Lee Jung-jae, the acclaimed actor known for his multifaceted talent, has been deeply immersed in his character, Seong Gi-hun—or Player 456—from the groundbreaking Netflix series Squid Game over the past five years. With the international hit preparing to premiere its much-anticipated Season 3 on June 27, Lee’s reflections on his journey as Gi-hun reveal both the challenges and triumphs of his career.
For Lee, Seong Gi-hun has transcended his initial favorite role, Lee Han from The Young Man. “I can’t help it. That’s how everyone recognizes me,” he said with a smile during a recent interview. This recognition, however, comes with its own set of pressures. Following the monumental success of Season 1, which became Netflix’s biggest series debut with 68 million views in its first week, expectations for Season 2 were sky-high.
When the announcement for Season 2 came, Lee was taken aback. “Is that possible?” he pondered, but was quickly reassured when he saw how swiftly director Hwang Dong-hyuk crafted the new script. “At this level, we can start shooting right away,” he noted of the ripe potential for the next installment.
Director Hwang shared a similar sense of awe about returning to the series. The first season demanded tremendous effort, leading him to question whether he would ever want to revisit it. Yet, feeling surreal on the first day back on set, he and Lee knew they had created something remarkable.
Lee’s outlook on the pressure of leading such a prominent series is refreshingly mature. “Saying that would almost be childish,” he remarked about the burdens of expectations. Instead, he prioritized the atmosphere on set, ensuring that everyone was enjoying themselves while also pushing to create a compelling narrative.
His career, which began when he was scouted at a café in Seoul while saving for vocational school, is a testament to his dedication and talent. From starring in Dinosaur Teacher at just 20, to the iconic role in Sandglass, Lee’s path hasn’t always been smooth. Yet, he views his journey’s ups and downs as enriching experiences that honed his ability to portray complex characters like Seong Gi-hun.
Having achieved the "quadruple grand slam" in Korean cinema awards—Best New Actor, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best New Director—Lee’s evolution as an artist is remarkable. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling that resonates across generations. His philosophy underscores the critical nature of relating tales to contemporary issues, be they societal or emotional.
Looking ahead to Season 2 of Squid Game, Lee indicated that the series aimed to highlight the dangers of societal ostracization based on individual choices. This theme resonates deeply, echoing ongoing global conflicts and divisions. “It’s timely because we are still experiencing war and conflict all over the world,” he explained, noting that while Season 1 was largely about the grim games themselves, Season 2 shifts the focus to the mechanisms of the Squid Game operations—providing a broader context for the narrative.
Lee’s portrayal of Gi-hun evolves tremendously throughout the series. Where we once saw a desperate, gambling-divorced man, we now find a character shaped into a courageous warrior. He embodies the journey of how even the smallest individuals can have a substantial impact when they muster the bravery to confront powerful adversities.
Director Hwang acknowledges the intricate nature of Gi-hun’s transformation. “It’s one of the biggest risks and differences from the first season,” he revealed, recognizing the challenge it posed for Lee. The character’s journey from confusion to conviction adds layers of depth that viewers will instinctively connect with.
Lee’s creative process is grounded in realism. He shared how he studied passersby to capture authentic mannerisms while preparing for Gi-hun, drawing from the lives around him to deliver a performance that feels disturbingly plausible. This attention to detail cultivates a more significant emotional connection with the audience, affirming that stories like Squid Game can mirror unsettling realities.
In addition to his acting career, Lee stepped into the director’s role with Hunt, a film set against the backdrop of 1980s South Korea. This venture was met with acclaim, showcasing his adeptness beyond acting and into more comprehensive storytelling.
Yet even amid his rising fame, Lee maintains a grounded approach to life. “I try to be optimistic and think positively,” he remarked, reflecting traits shared with his character. He enjoys his success but remains aware that it can be fleeting. As he balances work and potential vacations, he stays focused on what’s next—continuing to perfect his craft without losing sight of the humanity and stories that matter.
As fans await the premiere of Season 3, one can’t help but wonder how Lee, as Player 456, will further navigate the complexities of both the Squid Game and the realities it represents. He embodies a narrative that asks viewers to consider their role in a divided world. Lee Jung-jae is not just an actor; he is a storyteller intent on making a profound impact with each performance.
Squid Game Season 3 promises to delve deeper into its characters and themes while reflecting societal truths. As June 27 approaches, anticipation continues to swell. What will become of Seong Gi-hun, and will he emerge as the heroic figure the world needs? Only time will tell as Lee Jung-jae leads us through this next thrilling chapter.
