[SBS Star] Lee Jung Jae Shares His Thoughts on the Controversy Over T.O.P's Performance in 'Squid Game 2'

Actor Lee Jung Jae candidly shared his thoughts on the public criticism surrounding the former K-pop boy group BIGBANG member T.O.P's performance in 'Squid Game 2'.

Lee Jung Jae recently had an interview with a news outlet about Netflix's original series 'Squid Game 2' at a café in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul.

After it was revealed in September 2021, 'Squid Game' by director Hwang Dong-hyuk achieved syndromic popularity worldwide.

The survival thriller series revolves around a secret contest where participants risk their lives in deadly children's games for a huge cash prize.

Returned with its second season after three years, 'Squid Game 2' depicts 'Seong Gi-hun', the main character from the first season, returning to the games seeking revenge.
However, the second season of the mega-hit series drew strong criticism as T.O.P, who got in trouble for illicit drug usage in 2017, joined the cast.

The controversy surrounding T.O.P continued after 'Squid Game 2' was revealed since many viewers voiced disappointment about his performance as 'Thanos', a rapper with a drug problem.

"He worked hard on set.", Lee Jung Jae said when asked about the controversy surrounding T.O.P's acting.
Lee Jung Jae continued, "Director Hwang Dong-hyuk was meticulous with his instructions to each cast member. Being a writer and creator, he told us the emotions he wanted to show in the scenes. The director had many conversations like that with T.O.P as he did with others."

"The public will react to an actor warmly or coldly depending on their performance. That's just how it is, and it's the same for me as well. It's part of the job one has to bear on their own."
Along with returning cast members like Lee Jung Jae, Lee Byung Hun, Gong Yoo, Wi Ha-jun, and more, 'Squid Game 2' has some new faces, including Yim Siwan, Jo Yuri, Yang Dong-geun, and Kang Ha Neul.

When asked which actor impressed him the most throughout the filming, Lee Jung Jae said everyone was amazing.

"It was like they assembled all the top performers in Korea. It's important to watch the acting partner's performance closely to make a great performance, and everyone was like that on the 'Squid Game 2' set. We had perfect harmony without anyone doing too much or not doing enough."
Meanwhile, 'Squid Game 2' was released last year on December 26.

The series is to bring its third season in 2025.

(Credit= Netflix Korea)

(SBS Star)