Director Hwang Dong-hyuk on Casting Choi Seung-hyun:
"Perhaps My Judgment Was Short...Will Show Through the Result"

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Director Hwang Dong-hyuk of 'Squid Game 2' has expressed his stance on the casting controversy surrounding Choi Seung-hyun (also known as T.O.P).

During a press conference held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, on August 1, Hwang candidly shared the decision-making process and his feelings about the casting.

Regarding Choi Seung-hyun's past drug incident, Hwang explained, "A verdict had already been given, and his probation period had ended.

I thought that perhaps it was time for him to start working again." However, in response to the greater-than-expected public concern, he confessed, "I thought that maybe my judgment was wrong, that it was short-sighted."

Choi Seung-hyun was sentenced to 10 months in prison with a two-year suspended sentence in 2017 for charges related to marijuana use.

After halting his broadcasting activities, he announced his return through 'Squid Game 2', which sparked controversy.

Hwang emphasized the thorough verification during the casting process.

"He auditioned and sent in acting tapes," he said.

"Whenever there were uncertainties during the reading process, we re-verified, and each time he showed great effort and talent." He added, "He's an actor I've been keeping an eye on since his earlier acting days."

About the character Choi Seung-hyun will portray, Hwang stated,

"I can't go into detail, but playing this role required a lot of courage."

He stressed, "I decided that Choi Seung-hyun was the most suitable for this role."

When asked why he didn't retract the casting despite the growing controversy, Hwang explained, "Having gone through many processes together, I concluded that the only way to show why Choi Seung-hyun had to be in this work and this character was through the final product."

Film industry insiders have offered various opinions on the matter.

One insider commented, "It's important to find a balance between an actor's past and the artistic value of the work.

Director Hwang's attitude of accepting evaluation through the final product is a responsible choice."

'Squid Game 2' is the sequel to the first season released in 2021, which set records for the shortest time to reach the highest viewership on Netflix and won six Emmy Awards.

The sequel depicts the showdown between Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae), who returns seeking revenge, and the Front Man (played by Lee Byung-hun), and is scheduled to be released on December 26.

Hwang concluded, "There may still be many questions, and some may not understand my decision," but added, "When you watch the work, you'll understand that our decision wasn't easy and that it wasn't easy for Choi Seung-hyun himself to take on this project."

He expressed his intention to await the audience's judgment.

This casting controversy has sparked social debate over the return of actors with past offenses in the entertainment industry.

The industry is closely watching how Choi Seung-hyun's acting and character will be received once 'Squid Game 2' is released, and how this might impact similar cases in the future.