Choi Seung-hyun, not Big Bang's top, actually reversed his retirement... 'Drug charges' Yoo Ah-in accompanies the loss of Netflix

Choi Seung-hyun, who withdrew from the group Big Bang, actually overturned his retirement. Said to be facing a new chapter, he now returns as an actor. It is through the sequel to 'Squid Game', which recorded the highest cumulative viewership in the history of the OTT platform Netflix.

On the 29th, Netflix announced an additional lineup of 'Squid Game 2'. According to this, Park Kyu-young, former member of the girl group IZ*ONE, Cho Yuri, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Lee Jin-wook, Choi Seung-hyun, Noh Jae-won, and Won Jian were included. The most notable cast is, of course, Choi Seung-hyun.

Choi Seung-hyun debuted in the music industry in 2006 as a member of Big Bang, TOP. He also pursued acting activities at the same time. He appeared in the dramas 'I Am Sam', 'Iris', the films 'Into the Fire', 'Alumni', and 'Tazza: Hand of God'. In the meantime, 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 completed his service as a social worker.

Choi Seung-hyun replied, "I don't intend to do it either" to the comments that said, "Do it yourself" or "Don't think about returning." Through SNS, he emphasized, "I am making music these days. I am always sorry to the fans," and "I will not be making a comeback in Korea."

Choi Seung-hyun, whose exclusive contract with his former agency YG Entertainment expired in February of this year, has turned into a businessman. Also, the news of participation in the first civilian lunar flight project 'Dear Moon' was announced. Recently, he posted a video of him working on a beat and revealed the image of him working on an album.

Choi Seung-hyun, who said he had no intention of returning, appeared on the photo wall at the VIP premiere of the movie "Emergency Declaration" starring Lee Byung-hun last year. There is even a saying that it is a comeback signal. Coincidentally, Choi Seung-hyun and Lee Jung-jae and Lee Byung-hun, who are known as best friends, work together in 'Squid Game 2'. His comeback as an actor is the first in 9 years since the movie 'Tazza: Hand of God' released in 2014. If you include the 2017 Chinese drama 'Asang, Ah Annie', it will be a comeback after 6 years.

Choi Seung-hyun, who has been facing a new chapter in his life since last year after leaving Big Bang. He is showing unpredictable steps from being a singer to a wine entrepreneur, joining the first civilian flight project, working on an album, and returning as an actor. It was Choi Seung-hyun who became a free spirit by hinting at retirement, but it seems to have changed in front of 'Squid Game 2'.

With Choi Seung-hyun's appearance in 'Squid Game 2', some suspected that Lee Jung-jae's influence was at work. Regarding this suspicion, Lee Jung-jae's side denied it, saying, "It's not true."

Apart from this, Netflix's move is ironic. This is because Yoo Ah-in, who was accused of drug use, quickly lost money. Netflix changed the casting of 'Hell 2' from Yoo Ah-in to Kim Seong-chul, and the release of the films 'Competition' and 'The Last Fool' was temporarily suspended. The industry predicts that the casting of Choi Seung-hyun, who was convicted of cannabis in the past, will shake hands in many ways.

The syndrome of 'Squid Game' hit the world. In the 28 days since its release, the cumulative viewing time recorded 1.65 billion hours, putting it in first place. This is equivalent to 188,400 years in terms of years. As a result, it became the first non-English drama to win six Emmy Awards. Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, said, “I saw how ‘The Squid Game’ was loved all over the world. It was an incredible achievement to win six Emmy Awards. Personally, I am a fan, so I am looking forward to ‘Squid Game 2’ as well.” He also expressed his anticipation.

'Squid Game 2' received a hot response right from the casting announcement process. It means that global viewers are looking forward to it. Choi Seung-hyun, who hinted at retirement, returns as an actor after a long time through 'Squid Game 2'. Choi Seung-hyun is facing a new chapter. It remains to be seen what kind of image he will show in 'Squid Game 2', which begins filming in the second half of the year, and what kind of reaction he will get.

Reporter Kang Min-kyung, Ten Asia kkk39@tenasia.co.kr