Squid Game 2 was quite the nail-biting watch. From the high-stakes games to the baffling plot twists, each episode kept us on the edge of our seats. This second season also introduced a slew of standout personalities that added even more depth and drama to the show. From Gong Yoo’s chillingly psychotic return as The Recruiter to Park Sunghoon’s buzzworthy portrayal of Hyun-ju (Player 120), the first openly trans contestant in the games, the cast had everyone talking and rooting for—or against—them.
Among the season’s most memorable characters was Thanos (Player 230), a former rapper who joined the games to pay off his 1.19 billion won debt (that’s about P47.6 million in Philippine pesos). Characterized by his bright purple hair and mischievous personality, Thanos emerged as an instant fan favorite. Whether he was cracking cocky quips or wreaking in the middle of a deadly game, his character brought in much-needed comic relief into the dystopian show.
Interestingly, the actor who brought Thanos to life is quite a fascinating personality himself. Meet T.O.P, a multi-hyphenated South Korean artist. From his meteoric rise as a K-pop idol to his celebrated acting career, there’s so much more to learn about the man behind Player 230.
Below, get to know some fun facts about T.O.P:
Who Is T.O.P? Facts About the Korean Actor and Rapper Who Played Thanos in "Squid Game 2"
1. He’s a Scorpio.
Born Choi Seunghyun, T.O.P was born on November 4, 1987 in Seoul, South Korea. He is currently 37 years old.
2. He was an underground rapper.
T.O.P honed his interest in hip-hop early in his life. From the late '90s to early 2000s, he had an active presence in the underground rap scene, where he would perform at hip-hop clubs under the moniker “Tempo.” It was also during this time that he got acquainted with G-Dragon, who encouraged him to audition for K-pop label YG Entertainment and would later become his bandmate.
3. He was part of BIGBANG, one of K-pop’s biggest acts.
In 2006, T.O.P debuted as the lead rapper in the K-Pop boy group BIGBANG. While their early music was met with lukewarm reviews, the group’s breakthrough arrived in 2007 with the smash hit “Lies.” From that point on, BIGBANG rose to become one of K-Pop’s most influential acts, eventually earning the title “Kings of K-Pop.” Some of their iconic hits include Fantastic Baby (2012) and Bang Bang Bang (2015).
Following the end of his contract with YG Entertainment, T.O.P ultimately departed from the group in 2023 to focus on his solo career and entrepreneurial pursuits.
4. He made his acting debut in 2007.
Alongside his flourishing career as K-pop idol at the time, T.O.P also ventured into acting. His debut role in the 2007 K-drama "I Am Your Teacher" saw him play Chae Moo Sin, the top fighter in a high school. Since then, he has built an impressive acting portfolio with roles in five dramas and eight films. His appearance in Squid Game 2 marks his acting comeback after a seven-year hiatus.
5. He’s the great-nephew of a legendary Korean artist.
Art runs deep in T.O.P’s lineage. His maternal great-uncle, Kim Whanki, is one of Korea’s most celebrated abstract artists, known for merging traditional Korean aesthetics with modern geometric designs and minimalist palettes. Kim’s masterpieces are housed in the Whanki Museum in Seoul, preserving his contributions to South Korean art.
6. He’s an art connoisseur.
Surrounded by art from a young age, T.O.P has cultivated a deep fascination for the arts. Over the years, he has built a sizable personal collection featuring works from prominent artists, including Takashi Murakami, Kohei Nawa, and Pierre Jeanneret.
7. He was once selected to go on an expedition to the moon.
In 2022, T.O.P was selected to be part of the lunar tourism project, dearMoon—a project funded by Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa. It would have been a groundbreaking venture that aimed to bring 8 civilians on a SpaceX aircraft to circle the moon for the first time. Originally set for 2023, the project faced significant delays and was ultimately canceled in June 2024 due to development setbacks.
8. He owns a wine company.
In 2022, T.O.P launched T’Spot, a wine brand featuring four of his carefully curated selections. Among them, their best-selling product is the Bordeaux 2018, a well-bodied red wine with fruity notes.
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