Returning to the set of Squid Game for its highly anticipated second season, Lee Jung-jae admitted it felt as though he had never left. “I had been living with Gi-hun for two years, including promotions,” the actor shared in a recent interview, adding, “I really felt like I was him.”
The global phenomenon, which debuted in 2021, captivated audiences with its dark premise of a deadly competition where individuals in debt compete in childhood-inspired games for a chance at financial freedom. The series became Netflix’s most-watched show and garnered prestigious accolades, including Primetime Emmy Awards for Lee and director Hwang Dong-hyuk. The success propelled Lee’s career to new heights, landing him at the Cannes Film Festival and in his first English-language role for Disney+’s Star Wars series The Acolyte.
New details of ‘Squid Game’ season 2 revealed
When Netflix ordered a second season, Lee initially questioned the timeline, recalling how the first season took years to develop. However, Hwang surprised everyone by drafting not only season two but also a third and final season in just six months. “I’m not sure I can write something that fast again,” Hwang admitted. The director noted that crafting new characters came naturally, but deciding Gi-hun’s trajectory was the most challenging part. Lee praised Hwang’s work, calling him “a genius” after reading the scripts.
Korean actor Yang Dong-geong, a new cast member, acknowledged the pressure of following up a successful first season. “There’s a Korean saying, ‘There’s not a sequel that does better than its prequel,’” Yang remarked. Despite the challenges, season two has already received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Drama Series, signaling high expectations.
'Squid Game' star Lee Jung-jae debuts as director in Cannes
The show’s international appeal continues to elevate careers. Lee Byung-hun, reprising his villainous role from season one, reflected on how Squid Game brought him global recognition after over three decades in the industry. “If Squid Game makes people curious about my earlier work, nothing could bring me greater joy,” he said.
New cast member Jo Yu-ri revealed that the audition process was rigorous, with months between callbacks. Reflecting on landing the role, she said, “I remember crying when I got the part.” Netflix enforced strict secrecy around casting announcements, though close friends celebrated the milestone privately.
The Squid Game franchise is expanding, with a second season of its reality competition show already confirmed and an English-language adaptation in development. Meanwhile, post-production on season three of the original series is underway.
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Season two hasn’t been without controversy. One of the new characters is transgender, portrayed by actor Park Sung-hoon. Hwang acknowledged criticism over the decision not to cast a transgender actor but explained that it reflects the limited representation of LGBTQ individuals in Korean media. “Unfortunately, marginalized groups like the LGBTQ community are not widely accepted in Korea,” Hwang said, emphasizing that the team conducted thorough research but could not find a suitable transgender actor. He defended Park’s casting, calling his performance “the perfect fit” for the role.
As anticipation builds for the next installment, the cast and crew remain optimistic about continuing the story of Squid Game while navigating the pressures of global success and cultural sensitivities.