Meet the Popular Korean Rapper Behind the Character
Squid Game Season 2 brought back some familiar faces, like Seong Gi-Hun, the Frontman, the Recruiter, and Hwang Jun-ho, while introducing new, unforgettable characters. Among the newcomers, one stands out for his insufferable personality and his chilling actions: Thanos. But who exactly is the actor behind this villainous character, and what makes him so memorable?
Meet Choi Seung-Hyun, aka T.O.P., the Thanos of Squid Game 2
Choi Seung-Hyun, better known by his stage name T.O.P., is a South Korean rapper, actor, and songwriter. As a member of the globally renowned K-pop group Big Bang, T.O.P. has made a massive impact on the music scene, even becoming the first Korean artist to land a spot on Growse Magazine’s Top 200 Artists list.
However, T.O.P.’s talents don’t stop at music. He made his acting debut in the 2007 romantic comedy K-Drama I Am Sam and has since appeared in various films and TV series, including Nineteen, Big Bang Made, Iris, and, of course, Squid Game Season 2.
Thanos in Squid Game 2: Character Breakdown
In Squid Game Season 2, T.O.P. portrays Choi Su-bong, a character better known by his nickname, Thanos. Once a famous rapper, Thanos falls from grace after a disastrous stage performance in which he forgets the lyrics to his song, followed by losing all his money in a cryptocurrency crash.
Much like Jang Deok-Su in Season 1, Thanos serves as a brutal antagonist in the deadly games. His ruthless nature becomes apparent when he doesn’t hesitate to push two players during the Red Light, Green Light game, coldly watching as they are shot for failing to stop.
What makes Thanos even more unsettling is his disregard for human life and his disturbing coping mechanisms. To calm his nerves and avoid panic in tense moments, he resorts to drugs, giving him a surprisingly upbeat and carefree demeanor—despite being surrounded by life-threatening situations. It’s this unsettling cheerfulness that makes him a character both detestable and unforgettable.