7 Shocking Facts Behind The Viral 'Thanos Photo' From Squid Game Season 2: T.O.P.'s Transformation

The question "Who is Thanos in *Squid Game*?" became one of the most searched queries following the release of *Squid Game* Season 2 in late 2024. This character, Player 230, instantly became a global phenomenon, not for his survival skills, but for his sheer comedic presence and the jarring juxtaposition of his name with the show's dark premise. As of December 2025, the character continues to dominate social media feeds, with the infamous "Thanos photo" scene—where he poses for a picture with other players—cementing his status as the series' most unexpected and viral meme.

The entire narrative surrounding the character, from his purple hair to his tragic backstory involving a cryptocurrency scam, was engineered by creator Hwang Dong-hyuk to be a universally recognizable, darkly humorous figure. This article dives deep into the character's creation, the actor's controversial return to the spotlight, and the specific viral moments that turned a side character into the breakout star of the new season, completely overshadowing the original Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) villain he is named after.

Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P.) Complete Profile and Biography

The character "Thanos" is portrayed by the South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor, Choi Seung-hyun, better known by his stage name, T.O.P. His casting in *Squid Game* Season 2 was a major point of discussion, marking his first acting role in several years and a high-profile return to the entertainment industry.

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• Full Name: Choi Seung-hyun (최승현)
• Stage Name: T.O.P. (탑)
• Date of Birth: November 4, 1987
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 38 years old
• Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
• Height: 181 cm (5'11")
• Primary Occupation: Rapper, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actor
• Affiliated Group: BIGBANG (Main Rapper, Sub-Vocalist)
• Notable Filmography: *Tazza: The Hidden Card* (2014), *Commitment* (2013), *Iris* (2009), *Squid Game* Season 2 (2024)
• Character in *Squid Game 2*: Thanos (Player 230)
• Character Backstory: A failed rapper who lost everything after falling victim to a massive cryptocurrency fraud (the "MG Coins scam"), leading him to join the deadly games.

T.O.P.’s portrayal of the eccentric, often-high, and surprisingly philosophical Player 230 earned him critical attention and, for many fans, redeemed his public image following past controversies. His performance was widely praised for bringing much-needed comedic relief to the otherwise grim narrative of the survival thriller.

The Origin Story: Why the Rapper is Named 'Thanos'

The decision to name a contestant in the brutal, high-stakes Korean survival game after one of the most famous super-villains in global cinema was entirely deliberate. The show's creator, Hwang Dong-hyuk, confirmed that the name is a direct, intentional nod to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) character.

A Global Meme, Not a Korean Reference

Hwang Dong-hyuk stated that he specifically chose the name "Thanos" to create a character that fans worldwide could instantly recognize and love. Unlike many cultural references in the show geared toward a South Korean audience, Thanos was designed to be a universal figure of dark comedy. The character’s purple hair is a visual cue, mirroring the iconic skin tone of the MCU villain.

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The Philosophy of Sacrifice and Debt

The name is more than just a joke; it serves a thematic purpose. The MCU Thanos is famous for his belief in "sacrificing people for a greater good" (snapping away half the universe to save the rest). In the context of *Squid Game*, the character Thanos is a victim of a system that demands ultimate sacrifice (life for money). The juxtaposition highlights the moral bankruptcy of the Games—where a man named after a genocidal villain is just another desperate player, broken by modern economic failure. His tragic backstory—losing his fortune in the MG Coins scam—grounds the over-the-top name in a very real, relatable financial desperation.

The Viral 'Thanos Photo' and Other Iconic Meme Moments

The "Thanos photo" refers to one of the most shared and memed scenes from *Squid Game* Season 2. During a break in the Games, the new players are seen socializing, and several players approach Thanos (Player 230), recognizing him as the failed rapper, asking to take a picture with him.

The Irony of Celebrity in Crisis

This scene is a brilliant piece of dark satire. Even in a life-or-death situation, the lure of celebrity and the desire for a viral social media moment (a "photo op") persists. The players, facing imminent death, momentarily forget their peril to get a selfie with a minor celebrity. Thanos himself, despite being a financial wreck and a complete wildcard, briefly regains his celebrity status, becoming a kind of tragicomic cult figure among the desperate players. This moment, captured in countless screenshots and GIFs, perfectly encapsulates the show's critique of modern society's obsession with fame.

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Other Viral Thanos Moments That Sparked Memes

Thanos's entire run in the Games was a meme-generating machine, contributing significantly to the show's global buzz.

1. The Purple Hair and High-Energy Antics: His distinctive purple hair and erratic, high-energy behavior—often interpreted by fans as him being "high" or simply unhinged—provided a constant source of comedic relief in the tense environment. This duality—flawed, yet brave—is why fans connected with him so deeply.
2. The Rapper Persona: His attempts to maintain his rapper persona, even while wearing the drab green tracksuit, created an immediate, hilarious contrast. The fact that other players recognized him and treated him as a minor celebrity added to the absurdity.
3. The MG Coins Backstory: The specific detail of his ruin—a crypto scam—made him a timely and relevant cautionary tale for the 2020s audience, cementing his status as a character who is both ridiculous and deeply sympathetic.
4. The Selfies and Groupies: The "Thanos photo" moment highlights his brief, fleeting popularity within the Games, where other players become his "groupies" seeking a photo, a moment of normalcy, or perhaps a temporary distraction from the horror.

T.O.P. himself acknowledged the viral nature of his character, noting that he enjoyed seeing the new Thanos memes and videos online, suggesting a positive reception to his controversial return to acting.

The Legacy of Player 230: The Wildcard Force

Thanos (Player 230) was not just comic relief; he was a 'wildcard force' that fundamentally changed the dynamic of *Squid Game* Season 2. His unpredictable nature, combined with the baggage of his past, made him a character that viewers could not easily categorize. He was not a traditional hero, nor was he a straightforward villain like the MCU character he was named after. Instead, he was a representation of the modern, broken individual: a former celebrity ruined by financial greed, seeking a desperate second chance.

The character's impact proved that the show's creator successfully achieved his goal. By giving a character a globally recognized name and an over-the-top visual (the purple hair), Hwang Dong-hyuk ensured that Player 230 would be the most talked-about new addition. The character's tragicomic arc—from famous rapper to crypto-scam victim to meme-generating contestant—is a powerful commentary on the fleeting nature of fame and the crushing weight of debt in contemporary society. His legacy is not tied to winning, but to providing a bizarre, humorous, and ultimately human lens through which to view the show's horrors, ensuring that the "Thanos photo" will be a cultural touchstone for years to come.