The director of the widely popular "Squid Game," Hwang Dong-hyuk, has shared his thoughts on the mixed reception of former Big Bang member TOP's portrayal of Thanos/Player 230 in the much-anticipated second season. While international outlets like The Wrap and Screen Rant have lauded TOP's larger-than-life villain, praising him as one of the standout characters, his performance has not been as warmly received back home in South Korea.

Many South Korean viewers and critics have expressed dissatisfaction with TOP's acting, labeling it "unbearable" and even calling for him to “apologize to global audiences.” Adding fuel to the fire is TOP's controversial past, particularly his previous legal issues related to marijuana, which has led some fans to question the decision to cast him in this significant role.

In a candid interview with South Korean news outlet Sports Chosun, Hwang acknowledged the backlash and the complications surrounding TOP's inclusion in promotional efforts for the show. He explained, "From the outset, we recognized that including [TOP] heavily in marketing would be difficult. The character dies early on and doesn't have a significant arc, so I didn’t see it as a major issue for perception."

Hwang elaborated further on his creative vision for Thanos, stating, "Thanos is intentionally designed to be an exaggerated, self-absorbed character, reminiscent of performers in the 'Show Me The Money' reality competition. His manic persona represents a ‘high’ state, intentionally crafted to appear over-the-top. I believe [TOP] captured my vision for the character well."

Interestingly, international audiences have reacted more favorably towards Thanos, presenting a stark contrast to the sentiments expressed by domestic viewers. Hwang pointed out that cultural differences may be at play, suggesting that while South Koreans may find his portrayal excessive, younger and global audiences view it as memorable and impactful.

Acknowledging the considerable backlash, Hwang admitted he underestimated the reaction due to TOP's past. "I delved into the history of celebrities returning from similar scandals. Given that TOP's incident occurred six or seven years ago, I thought the public might be more forgiving. The backlash surprised me, yet I felt it was essential to allow his performance to speak for itself," Hwang explained.

Ultimately, the director notes that acceptance of TOP’s performance will hinge on audience perceptions and whether they are willing to move past his past controversies. As "Squid Game Season 2" continues to captivate audiences worldwide, it remains to be seen how viewers will reconcile their opinions on the rapper-turned-actor and whether he will be embraced in this new role.