Source: 10Asia
Choi Seung-hyun who withdrew from Big Bang effectively reversed his retirement.
He's said to be facing a new chapter now that he's returning as an actor through the sequel to 'Squid Game' that recorded the highest cumulative viewership in the history of OTT platform Netflix.
On the 29th, Netflix announced an additional lineup for 'Squid Game' that included Park Kyu-young, IZ*ONE Cho Yuri, Kang Ae-sim, Lee Da-wit, Lee Jin-wook, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, and Won Ji-an. However, the most prominent cast member was definitely Choi Seung-hyun (TOP).
In 2017, he was sentenced to 10 months in prison and 2 years probation for smoking marijuana four times while serving in the military as a conscripted police officer. As a result, his conscripted police position was lifted and he concluded his service as a social service worker.
Choi Seung-hyun even responded saying, "I'm not going to do either" when comments asked, "just go solo" and "Don't think of returning." At the time, he wrote on SNS, "I'm making music these days. I'm always sorry to fans. I won't be making a comeback in Korea."
Choi Seung-hyun, whose exclusive contract with his former agency YG Entertainment expired in February this year, turned into a businessman. He announced participation as a civilian on the first lunar flight project 'Dear Moon' and recently posted a video image working hard on an album.
Choi Seung-hyun, who said he had no intention of returning, appeared last year in the VIP preview photo wall for the movie 'Emergency Declaration' starring Lee Byung-hun. This was his return signal.
Coincidentally, he'll be working with Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun who are known as best friends in 'Squid Game 2.' This is the first time in six years he's returning as an actor since 'Tazza' in 2014 and a Chinese film in 2017.
Cho Seung-hyun, who has been facing a new chapter in his life since last year after leaving Big Bang. From singer to wine businessman to civilian, he's showing unpredictable moves such as joining a first time flight project, working on an album and now returning to the actor Choi Seung-hyun after hinting at retirement and becoming a free soul. His stance seems to have changed in front of 'Squid Game 2.'
With Choi Seung-hyun's appearance in the drama, some are raising suspicions that it's Lee Jung-jae's influence at work however Lee Jung-jae is denying the claims saying, "it's not true."
Putting this aside, Netflix's move is ironic. Yoo Ah-in, who got embroiled in drug scandal for abusing drugs quickly lost his job. Netflix quickly changed the casting of 'Hellbound' from Yoo Ah-in to Kim Sung-chul and his films 'The Match' and 'Goodbye Earth' also got suspended.
The industry predicts that the casting of Choi Seung-hyun, who was convicted of marijuana drug use in the past included handshakes in many ways.
The syndrome of 'Squid Game' hit the global market. In the 28 days since its release, the cumulative viewing time recorded 1.65 billion hours making it rank in first place. This is equivalent to 188,400 years on earth. It also became the first non-English drama to win 6 Emmy Awards. Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix stated, "I saw how Squid Game was loved all over the world. It was an incredible feat to win 6 Emmys. Personally, I'm a fan so I'm looking forward to Squid Game 2."
'Squid Game 2' is receiving enthusiastic responses from the casting announcement process meaning global viewers, at least, are looking forwarding to it. What Choi Seung-hyun, who hinted at retirement, will show, and what the public reaction will be like still remains to be seen, as the drama is set to begin filming the second half of the year .
