"‘Squid Game’ is my representative work and it's hard to define it with any word. It’s a work that makes me think of my original intentions. Thanks to this work, I always reminded myself not to lose my original intentions, and it was a work that could knock on my door."
Actor Wi Ha-jun (34), who has been running together since Season 1, reflected on the past as ‘Squid Game’ reached its finale.
Released on the 27th of last month, ‘Squid Game’ Season 3 depicts Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), who loses his best friend in a game he re-enters with his own purpose, and the Frontman (Lee Byung-hun), who hides his identity while infiltrating the game, along with the final fates of the participants who survived in that brutal game.
‘Squid Game’ Season 3 ranked first in the non-English TV show category on Netflix just three days after its release. It also topped the charts in 93 countries worldwide, becoming Netflix's first work to achieve number one in all countries during its first week of release. Furthermore, it entered the top 9 of Netflix's all-time series (non-English) in its first week, with Seasons 1, 2, and 3 all ranking within the top 10 of Netflix's all-time most popular series (non-English).
Wi Ha-jun passionately portrayed Junho, who struggles to find his lost brother In-ho.
Having been with the show since Season 1, Wi Ha-jun said, "It feels bittersweet that it's over. During the parade event, when they showed videos from Season 1, I got emotional. It felt like I was letting go now."
After the release, there were many reactions expressing disappointment about Junho's character's screen time and presence. In response, Wi Ha-jun said, "I understand. If you like Junho, you might have wanted more from him. I think he couldn't shoot because his brother symbolizes the future generation."
He continued, "From Junho's perspective, I think he is a really lonely and pitiful character. He struggles to survive after dying, and the only person who helped him was Captain Park (played by Oh Dal-soo). While it may seem like he should be more suspicious, he is someone who saved him, and there is no one else he can trust that much. That's why he couldn't be suspicious."
Wi Ha-jun also mentioned, "I read the script and I know what the director intended and wanted to convey. I was glad to be able to share this journey with the director. I had no expectations or greed from the beginning, nor did I think I would benefit from it. I am grateful that I received so much love during Season 1 and could be part of it until now."
He added, "After the parade, our ‘Squid Game’ team had a meal together, and Director Hwang Dong-hyuk said that he wrote each character with sincerity, thinking about how to bring them to life, so even if there are some disappointments, he wanted us to understand that sincerity and love. I empathized with that and found it touching. The director genuinely embraced all the actors."
Although not everything was captured in the work, what would Junho's future have been like? Wi Ha-jun said, "Personally, I think Junho is the most righteous character, which is why he took care of the baby. If it were Junho, he would have raised the baby well. And I think he would have chased after his brother again. As family, he would be very curious about what happened and would want to ask until the end. If that is not resolved, I don't think he could live. That's how I imagined Junho would be."
When asked what it would have been like if Junho had been a participant, he replied, "I also have that curiosity," adding, "If I were to participate, I would want to play 'Mugunghwa Flower Has Bloomed' and 'Air Game'. I used to win against most boys in air games since I was young, and I could play games with girls too."
At the end of ‘Squid Game’ Season 3, Hollywood star Cate Blanchett made a surprise appearance as the 'Ddakji Man' (a character known as Lirukteur), which drew attention.
Wi Ha-jun said, "I didn't know Cate Blanchett would appear. She's an actress I really like, and she was so cool and impressive," adding, "If a spin-off or American version is made, I would love that, and I would want to participate."
Did he check the audience's reactions? He said, "I found the 'City Fisherman' meme funny. However, I think Junho represents a character who shows that no matter how hard he struggles, there is no hope. I hope people can empathize with that a little more and find comfort."
Wi Ha-jun reflected on the past five years with ‘Squid Game’.
He stated, "‘Squid Game’ has elevated the value of our country's artistic culture. There were no such works before. I am grateful and honored to have been able to be part of it. ‘Squid Game’ has changed my personal life as well. I will never forget it," adding, "Personally, I have the most affection for Season 1. It was when I became known as an actor, and there was a change in my life as an actor."
He continued, "Before that, I was struggling to land roles. Thanks to ‘Squid Game’ doing well, the range of choices as an actor has expanded, and there are people who recognize me. I never thought I would get to go abroad for schedules like this," smiling, "My family's lives have also changed. I was able to replace my parents' old car and give them cash, which was rewarding."
Additionally, he said, "As an actor, there was a lot of pressure, but I think I have matured. At first, I was getting attention but couldn't really enjoy it. I was very anxious. I was careful with my words and couldn't truly enjoy it. I could have enjoyed it a little, but at that time, I was trying hard to stay grounded and not be shaken. People around me said that it was touching to see that. However, looking back, when Seasons 2 and 3 came out, I felt I could enjoy it a little more. I think just being part of this work is happiness."
Having completed ‘Squid Game’ Season 3, Wi Ha-jun will begin filming his next project ‘Siren’ this month. He expressed his excitement, saying, "The script is interesting, so I am really looking forward to it."
[Yang So-young, Star Today Reporter]
