T.O.P Scores Gold Derby Award Nomination for Squid Game Role Despite Past Scandals
Former BIGBANG member T.O.P (Choi Seung-hyun) proves his talent transcends controversy with a Gold Derby TV Award nomination for his breakout performance as Thanos in Netflix's "Squid Game" Season 2.
The 37-year-old rapper-turned-actor earned recognition in the Best Drama Supporting Actor category, facing direct competition against co-star Lee Byung-hun, who portrayed the mysterious Front Man in the hit series.
"Squid Game" swept multiple categories at the 2025 Gold Derby TV Awards, with seven total nominations including Best Drama Series. The Korean phenomenon also secured nods for Lee Jung-jae (Best Actor), Kang Ae-sim and Park Gyu-young (Best Supporting Actress), and Gong Yoo (Best Guest Actor).
T.O.P's nomination represents a significant career milestone following years of public scrutiny. The actor received a suspended prison sentence in 2017 for marijuana use and officially left BIGBANG in May 2023 to pursue solo activities.
In "Squid Game" Season 2, T.O.P portrays Thanos, a financially desperate rapper who joins the deadly competition after losing money in cryptocurrency investments. The actor described his character as "not like a very villainous villain, but more of a loser guy" with "a few screws loose" that makes him "a little bit adorable to people."
The role marked T.O.P's return to high-profile acting after maintaining a relatively low profile since his legal troubles. His performance has generated strong fan support, with viewers praising his authentic portrayal of the troubled musician.
While "Squid Game" Season 2 earned Gold Derby nominations, the series was completely shut out of the 2025 Emmy nominations, a dramatic contrast to the first season's 14 Emmy nominations and six wins in 2022.
Gold Derby voting continues through August 3, with winners announced on August 18. The awards recognize excellence across television programming from registered users in the entertainment industry.
T.O.P's nomination signals potential career rehabilitation for the former K-pop star. After leaving YG Entertainment in February 2022, he now operates under TOPSPOT PICTURES and continues solo music activities while pursuing acting opportunities.
International fans have rallied behind his nomination, viewing it as validation of his artistic abilities separate from past controversies. Social media responses include messages like "he deserves this award for supporting actor" and calls for industry recognition of his comeback efforts.
The nomination highlights how exceptional performances can rebuild careers damaged by scandal, offering T.O.P a path forward in entertainment through his acting talent rather than his troubled past.