Actor TOP (real name Choi Seung-hyun, 38), a former member of the group Big Bang, spoke about his past retirement announcement and future activity plans.
The Netflix series 'Squid Game Season 2' depicts the fierce confrontation between Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), who vows revenge and returns to participate in the game, and the Front Man (played by Lee Byung-hun). Since its release on the 26th of last month, it has achieved 152.5 million views in its third week, making it the third most-watched show in Netflix history, following 'Squid Game' and 'Wednesday'.
In October 2016, TOP was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for 2 years, for marijuana use at his home. Afterward, he left Big Bang and hinted at retirement, stating, "I will not make a comeback in Korea." However, he joined 'Squid Game' Season 2, signaling his return and becoming the center of controversy.
In 'Squid Game 2', TOP played the role of Thanos, a character who was once a successful rapper but became a has-been after investing in cryptocurrency recommended by YouTuber Lee Myung-ki (played by Im Si-wan). While the show received praise overseas, TOP faced harsh criticism for his inadequate acting skills domestically.
In a previous interview on the 15th, TOP, who had announced his retirement, said, "I was rash. I had a brilliant and beautiful time in my 20s, receiving so much love, but I made a big mistake and faced a dark time I had never seen before. During that time, I went through hellish darkness, became psychologically devastated, and felt a lot of guilt for disappointing and hurting my loved ones, family, and fans."
He continued, "In that devastated state of mind, I was so broken that I had no strength to get back up, and I wanted to give up everything. That's why I said what I did during the live broadcast. I think that was foolish and rash, and it's something I will have to reflect on for the rest of my life."
He added, "I received a lot of love and enjoyed many honors with Big Bang in my 20s, so I think there are many people who were disappointed and hurt. I deeply regret it and believe I must reflect on it for the rest of my life."
He also mentioned, "I felt so heavy-hearted, and I have a personality that struggles with causing harm to others. The mistakes I made as a member of Big Bang also tarnished the team's image, and I believe I must bear the criticism alone after being discharged from social service. My sins cannot be erased, and I said I would leave because I couldn't harm the team. Five years have passed, and then I received a proposal to do a project around the time my contract ended with the song 'Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter,' which I see as my last project as Big Bang for the fans."
He added, "The reason I can't return is that I feel ashamed," and said, "I haven't been in touch with the members much lately. I saw their comeback stage, and it was wonderful. I only have supportive feelings for the members."
When asked about his hiatus, TOP replied, "I cut off social life, and because of my mistakes, I caused a lot of pain to many people and inflicted great pain on my parents, leading to severe self-hatred. During that time, I lived going back and forth between home and my music studio. The reason I was in the music studio was that it was the only place I could breathe. I could only escape the darkness when I was making music. So, I made music. I don't have a specific timeline yet, but I plan to release my music soon."
Regarding future activity plans, he said, "Nothing is specifically decided yet. Meeting with reporters for the first time in 11 years is the first step. I think that regardless of the positive reactions I received overseas, being forgiven in Korea is what matters first. I couldn't communicate for a long time due to the lack of a channel and justification. My rash behavior on social media spread misunderstandings, causing feelings of betrayal and hurt. It's my karma," he said, adding, "I wanted to have an honest conversation with a heavy heart, and I deeply regret my rash behavior during that dark time. I will show you a good side and how I live."
[Yang So-young, Star Today Reporter]
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