It’s hard to forget Thanos in Squid Game Season 2—the purple-haired, eccentric rapper-contestant who turned heads. If you’ve been wondering who the Thanos Squid Game actor is, and what’s behind his casting, you’re in the right place. From his K-pop past to his rise as a scene-stealing villain, there’s a lot to unpack.
So let’s dig into who plays Thanos, why the role is controversial, and what makes his performance memorable.
Who Plays Thanos in Squid Game?
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The character Thanos (Player 230) is portrayed by Choi Seung-hyun, better known by his stage name T.O.P.
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Choi Seung-hyun is a former member of the iconic K-pop group BIGBANG.
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His appearance in Squid Game marks a high-profile acting return after years focused more on music and public life.
He brings both star power and baggage to the role—making Thanos more than just a villain stereotype.
Thanos Actor Profile: Choi Seung-Hyun (T.O.P)
Here’s a quick reference table for the actor behind Thanos:
| Attribute | Details |
| Real Name | Choi Seung-hyun |
| Stage Name | T.O.P |
| Notable as | Former member of BIGBANG (K-pop boyband) |
| Role in Squid Game | Player 230 — “Thanos” in Squid Game Season 2 |
| Public Past | Faced controversy over a 2017 marijuana-related incident in South Korea |
| Return to Acting | His role as Thanos is described as a comeback in his acting career |
Why Casting T.O.P as Thanos Made Waves
Casting Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P) as Thanos stirred a lot of discussion. Here’s why it stood out:
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Celebrity Influence: Thanos is intentionally crafted as a rapper-character, and casting T.O.P (a real-life rapper) gives life to that persona in a more layered way.
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Controversial Past: T.O.P’s prior scandal involving marijuana (illegal in South Korea) raised eyebrows when his name was tied to a major Netflix show.
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Creative Decision: The show’s creator argued that the casting was necessary and that T.O.P’s involvement brought authenticity—despite the risk of public backlash.
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Character Fit: Thanos is more than a villain; he’s flamboyant, reckless, using English rap phrasing, and T.O.P shaped some stylistic elements like the look (hair, nails) to align with the character.
All these elements made him a memorable antagonist rather than just another “bad player.”
Role & Performance: What Makes Thanos Stand Out
While Squid Game includes many dramatic and emotional storylines, Thanos distinguishes himself in several ways:
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He speaks in a mix of Korean and occasional English, giving him a swaggering, disruptive energy.
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His appearance includes visual symbolism (such as purple hair and striking nail designs) that nod to the “Thanos” name-inspiration.
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In season 2 of Squid Game, Thanos crosses moral lines in dramatic ways—engaging in betrayal, intimidation, and ultimately confrontation with other characters (spoiler warning for those who haven’t watched).
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His arc is also deeply tied to themes of celebrity, debt, identity, and obsession, which mirrors the broader critique the show makes about fame and risk.
Even if you don’t love the character, his design and the performance spark strong reactions from fans.
FAQs About Thanos Squid Game Actor
Q1: Who exactly is Thanos in Squid Game?
Thanos is Player 230 in Season 2—a rapper contestant character played by Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P).
Q2: Is Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P) a singer as well?
Yes. He was a prominent member of the K-pop group BigBang before taking on acting roles.
Q3: Why was his casting controversial?
Because T.O.P was previously involved in a marijuana-related scandal in South Korea, which made his return to a major show controversial to some audiences.
Q4: Does Thanos survive in Squid Game?
Spoiler alert: No—he dies in the season finale after a violent confrontation with another character.
Q5: Will the actor appear again in future seasons?
As of now, it seems unlikely — given the character’s fate in Season 2. But with shows like Squid Game, flashbacks or spin-offs aren’t totally out of the question.
Conclusion: Why the Thanos Actor Matters
The Thanos Squid Game actor, Choi Seung-hyun aka T.O.P, is more than eye candy or shock value. His casting connects past controversies, real-world celebrity identity, and daring creative risk. Through performance and design, Thanos becomes one of Season 2’s most talked-about figures.