"You say it's more frustrating and less charming than 'Season 1'? I keep getting frustrated without things going as planned, and I'm toyed with by Young-il (played by Lee Byung-hun)... If you watch until Season 3, your thoughts will change."
Lee Jung-jae, the lead actor of the Netflix original series 'Squid Game', has returned. In Season 2, released on December 26 last year, he has become heavier and the scope of change has increased compared to the previous season. As a weighty character leading the work at the center of various and intense characters, he fully committed himself to hard carry the role.
‘Squid Game 2’ tells the story of ‘Gi-hun’ (played by Lee Jung-jae), who returns to participate in the game seeking revenge, and the fierce confrontation with ‘Frontman’ (played by Lee Byung-hun), as the real game begins again.
As a global sensation, it topped the charts in 92 countries immediately after its release on the 27th of last month, and on the following day, it recorded number one in 93 countries. Less than a week after its premiere, it achieved the remarkable feat of ranking 7th in Netflix's all-time most popular non-English TV shows. However, evaluations from critics and audiences both domestically and internationally have been mixed, separate from commercial success.
On the 2nd, Lee Jung-jae (52), who met at a cafe in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, humbly bowed his head, saying, "I am surprised and proud that Korean content is receiving such attention worldwide."
He continued, "It's natural for opinions to be divided on any work, and I think that's perfectly normal. Above all, it's a good thing that various stories are being produced," and boldly stated, "I hope you enjoy it until 'Season 3' and evaluate it freely." He also clarified each question regarding 'highest appearance fee', 'casting controversy with top stars', 'friendship with Han Dong-hoon', and 'rumors of joining the MCU'. The following is a Q&A with Lee Jung-jae.
Q. What are your thoughts on the release of Season 2 after the huge success of Season 1 of 'Squid Game'?
A. Because of the high expectations, there was also a lot of pressure. Since Netflix did massive promotions worldwide, I was worried that expectations would rise endlessly. (laughs) It was fascinating and overwhelming to see big events happening in each country, spreading like a global festival. The 'Squid Game' series seems to be a series of extraordinary situations for me. Fortunately, many people have watched it, and I am glad that it is achieving good results. I feel even more precious and grateful thinking about when I can greet and be loved by so many people with Korean content again.
Q. It's been a while since you met again in 'Season 2'. It must be a special feeling?
A. During Season 1, I asked the director countless times, but he clearly said it was not a series and that it would end here. He said he would never do it again. But in the end, it became a series. (laughs)
People crushed by the sorrows and pains of life. I honestly couldn't predict whether the narratives of various characters could be expanded and upgraded rather than just replicated. But as expected, the director pulled it off. He wrote the script consisting of 13 episodes, shot for about a year, and the post-production took three years. Everyone overseas says it's a miracle. They call the director a 'genius'. I agree. I really think I am a lucky actor.
Q. Gi-hun's narrative has changed significantly.
A. I could feel the director's deep anguish. He portrayed Gi-hun's new purpose and the process of achieving that goal very intricately. As an actor, I am grateful for that. It was interesting, precious, and easier than I expected. I suppressed my desire to receive the script as soon as possible, and it was worth the wait. My heart raced as soon as I received it, and I was captivated as soon as I saw it. Just like in Season 1, I tried to maintain the center of the work while depicting the process of change as we passed through the turning point in Season 2. Above all, since the first button must be fastened well, I placed great importance on the first scene, the first shoot, and the first episode. Having 'Mugunghwa Flower Has Bloomed' as the first game was an excellent strategy. It allowed viewers to quickly immerse themselves in a familiar world.
Q. In that regard, your scene with Gong Yoo was impressive. The tension and energy exchange between the two of you were significant.
A. When Gong Yoo freely emitted energy, my task was to absorb it as much as possible. He delivered it so passionately and perfectly that it was easy to immerse myself in it. I didn't know he had such a lazy eye. It was a new face and energy, and I also got drawn in. I'm just grateful that he completed the scene beautifully.
Q. It seems that opinions have become more divided regarding the work and characters in Season 2 and 3. It's a pity that it wasn't released as a complete piece?
A. Gi-hun is a character who moves straight toward his goal, so there was no opportunity to show the bright, fun, and down-to-earth aspects from the first part. Fortunately, other characters filled that part. Gi-hun had to maintain the center, so his role changed.
