marked a high-profile comeback, and in past interviews, he expressed deep remorse over his past. “Playing a character addicted to drugs made me confront my own shameful history,” he said. “I even considered stepping away from the series to avoid causing harm again.”

T.O.P’s openness about his past missteps and emotional vulnerability seem to have softened public opinion. Fans online have responded warmly, with comments such as, “He looks healthier now” and “We’re ready to welcome Choi Seung-hyun back anytime.”

His increasing visibility, including promotional videos with Martha Stewart and rapper Lil Yachty on Netflix Korea’s YouTube channel, hints that the platform may have long-term plans for the artist.

Park Sung-hoon, another key figure in “Squid Game,” has also faced scrutiny. While his career has surged following his roles in “The Glory” and now “Squid Game 2,” his image took a hit when he posted an explicit parody of the “Squid Game” poster from a Japanese adult video on his Instagram Story.

Although his agency BH Entertainment claimed it was an accidental upload while clearing messages, the public found the explanation unconvincing.

Park later apologized tearfully in interviews. “I feel awful for casting a shadow on the efforts of so many people. I accept the criticism, but I hope viewers can still watch the series with compassion.”

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk also addressed the controversies surrounding Park Sung-hoon and actress Park Gyu-young during the press conference for Season 3 on June 9.

Referring to Park’s adult video post and Park Gyu-young’s spoiler leak, he said, “Of course I was surprised. I asked them why they did it. But humans make mistakes. Some things should be let go of so we can move forward. I see it as a minor incident.”

He also urged disappointed viewers to give them another chance. “They’ve suffered long enough from their mistakes. I’m sure they now know such things should never happen again.”

Despite the controversies surrounding Park Sung-hoon and T.O.P, both actors are receiving an overwhelmingly positive reception from international audiences. Their appearances in Netflix’s U.S.-based promotions suggest that their focus may be shifting abroad.

With “Squid Game 3,” the final chapter in the franchise, set to premiere this month, the series could mark a turning point in both T.O.P and Park’s careers.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.