Stepping onto the set of “Squid Game” season two, Lee Jong-jae felt like he had never left. In a recent interview, Lee shared that he had been living with his character, Gi-hun, for about two years, feeling a deep connection to the role.
“Squid Game” gained immense popularity upon its release in 2021, becoming Netflix's most-watched series and receiving critical acclaim, including Primetime Emmy Awards for acting and directing. The success of the show propelled Lee's career to new heights, leading him to prestigious events like the Cannes Film Festival and securing his first English-language role in the “Star Wars” series.
When Netflix greenlit a second season of “Squid Game,” there were doubts about the timeline, given the extensive work put into the first season. However, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk surprised everyone by completing the scripts for both season two and a third season in just six months.
The introduction of new characters and storylines in season two presented challenges, with particular focus on the fate of Gi-hun. The cast members, including those debuting in the new season, expressed cautious optimism about the audience's reception.
The global appeal of “Squid Game” has opened doors for the cast, providing opportunities to showcase their talents on an international stage. For veteran actors like Lee Byung-hun, the show has been instrumental in expanding their reach beyond Korea.
The casting process for season two was a rigorous one, with actors like Jo Yu-ri recalling emotional moments upon securing their roles. The expansion of the “Squid Game” universe includes a reality competition show based on the series and an English version in development.
However, season two has not been without controversy, notably surrounding the portrayal of a transgender character by Park Sung-hoon. Creator Hwang acknowledged the challenges in casting transgender roles in Korea but defended the decision, citing the limited pool of actors and Park's exceptional performance.
As the “Squid Game” phenomenon continues to captivate audiences worldwide, the future looks promising for the cast and crew involved in the groundbreaking series.
