“Squid Game” is back with its highly anticipated second season, and actor Lee Jong-jae is excited to step back into the role of Gi-hun. In a recent interview, Lee shared how he felt a deep connection to his character, having portrayed him for two years, including during the promotional period.
The show’s premise remains striking: it features a dark competition where financially desperate individuals play innocent games with lethal stakes. Since its debut in 2021, “Squid Game” garnered immense popularity, becoming Netflix’s most-watched series. It achieved critical acclaim, winning several awards, including the Primetime Emmy Awards for performances and directing.
When Netflix announced a second season, Lee expressed curiosity about the creative timeline, given that it took director Hwang Dong-hyuk years to develop the first season. To everyone’s surprise, Hwang managed to write the second season and the planned final season in just six months, proving his remarkable talent.
As the new season unfolds, the introduction of fresh characters is a priority. However, Hwang noted that determining Gi-hun’s journey presented the toughest challenge. Lee praised Hwang as a brilliant creator, showing confidence in the story’s direction.
In Korea, it is quite unusual for television series to have multiple seasons, making this venture into a second season a bold move. New cast member Yang Dong-geong commented on this concern, citing a common belief that sequels rarely outshine the original. Nonetheless, there is optimism, as “Squid Game” Season Two has already received a nomination for Best Drama at the upcoming Golden Globe Awards.
For seasoned actors like Lee Byung-hun, who returns as the antagonist, “Squid Game” has elevated their careers on an international scale. Known for his roles in Hollywood films, Lee emphasizes that this series has put a spotlight on his work, leading to broader visibility.
The audition journey for new talents like Jo Yu-ri was lengthy and emotional. She recalled the joy of receiving the news that she landed a role, a moment celebrated quietly among friends.
The “Squid Game” universe continues to expand, with plans for reality competition shows inspired by the series and an English-language adaptation underway. Meanwhile, filming for the third season is complete and in post-production.
Despite the excitement, Season Two does face some controversies, particularly regarding its introduction of a transgender character, played by Park Sung-hoon. Hwang acknowledged the complexity of representing the LGBTQ community in Korea, where acceptance is still growing. He expressed regret about not casting a transgender actor but emphasized the talent and suitability of Park for the role.
As “Squid Game” prepares for its second season, fans eagerly await what twists and turns lie ahead, aiming to capture the same groundbreaking spirit that made the first season a phenomenon.
