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Choi Seung-hyun, from BigBang to Squid Game, is breaking the fourth wall and language barriers. Why does Thanos, his character in Squid Game Season 2, speak English? The short answer is: It’s a statement about the global nature of K-pop and K-hip hop.
The decision for Thanos to speak English wasn’t made by T.O.P. but by the writers of Squid Game, a creative choice that ties the character to the international crossover of modern K-pop culture. English isn’t just for laughs; it’s part of the game itself.
Thanos goes global: English as a tool, not a gimmick
Thanos doesn't just use English by accident in season 2 of Squid Game. It was done on purpose to show how chaotic and uncertain the character is. Because Squid Game takes place in a globalized world where ethnic lines are blurred and mixed identities form, the writers chose to have Thanos speak English. Being cool or "trying" to be Western isn’t the point. Thanos represents the meeting of East and West, just like K-pop’s rise to global success.
English is being used more in songs, especially by girl groups, where entire choruses are now in English, as K-pop continues to take over the world. In addition, works entirely in English are being released, such as Jungkook's album Golden, Jimin's hit song Who, and others. This trend isn't just for foreign appeal; it shows how the genre has grown into a worldwide force. K-pop has been using English in a smart way to get across cultural divides for years.
There is now more English in the words than before. This shows how the approach to Korean music has changed to reach people all over the world. Many Korean songs now use English as the main language because artists want their music to appeal to a wide range of people.
The way T.O.P. plays Thanos fits right in with this mix of cultures from around the world. K-pop artists like BTS have used English in their music (and life) without any problems, usually to tell stories rather than show off their language skills. T.O.P. sees the English-speaking Thanos as a figure who lives in a world where language barriers don't exist. This shows how K-pop is moving toward a more universal audience where English feels just as normal as Korean, even for people who don't speak it as their first language.
The variety of languages used in K-pop: it's not about trying to be Western
There is a lot of talk about "wannabes" in the K-pop world when it comes to how to use English. Some people say that K-pop acts who use a lot of English are just trying to sound "Western" to get fans around the world. But this criticism misses the mark. English in K-pop isn’t about imitation; it’s about connection. It’s a strategic and natural choice, one that reflects how K-pop has become a universal language, not one that is trying to fit into Western expectations.
T.O.P himself and his character Thanos aren’t "wannabes." People often call it "selling out" when artists use English to reach a wider audience. But for Thanos and T.O.P., it’s more than that. It’s about K-pop’s global reach, and English is a bridge, not a gimmick. And Thanos? He’s not imitating anyone. His use of English is part of his identity. And it transcends language and culture.
The global K-pop family: speaking English, breaking barriers
Artists across K-pop, not just T.O.P., have incorporated English into their music, making it a common practice rather than an exception. RM of BTS is well-known for his English fluency, and artists like Jay Park, CL, and others like Stray Kids’ Felix have been releasing songs entirely in English and/or seamlessly integrating English into their music to communicate with an international audience. The crossover isn’t limited to K-hip hop or one specific group. It's a broad trend that signifies how K-pop is now a global, multilingual phenomenon.
English is so influential in K-pop now that it shapes much of the genre’s sound and appeal. The goal is to create a hybrid sound that speaks to everyone, no matter where they’re from. Just like T.O.P in Squid Game, K-pop is a global force, not limited by language or geography.
Thanos and the Avengers: a pop culture nod
[The image above humorously references Thanos from Squid Game season 2, with T.O.P's character mimicking the Marvel villain's look. When asked if he gathered the Infinity Stones, he confidently replies, "Obviously!" The punchline comes with a sarcastic remark from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse's Spider-Ham, questioning if they can legally make the reference, poking fun at movie rights.]
Speaking of Thanos, Squid Game didn’t just throw in a random name for the character. Naming him Thanos is a clear nod to the iconic Avengers villain. (Fun fact: Marvel's Thanos is purple. Squid Game's Thanos hair is dyed purple.) Yes, that Thanos, who wiped out half the universe with a snap, now finds his namesake in Squid Game, a place where every move could be his last. The name isn’t just random; it’s a pop culture joke, a wink to fans who recognize the character. The writers of Squid Game know exactly what comes with the name “Thanos,” and they use it for both humor and drama.
T.O.P.’s performance takes this even further. He's embodying a pop culture icon in a mix of different cultural references. He makes the character both familiar and absurd, adding humor and depth to his role. The choice to name him Thanos plays into the global, hyper-referential nature of Squid Game, which is a huge phenomenon in the Hallyu (the Korean cultural wave that has been washing the Western world for a while now).
T.O.P’s true game: artistry, authenticity, and evolution
T.O.P. is a multi-faceted artist whose career goes far beyond just music and acting. His passion for art is something he has talked about openly, and his interest in visual art is more than a passing hobby. It’s a critical part of his identity.
“Art is the pleasure of my life, and it is a type of break for me,” T.O.P said, showing how it serves as both an escape and a source of inspiration.
This artistic way of thinking shows in his parts, like when he plays Thanos. He gives the character's chaos depth and makes it seem real.
In 2017, T.O.P. faced a deeply personal crisis and discussed it openly. This exposes another layer of his vulnerability, also showing the human side of the artist.
“I realized later how much hurt and painful memories I gave to the people around me, my family and fans out there,” he confessed about his suicide attempt.
Honesty and openness like this are both present in his daily life and in his art. Thanos isn't a one-dimensional bad guy. Beneath the surface, there's conflict, battle, and complexity. This is also a nod to T.O.P.'s own journey in his life and career.
The future of T.O.P: breaking the rules, creating legacies
T.O.P.’s future is as diverse as his career. Beyond music and acting, he wants to leave a mark in the art world.
“I want to build a museum before I become a grandfather,” he said, showing his desire to create something lasting.
He wants to provide a space for emerging artists to display their work, connecting art to a wider cultural scene.
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“I want to share the beauty that art gives with many young people, and make them feel the beauty in an easier way,” he shared, showing how his influence will continue to extend far beyond the stage.
No matter what the future holds for T.O.P., it will be exciting. He’s not sticking to the old rules. Instead, he keeps pushing boundaries. He's changing the game. He's rethinking and reshaping what it means to be a global artist in an ever-evolving world.
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