Lee Jung Jae’s Agency Clarifies Actor’s Involvement in BIGBANG TOP’s Casting for ‘Squid Game 2’
Lee Jung Jae's agency, Artist Company, responded to news about the award-winning star's involvement with BIGBANG's T.O.P. being included as one of the official "Squid Game" season 2 cast.
After Netflix revealed eight additional cast members joining the much-awaited sequel, Dispatch cited an exclusive report that the 50-year-old star "helped" the K-pop icon with his casting in the series.
Lee Jung Jae Rumored to Have Helped BIGBANG's T.O.P. in 'Squid Game' Season 2 Casting
T.O.P., whose real name is Choi Seung Hyun, reportedly got the part because of Lee Jung Jae. Dispatch claimed that the award-winning top star is helping the singer-actor revive his career following his hiatus in show business.
The report added that Lee Jung Hae also helped T.O.P. with projects in the past. However, it was only for "Squid Game" season 2 that he got the offer.
The outlet also mentioned that despite their 15-year age gap, the duo became close friends because they shared the same interests. Lee Jung Jae and BIGBANG's T.O.P. share the same special hobby, like going to art galleries.
Shortly after the news broke, the actor's agency clarified rumors surrounding the "Squid Game" season 2 casting.
Lee Jung Jae's Agency Issues Statement About BIGBANG's T.O.P. Casting in 'Squid Game' Season 2
The Artist Company denied the claims that Lee Jung Jae is heavily involved with T.O.P.'s casting for the sequel. The label addressed the issue through an official statement, noting that the actor "had no interaction or contact" with the K-pop star for "several years."
IN CASE YOU MISSED: 'Squid Game' Season 2 Questioned for Casting Male Top Stars While Actresses Are Mostly Rookies
Artist Company explained, as obtained by a media outlet:
"The rumor that he was involved in the casting for Squid Game season two when the two haven't had any contact in several years is completely absurd. It's absolutely not true."
Moreover, the label also shared that it was during the script reading that Lee Jung Jae saw T.O.P. for the first time after several years.
Artist Company also reiterated that Lee Jung Jae has nothing to do with the casting project since it is "under the authority of the director and production company.
On the other hand, Hiin Entertainment, the label that helps T.O.P. with his domestic projects, shared the same sentiment and said that they had nothing to do with T.O.P. getting the role in Squid Game season two.
"We don't handle all of his work but help him little by little whenever there is something related through our personal connections."
Hiin Entertainment CEO clarified, added:
"We did not do anything for him and Squid Game season two."
Besides T.O.P. and Lee Jung Jae, a mix of top stars and rookie actors joined the sequel.
Lee Byung Hun, Wi Ha Joon, and Gong Yoo will reprise their roles, while Im Siwan, Kang Ha Neul, Park Sung Hoon, Yang Dong Geun, Park Gyu Young, Lee Jin Wook, Won Ji An, Kang AeSim, Lee David, Jo Yu Ri, and Roh Jae Won will play new characters.
READ MORE: Lee Jung Jae's 'Daughter' Predicted to Appear in 'Squid Game' Season 2
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