Despite T.O.P's infamous criminal record for marijuana use, Korean critics felt that the idol was inequipped in his role as Squid Game 2's latest villain, Thanos.
The Netflix giant's showrunner and director Hwang Dong Hyuk had previously defended his casting of the idol, assuring fans that the Big Bang member was befitting for the role.
Korean media outlets, however, slammed the actor for his "unbearable" acting and asserted that the idol had been miscast and contributed little to the show's latest season.
Read more: 'Squid Games' Season 2 Receives Scathing Critical Reviews: A 'Letdown' and 'Simply Doesn't Work'
"After watching the second season of Squid Game, T.O.P's screen time feels excessively abundant, to the point of being unbearable," said MBC's Kim Kyung Hee.
"Thanos' being a character who uses drugs overlaps with T.O.P's real-life controversies amplifies the unpleasantness of watching him portray such a character."
"His acting isn't particularly impressive either. Instead, it feels awkward and unsettling. Was it truly necessary to cast someone with a criminal record for such a role? The character's rap-heavy lines are also hard to understand. And, frankly, just watching him walk into a scene feels unappealing."
The critic continued to add that the director should've opted for a "talented rookie" and that it was a missed opportunity to nurture the growth of a rising superstar.
"They might have gained global recognition through this role, and viewers would likely have felt less disappointed. Additionally, director Hwang Dong Hyuk would have been praised for his eye for discovering new talent," Kim said.
"It's unclear what T.O.P stands to gain from appearing in this project. His prior conviction for marijuana use has been brought back into the spotlight, his acting is receiving criticism, and his character isn't one that garners sympathy."
JoyNews agreed with Kim's sentiments, questioning Hwang's judgment in casting the actor in the critical role.
"Director Hwang said, 'I believe viewers will understand that this decision was not an easy one and that T.O.P himself must have found it challenging to take on this role.' However, after watching Squid Game Season 2, viewers are left questioning instead of understanding: Why did Hwang feel the need to cast T.O.P, and what exactly was the courage the idol supposedly showed?" the outlet asked.
"Although the production team claimed to have thoroughly vetted the casting, the result is a character that feels hollow due to a lack of acting skills, ultimately disrupting the immersion of the show.
"Why are viewers being expected to understand or empathize with the difficulty T.O.P faced in taking on this project? Did the creators genuinely believe that by saying, 'We vetted him,' and 'We deemed him suitable,' the viewers would simply nod in agreement and move on?
"Or did they assume that because the Squid Game series targets a global audience, the disappointment from Korean viewers could be ignored? These are new questions that viewers now feel compelled to ask Director Hwang Dong Hyuk."
