'Squid Game 2' Unveils 9 Character Posters and Intro Video, Excluding T.O.P Once Again

On December 5, Squid Game 2 released its first set of character posters, resembling profile photos taken just before participating in the deadly game. Among them, T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun), a key cast member, was noticeably absent once again.

The poster for Player 456, Gi-hun, who has returned to end the game once and for all, contrasts starkly with the other participants. Gi-hun's serious and determined expression highlights his transformation from the innocent and cheerful persona seen in Season 1. His resolute gaze reflects his unwavering determination to uncover the truth behind the game, even at the cost of his life.

In contrast, the eight new participants display bright and hopeful expressions, filled with anticipation for the chance to win big money. The posters capture a mix of lively personalities: Yim Si-wan as Myung-ki, a cryptocurrency YouTuber (Player 333) Kang Ha-neul as Dae-ho, a cheerful and sociable contestant (Player 388) Lee Jin-uk as Kyung-seok, a desperate father seeking treatment funds for his sick daughter (Player 246) and Park Sung-hoon as Hyun-joo, a transgender woman aiming to fund her gender confirmation surgery (Player 120). Their radiant smiles amplify a paradoxical tension, contrasting with the grim nature of the game.

The posters also introduce new dynamics, such as a mother-and-son duo: Yang Dong-geun as Yong-sik (Player 007) and Kang Ae-shim as Geum-ja (Player 149), who enter the game to pay off gambling debts. This connection between outside relationships and the game adds a fresh layer to the narrative. Other characters include Lee Seo-hwan as Jung-bae (Player 390), Gi-hun's estranged friend, and Jo Yu-ri as Joon-hee (Player 222), a victim of bad investment advice. The new participants' smiles hint at the unpredictable twists awaiting them.

T.O.P, who announced his absence from the December 9 production press conference, also does not appear in the posters. This has fueled speculation about whether his scenes were completely edited out. Fans remain curious about his role in Squid Game 2 and whether he will appear at all.

T.O.P's casting has been met with controversy due to his 2016 conviction for marijuana use, which resulted in a 10-month suspended prison sentence. Although he hinted at retiring from the entertainment industry, he later returned to public activities, sparking mixed reactions.

Squid Game 2 premieres exclusively on Netflix on December 26.