Choi Seung-hyun (TOP), formerly of Big Bang, who returned to acting through Season 2 of Netflix‘s ’Squid Game‘, is embroiled in a so-called ’acting controversy‘.

He had been heavily criticized since the casting stage due to his drug use record, and since then, he has been receiving public criticism for his ’substandard acting skills‘. However, foreign media outlets have been continuously praising him, drawing attention in contrast to the harsh evaluations from domestic viewers.

Choi Seung-hyun plays the role of Thanos, a rapper who loses a large sum of money in a coin investment and participates in a game of death. Thanos particularly garnered attention for his sensitive portrayal of consuming an unidentified drug.

Immediately after the release of Season 2, viewers reacted harshly, saying that Choi Seung-hyun’s acting was lacking. Various online communities and SNS were flooded with criticism pointing out Choi Seung-hyun‘s acting skills, which were close to a ’total mess‘, such as his inaccurate pronunciation that limited his line delivery, his overly exaggerated facial expressions and gestures, and his awkward raps that suddenly popped up and interrupted viewer immersion.

Furthermore, Choi Seung-hyun is practically the main villain of Season 2, and his considerable screen time is making viewers frown even more. Some are also questioning Director Hwang Dong-hyeok’s choice to give Choi Seung-hyun much more screen time than actors with guaranteed acting skills such as Im Si-wan and Kang Ha-neul.

Director Hwang previously responded to the public‘s concerns about casting Choi Seung-hyun, saying, “We sufficiently verified his (acting) skills through script readings, etc. When the drama is released, the public will understand the reason for casting Choi Seung-hyun,” he said confidently.

In fact, this reaction was already anticipated at the theater preview for domestic reporters on the 23rd prior to the official release. Every time Choi Seung-hyun appeared, sighs, sighs, and even ridicule erupted from various parts of the audience.

On the other hand, overseas viewers are showing a completely different reaction from domestic viewers, citing Thanos, played by Choi Seung-hyun, as the most attractive character in Season 2.

Foreign media outlets agreed with this. While the Hollywood Reporter in the US harshly criticized many of the new characters appearing in Season 2 as “inferior versions of Season 1,” it commented that Thanos, played by Choi Seung-hyun, is “unpredictable and vibrant.” Entertainment Weekly also praised Choi Seung-hyun’s acting, saying, ”He has swagger and a unique energy,“ while the BBC in the UK said, ”He plays a drug-addicted rapper with great spirit.“

Reporter Seungmi Lee smlee@donga.com