Controversy surrounding Choi Seung Hyun/ T.O.P aka "Thanos"

MENTIONS OF SELF HARM +

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the actor who played 'Thanos' in squid game 2, his name is Choi Seung hyun also known by his stage name T.O.P, he was a member of BIGBANG (rapper), one of the most legendary K-pop groups of all time. Aside from his music career, T.O.P also dabbled in acting, with notable roles in Korean films as well as Chinese film, including his recent appearance in Squid Game 2. So, in my opinion he is pretty experienced actor.

The reason I’m bringing up T.O.P today, though, is because of the insane hate and backlash he’s still receiving because of a controversy from his past.

Back in 2016, T.O.P got caught up in a scandal after he smoked weed with his "sneaky link" (who, by the way, had a reputation for causing drama with other celebs). She eventually confessed to the police, and it all exploded from there. And here’s the thing: even though weed is legal in a lot of places around the world, for Korean celebs, just being caught with it, even in countries where smoking weed is legal, can have serious consequences. The punishment in Korea for something like this is way harsher than what you’d see for other crimes such as sexual assaults and other messed up crime that criminal tends to get away with very little to no punishments. It's pretty messed up, right?

The media went into full witch-hunt mode. T.O.P was dragged through the mud, and the pressure got so intense that he ended up overdosing on pills. It was said that he was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, and apparently the reporters actually followed the ambulance, trying to snap pictures while he was being rushed to the hospital. bruhhh???

Even after he was in coma, hospitalised and in psychiatric care, the bullying didn’t stop. It went so far that his own mother had to step in and speak out against the hate he was getting. When he was discharged from the hospital, he couldn’t even walk on his own, he had to be in a wheelchair.

It was a brutal time for him, mentally, physically, and emotionally. And the public seemed to show no mercy. T.O.P’s story really shows how toxic and unforgiving the haters and korean people can be when it comes to celebrities, even when they’re already suffering. This isn't the first time the public has led a celebrity to the edge over allegations of marijuana use not even hard drugs, just weed. Literally the actor, the rich guy from the famous movie 'parasite' self exited himself because of the scandal (in his case he was never caught smoking weed, but even if was, leading someone to such extent is still unbelievable) and its not the first time they have made someone self exist over non drug use either. Like, remember the actor from Parasite, the rich guy? He ended up taking his own life because of the scandal. And it’s not even the first time celebs have been driven to that over stuff that’s not even a real crime.

From what I know, T.O.P has always been really kind to his fans and the people around him. So, for him to be dragged through the mud again after the news of his appearance in Squid game 2 is honestly insane to me. Apparently, some people in Korea are even boycotting Squid game 2 and going as far as accusing the director of giving him a role in the squid game without auditioning?? like they had to release a whole statement saying T.O.P got through auditions like most casts did smh he literally has so many previous experiences acting. Because of the scandal (hate) he isn’t even featured in any of the interviews or posters. It’s honestly so sad :(

I’m making this post so that T.O.P can get some love from the Western fans. The guy makes great music and raps really well. He was an underground freestyle rapper before he was discovered, so he’s got real talent, not just some manufactured product of a company.

Sorry for the long rant, but I had to say it.

edit: turns out he tried to take his own life by over dosage of his anti anxiety meds, and that he had been using it for a long time