Why does Thanos sometimes speak English in ‘Squid Game’?

nme.com:

Squid Game has smashed Netflix viewership records once again with its second season.Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the dystopian thriller’s second season picks up three years later, as Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) returns to the games in the hopes of bringing down the organisation entirely.Other returning cast members include Lee Byung-hun as the Front Man, Wi Ha-joon as detective Hwang Jun-ho, and Gong Yoo as the recruiter.

Among the newcomers to the cast is Choi Seung-hyun, also known as K-pop star T.O.P, who plays Thanos.The show’s second and third season were filmed back-to-back, with the latter set to be released at some point in 2025.While there’s no concrete explanation from the creators about the characterisation of Thanos in Squid Game season two, his frequent jump between Korean and English is a common trait among Korean rappers.This can be heard in songs by K-pop bands like BigBang; the group Thanos actor T.O.P was a member of until May 2023.

As such, the decision to cast T.O.P for the role of Thanos, who is a wannabe South Korean rapper, is a smart play on the actor’s history.Choi Seung-hyun, also known as T.O.P, achieved stardom as a member of K-pop band BigBang.

His role in Squid Game season two, however, represents a comeback for the rapper, singer and actor.In July 2017, T.O.P was found guilty of using marijuana, which is an illegal substance in South Korea.