South Korean star T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) made a highly anticipated return to the public stage during Netflix’s global fan event, TUDUM 2025, held at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles. This marks the former BIGBANG rapper’s first major appearance since stepping away from the limelight following his departure from the K-pop group and a years-long hiatus after a drug scandal in 2017.
T.O.P joined cast members Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Park Sung-hoon, and Kang Ae-sim to promote the upcoming third and final season of Netflix’s hit series Squid Game. He plays a character named Thanos, a disgraced rapper who falls from fame after a crypto-related scandal—an ironic nod to T.O.P’s own turbulent past.
His casting had initially sparked controversy, but Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk stood firmly by the decision, describing Season 2 as “a second chance story” not just for the character, but for the actor himself.
The TUDUM 2025 event was star-studded, featuring musical performances by Lady Gaga and Indian rapper Hanumankind, who delivered “Run It Up,” the anthem for Squid Game Season 2. The event was hosted by actress Sofia Carson and drew global attention as Netflix teased its biggest upcoming releases.
Squid Game Season 3 is scheduled to premiere on June 27, 2025.