I understand that there was a lot of anguish from Netflix and the director about splitting Season 2 and 3, and how many episodes to divide. In overseas series, such 'cliffhangers' (a technique that ends a story at a climax to make the next development intriguing) are common, but there are actually many stronger examples than ours, so it seems particularly unfamiliar in Korea. Of course, if it had been released all at once, there would have been benefits to that, but then it might have taken longer, and the gap with Season 1 would have been too long. Above all, the final decision on scheduling and distribution lies with Netflix, so I believe they made the best choice for the content after discussions with the director.
Q. In that context, opinions about Gi-hun have also been mixed. There were unexpectedly many negative reviews.
A. Gi-hun has transformed and turned a blind eye to people's deaths. That's the turning point. But how about changing the perspective a bit? As he continues to be frustrated, he falls into chaos, shakes, and collapses, hitting rock bottom. That's human nature. It's natural for any work or character to have divided opinions. However, if you consider the overall narrative, there will definitely be room for empathy.
Q. How was the chemistry with Lee Byung-hun?
A. It was essentially our first chemistry. I wondered why we hadn't met more often, but this time we met properly. I was disappointed that we only brushed past each other in Season 1, but I was really happy to meet him throughout Season 2. We shared various stories, closely observed each other's work, and exchanged good chemistry. However, I get toyed with a lot. Young-il seems to enjoy it quite a bit. Watching the work, I felt so sorry for Gi-hun. (laughs)
Q. You met Choi Seung-hyun (TOP), whom you have a friendship with, as actors after a long time. What were your thoughts on that, and how do you feel about the controversies surrounding the work?
A. There were suspicions about casting based on connections, but I stated that it was not the case, and I thought I should explain any misunderstandings if given the opportunity. It's not good for misunderstandings to pile up, no matter what. I was glad to meet Choi Seung-hyun after a long time on set, and I know he communicated closely with the director. He tends to give meticulous direction to all actors, so I believe he had many discussions with Choi Seung-hyun as well. I think any actor must endure the evaluations and recognition of their performance. The same goes for Choi Seung-hyun. Regardless of any evaluations or perspectives, I believe he must endure all the results of his performance.
Q. It is said that you received about 1 billion won+ per episode, the highest appearance fee ever?
A. I can't disclose the exact amount, but there are definitely misunderstandings. I don't know if it's the highest ever. However, it is true that I received a lot. (laughs) Ultimately, the most important thing in a contract is the 'relationship'. I think the best contract is one where both parties can win-win under optimal conditions without falling out. In that regard, I am satisfied.
Q. The two-shot with Han Dong-hoon also became a hot topic. There were even rumors of a political career...
A. We are just classmates. (laughs) We really only had a meal together. We had a meal at a restaurant, and I received homemade kimchi as a gift. I was so grateful that I took a picture with the kimchi I received. Someone took the photo with my phone, and it seems there was a fan of Han Dong-hoon next to me. They took it and posted it. I was so surprised. The misunderstanding has expanded, and many rumors have arisen, making it difficult to meet now. I think interactions have become cautious. I tend to struggle when difficulties arise in my work. So naturally, it has become a situation where I can only drift away.
Q. Has there been any change due to the 'Squid Game' series?
A. The overseas perspective on Korea has changed significantly. I feel happiest and proud when I realize that. It is so different now compared to when I went abroad a long time ago. There are many questions, and they ask things I never thought of, and they have a lot of information.
Q. There has also been mention of the possibility of joining the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe).
A. I was surprised to see that news this morning, as I had no idea. I thought I should ask my (overseas) agent just in case. If an offer comes in, I would be very grateful, but the character is important. For now, I don't think I could play a villain. Gi-hun is a character loved for being good, and since Season 3 hasn't been released yet, I want to maintain that tone until the 'Squid Game' series is completely finished. No, am I drinking kimchi soup right now? Haha!
Q. The global popularity has become overwhelming, and the responsibility must be heavy.
A. It is indeed heavy. I have a strong desire to do something meaningful. In the past, I only focused on my work, but my thoughts have changed now. When will such interest and popularity last again? If I can promote our content and the good aspects of our country while I can, I want to do that. If I can step up and help, I will try to make time for it. Many people are already doing that. I believe that in the future, there will be more famous people than me who will continue to carry that baton.
Q. Can you tell us about the recent news of the couple Jung Woo-sung and Lee Ji-eun?
A. I know they are diligently filming their next project, 'Made in Korea'. Since the historical background of the work is modern, they mainly shoot in the provinces, so I haven't been able to meet them lately. I also have a short time in Korea due to overseas promotions, so I haven't had a chance to talk. I plan to meet them once our busy schedules settle down.
