Choi Seung Hyun, aka T.O.P, former member of BIGBANG, is getting a lot of attention for his role in Squid Game 2, but the reactions are very different from local and international audiences.

The highly anticipated Squid Game Season 2, which hit Netflix on December 26, follows the intense battle between Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung Jae), who returns for revenge and to participate in the games once again, and Frontman (Lee Byung Hun), who is waiting for him. The season, as a follow-up to the global hit Squid Game, has created major buzz since production began.

However, the casting of Choi Seung Hyun for a key role in the show caused quite a stir in South Korea. The star, who had previously left BIGBANG due to a marijuana scandal and retired from the entertainment industry, faced backlash over his casting. His return to acting in Squid Game 2 became one of the most talked-about and criticized decisions.

Director Hwang Dong-hyuk defended Choi Seung Hyun’s casting at a press conference before the show’s release, saying, "It took a lot of courage for Choi Seung Hyun to take on this role. I believe he was the perfect fit." He added, "You may not understand my choice now, but after watching the show, you'll see why I insisted on casting him. It wasn’t an easy decision, and it wasn’t easy for him either. I hope you judge him after seeing the work."

But when Squid Game 2 premiered, South Korean viewers were not impressed with Choi Seung Hyun's acting, especially his portrayal of Thanos, a character shown as a "drug addict." This portrayal led to a lot of negative feedback from the local audience.

Despite this, Director Hwang stood by his decision. In a People magazine interview on December 28, he praised Choi Seung Hyun’s performance, saying, "Even after a long break, I think he gave an impressive performance. I’m very satisfied with his work." This sparked even more criticism from domestic viewers, who were clearly not on the same page.

However, the international reaction to Choi Seung Hyun’s performance has been very different. Overseas audiences have praised his portrayal of Thanos, calling it one of the most memorable characters of Squid Game 2. Some international outlets even went so far as to name Thanos the standout role of the season, highlighting his realistic depiction of a "drug addict."

It seems that while domestic viewers have been tough on T.O.P's return to acting, international audiences are giving him the recognition he deserves.

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It’s official—Good Partner is getting a second season!

On April 3, 2025, SBS confirmed the exciting news that Good Partner will return for Season 2.

However, fans will have to wait a little longer for more details as the production is still in its early stages.

SBS revealed, “While the production for Season 2 has been confirmed, the broadcast schedule, filming dates, and cast have not been finalized. We are still in discussions.”

Good Partner originally aired last September, and it quickly became a fan favorite. The drama follows Cha Eun Kyung (played by Jang Na Ra), a seasoned divorce lawyer, and rookie lawyer Han Yoo Ri (played by Nam Ji Hyun), who is new to handling divorce cases.

The series was a hit, with a peak viewership rating of 17.7% (Nielsen Korea, nationwide households).

Both Jang Na Ra and Nam Ji Hyun were praised for their performances, with Jang Na Ra receiving her first acting award after 23 years in the industry at the 2024 SBS Drama Awards, and Nam Ji Hyun taking home the Best Acting Award.

Now, with the news of Good Partner Season 2, fans are eagerly wondering if the original cast will return. Will Jang Na Ra and Nam Ji Hyun reprise their roles, or will new faces join the team? Lee Jong Suk, a close friend and fellow actor of Jang Na Ra, has expressed his excitement for the continuation of the series and fully supports his friend's success.

As discussions continue, fans are keeping their fingers crossed for the return of their favorite characters.

Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated season.

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