Choi Seung-hyun, a former member of the popular K-pop group BigBang, has essentially reversed his retirement decision. Instead of embracing a new chapter away from entertainment, he is returning as an actor in the sequel to 'Squid Game', the Netflix series that recorded the highest ever cumulative viewership in the OTT platform's history.

On the 29th, Netflix announced the additional lineup for 'Squid Game 2'. The list includes Park Kyu-young, former IZ*ONE member Jo Yu-ri, Kang Ae-shim, Lee Da-wit, Lee Jin-wook, Choi Seung-hyun, No Jae-won, and Won Ji-an. The most prominent among these is undoubtedly Choi Seung-hyun.

Seung-hyun debuted in 2006 as a member of BigBang, under the stage name T.O.P. He concurrently pursued an acting career, starring in dramas like 'I Am Sam' and 'Iris', and movies such as 'Into The Fire', 'Alumni', and 'Tazza: The Hidden Card'. His career took a turn in 2017 when he was sentenced to a 10-month suspended prison term for smoking marijuana four times while serving as a police officer for his military duty. Subsequently, he was removed from his position and completed his service as a social service agent.

He had previously indicated on social media that he had no plans to return to the entertainment industry, focusing on making music and apologizing to fans. He also insisted that he would not make a comeback in Korea. However, after his exclusive contract with YG Entertainment expired in February this year, Seung-hyun transformed into a businessman. He even announced his participation in the civilian moon flight project 'DearMoon' and shared his ongoing album work.

Despite denying plans of a comeback, Seung-hyun unexpectedly appeared at the VIP screening of the movie 'Emergency Declaration', which starred Lee Byung-hun, last year. This led to speculations about his return. Coincidentally, he will be joining 'Squid Game 2' alongside his good friends Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun. This marks his return to acting after 9 years since the 2014 film 'Tazza: The Hidden Card', or 6 years if including his appearance in the 2017 Chinese drama 'As If Love'.

Following his departure from BigBang, Seung-hyun has been living a life full of unpredictable moves, including becoming a wine businessman, participating in a civilian moon flight project, working on an album, and returning to acting. His decision to join 'Squid Game 2' appears to be another surprising turn.

There have been suspicions that Lee Jung-jae played a role in Seung-hyun's inclusion in 'Squid Game 2'. However, Lee's representatives have dismissed these rumors as untrue. Meanwhile, Netflix's decision to cast Seung-hyun, who has a past conviction for marijuana use, is seen as somewhat ironic, given the platform's swift action to cut ties with Yoo Ah-in over drug use allegations.

The 'Squid Game' phenomenon has been a global sensation, with a cumulative viewing time of over 1.65 billion hours within 28 days of release, equating to over 188,400 years. As a result, it became the first non-English drama to win six Emmy Awards. Netflix's co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, expressed excitement for 'Squid Game 2', being a fan himself.

The announcement of the casting for 'Squid Game 2' has garnered significant attention, reflecting global anticipation. Choi Seung-hyun, who had hinted at retirement, is set to make a long-awaited return as an actor through 'Squid Game 2'. It will be intriguing to see what role he plays in the upcoming series, and what kind of response it will elicit.

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