The casting news of former BIGBANG member T.O.P has stirred controversy as netizens bring up his drug scandal.
On June 29th, Netflix revealed the lineup for its original drama “Squid Game 2”. It included various prominent actors such as Park Gyu Young, Jo Yuri, Kang Ae Sim, Lee David, Lee Jin Wook, Noh Jae Won, Won Ji An, and Choi Seung Hyun (T.O.P).
It was reported that the aforementioned names, along with the previously announced cast lineup of Im Si Wan, Kang Ha Neul, Park Sung Hoon, and Yang Dong Geun, completed the script reading on June 23rd.
However, many people have taken issue that T.O.P, a drug possession offender, is included in this lineup. In particular, T.O.P enlisted in 2017, but was belatedly revealed to have used marijuana at his home back in 2016.
After a trial held while T.O.P was still in the army, he was sentenced to 10 months in prison with a 2-year probation.
Subsequently, T.O.P indicated that he had no intention of making a comeback and would retire from the entertainment industry. The male idol even firmly expressed his determination to retire, but recently revealed the news that he is currently working on his solo album, saying, “STILL MAKING MY ALBUMS.”
Whilst T.O.P previously gained recognition for his acting in past works, there have been a rising number of drug-related incidents in the entertainment industry, causing criticisms to be directed at T.O.P’s casting news.
Furthermore, considering that Netflix is temporarily postponing the release of movie “The Match” and original series “Goodbye Earth” due to the drug scandal of Yoo Ah In, it is ironic that they cast T.O.P, a former drug possession offender.
Of course, there is no legal issue for T.O.P to return, as he has already served his sentence. However, the public, who have to see drug offenders easily return to the industry after a certain “reflection period”, would naturally show disapproval.
Source: Naver
