In this article, we introduce four of the best films and series starring Choi Seung-hyun, namely "Squid Game," "71: Into the Fire," "Commitment," and "Tazza: The Hidden Card." Join us as we explore these works.
According to the culture and arts service of Saed News, Choi Seung-hyun, better known by his stage name T.O.P, is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor who gained fame with the boy band Big Bang.
His memorable role as Thanos in the second season of the popular series "Squid Game" is the reason we're highlighting four of his best films and series: "Squid Game," "71: Into the Fire," "Commitment," and "Tazza: The Hidden Card."
1. Squid Game
Year of Production: 2021
Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon, Choi Seung-hyun
Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
IMDB Rating: 8.0
Episodes: 16 episodes (2 seasons)
Synopsis: "Squid Game" tells the story of people struggling with severe financial problems who are mysteriously invited to a competition with a huge prize. 456 participants from different social classes gather in a secret location to compete for a 45.6 billion won prize, but losing in these games means death.
In the second season, Choi Seung-hyun plays player number 230, a proud and arrogant rapper named Thanos who fell victim to a cryptocurrency scam. He joins the deadly games to win the 45.6 billion won prize.
"Squid Game," one of Netflix's biggest successes, critiques social inequality with its unique story, memorable characters, shocking betrayals, and unexpected plot twists. The series won six Emmy Awards in 2022.
2. 71: Into the Fire
Year of Production: 2010
Director: John H. Lee
Writers: Lee Man-hee, Kim Dong-wook, John H. Lee
Cast: Cha Seung-won, Kwon Sang-woo, Choi Seung-hyun
Genre: Action, Drama, War
IMDB Rating: 7.2
Duration: 2 hours
Synopsis: This film commemorates those who fought in the Korean War, telling the true story of a group of 71 student soldiers from South Korea who lacked proper training and equipment. Most of these soldiers died on August 11, 1950, during the Battle of Pohang-dong. They defended the Pohang Girls' High School, a strategic point for protecting the Nakdong River defense line, against a larger North Korean force for 11 hours.
Choi Seung-hyun plays Oh Jang-bum, one of these brave students.
3. Commitment
Year of Production: 2013
Director: Park Hong-soo
Writer: Kim Soo-young
Cast: Choi Seung-hyun, Han Ye-ri, Yoon Je-moon
Genre: Action, Drama
IMDB Rating: 6.6
Duration: 1 hour and 53 minutes
Synopsis: After his father's failed espionage mission, Lee Myung-hoon (played by T.O.P) and his younger sister Hye-in, who are from North Korea, are sent to a labor camp. Myung-hoon "volunteers" to go to South Korea as a teenage defector to kill someone to save his sister's life.
To maintain his cover, he enrolls in a South Korean high school and lives as a student. He meets another girl named Hye-in and saves her from school bullies. However, South Korea's intelligence agency soon becomes aware of his presence and begins monitoring him. Simultaneously, the North Korean government sends a ruthless assassin to eliminate him.
4. Tazza: The Hidden Card
Year of Production: 2014
Director: Kang Hyung-chul
Writers: Kang Hyung-chul, Sang-bum Cho, Ji-gang Lee
Cast: Choi Seung-hyun, Shin Se-kyung, Kim Yoon-seok
Genre: Crime, Drama
IMDB Rating: 6.8
Duration: 2 hours and 27 minutes
Synopsis: Based on a manhwa of the same name, "Tazza: The Hidden Card" follows the story of a young man named Ham Dae-gil (played by Choi Seung-hyun) who, after reuniting with his first love, becomes a victim of betrayal and conspiracy, forcing him to flee. He enters a high-stakes, deadly game and plans his revenge.
