Squid Game 2 Faces Backlash Over Controversial Casting Choices Amidst Actor Scandals
The backlash has been intense on social media, with many users criticizing the decision to cast actors with such histories.
The second season of Squid Game has faced significant backlash due to the casting of male actors with controversial pasts, sparking widespread public criticism.
The series, which premiered on Netflix on December 26, 2024, has drawn attention not only for its narrative but also for the troubling histories of several cast members, particularly Lee Jin-Wook and O Yeong-su, both of whom have been involved in scandals related to sexual misconduct.
Critics have expressed disappointment over the casting choices, arguing that many male actors involved have problematic backgrounds, leading to calls for accountability from production teams.
Squid games & it’s disgusting & disturbing men – A thread pic.twitter.com/eK2HUuijBb
— Ely is Ely (@Elyyisan) December 30, 2024
Key Controversies Surrounding the Male Cast Includes:
Lee Jin-Wook:
In 2016, Lee was accused of sexual assault by a woman who alleged that he raped her after a night of drinking. Although the charges were later dropped, the incident has resurfaced amidst discussions about accountability in the entertainment industry.
O Yeong-su:
Known for his role as Player 001 in the first season of Squid Game, O was indicted in November 2022 for allegations of sexual misconduct, further complicating the public’s reception of the new season.
Park Sung-hoon:
The actor faced backlash after accidentally posting explicit content on his social media, which he claimed was a mistake while managing direct messages. This incident has drawn criticism given his role as Hyun-ju, a transgender character in the series.
Other Cast Members: The controversy extends to several other male actors in the series, including T.O.P and Lee Jung-Jae, both of whom have faced legal issues in the past related to drug use and driving under the influence (DUI) incidents respectively.
K-pop star T.O.P, known for his role in the group BIGBANG, made a significant return to the screen in Season 2, whose real name is Choi Seung-hyun, following a controversial past that included a marijuana scandal in 2017.
He was sentenced to 10 months in prison and faced a two-year suspension from military service due to his conviction for drug use, which is illegal in South Korea.
This pattern has led viewers to question the vetting processes for high-profile productions.
The backlash has been intense on social media, with many users criticizing the decision to cast actors with such histories. Comments range from suggestions that those responsible for casting should be held accountable to outright condemnation of the series for its choices.
Some fans argue that personal histories should not overshadow artistic contributions, while others believe these casting decisions reflect poorly on the production’s ethical standards.
The controversies surrounding Squid Game 2 have ignited broader discussions about accountability and ethical practices in casting within the entertainment industry, highlighting a growing demand for transparency and responsibility among creators and producers, keeping in view the closed and conservative South Korean society.
