K-pop Star T.O.P Opens Up About Past Mistakes in Emotional Interview
In a candid interview with The Indian Express, former BIGBANG member T.O.P, also known as Choi Seung Hyun, spoke about his past struggles with addiction and his recent role in the Netflix series Squid Game. The K-pop star, who has been out of the public eye for over 11 years, made a comeback with the show, playing a character named Thanos, a failed rapper and drug user.
According to The Indian Express, T.O.P’s past mistakes have been well-documented. In 2016, he was embroiled in a drug scandal, and in 2017, he pleaded guilty and received a 10-month suspended jail sentence. The incident led to his departure from BIGBANG and YG Entertainment. However, in his recent interview, T.O.P opened up about his struggles with anxiety and mood swings, which contributed to his addiction.
As reported by The Indian Express, T.O.P’s character, Thanos, was a deliberate choice, allowing him to reflect on his past and confront his mistakes. "I think Thanos is a character that I had to have a lot of talks with Director Hwang to create," he said. "We had a lot of talks down to the most minute details of this character. He’s not an amazing rapper, he’s more like a failed soul, a failed young person who’s reliant on drugs." The role allowed T.O.P to tap into his own experiences and emotions, providing a platform for self-reflection and growth.
The Indian Express reported that T.O.P’s return to the spotlight has not been without controversy. The casting of Squid Game was met with backlash in South Korea, with some calling for a boycott of the show. However, Director Hwang Dong Hyuk defended the decision, stating that T.O.P had served his sentence and that it was time for him to return to work.
In his interview with The Indian Express, T.O.P expressed his gratitude to Director Hwang for trusting him with the role, allowing him to confront his past and move forward. "Director Hwang gave me so much trust that I could have the confidence to play this role. While creating this character, Thanos, I could self-reflect about my past, and I think I can finally move on to a new chapter of my life. I learned a lot from this character," he said.
The Indian Express also reported that T.O.P’s journey has been marked by struggles with addiction and controversy. However, his recent interview and role in Squid Game suggest a new chapter in his life, one marked by self-awareness, growth, and a commitment to moving forward. As T.O.P himself said, "I have made my mistakes in the past, and I have to come face to face with those mistakes when I was playing this character. So, I needed to muster up a lot of courage to take on this role." With his candid interview and nuanced performance, T.O.P is taking steps towards redemption and a fresh start.