New cast secrets revealed for 'Squid Game' Season 2

By KTimes

The much-anticipated "Squid Game" Season 2, set to premiere on Dec. 26, introduces a lineup of new faces, including the mother-son pair Geum-ja (played by Kang Ae-shim) and Yong-sik (played by Yang Dong-geun).

Geum-ja, joining the deadly survival game to support her debt-ridden son, and Yong-sik, driven by gambling debts, are shocked to encounter each other during the game.

In a recently released trailer, viewers get a glimpse of an emotional moment as Yong-sik clings to his mother, tearfully embracing her during a freeze tag game.

Kang Ae-shim, a seasoned theater actress, earned her role through a self-filmed audition. She said, “When I got the part, I couldn’t believe it was real. It only felt real once I donned the wig and began filming.” This role marks her debut in a global project.

Lee Seo-hwan, known for his villainous turn alongside Lee Jung-jae in "Deliver Us from Evil" (2020), joins "Squid Game" as Jeong-bae, a close colleague and longtime friend of Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae).

Initially apprehensive about reuniting with Lee Jung-jae due to the brutal scenes they shared in "Deliver Us from Evil," Lee Seo-hwan said, “Playing close friends was daunting, but as we filmed, I truly felt the camaraderie between our characters.”

Gong Yoo, whose mysterious "Ttakji Man" role captivated audiences in Season 1, returns with a larger presence in Season 2.

Recalling how director Hwang Dong-hyuk initially asked him to cameo, Gong said, “I suggested a nonspeaking, one-time role, but Hwang created the ‘Ttakji Man’ character, which has now grown, leaving me both thrilled and a bit anxious.”

Meanwhile, Lee Byung-hun, who portrayed the enigmatic "Front Man" character, will finally reveal his face in Season 2, adding a layer of complexity to his character.

“Playing 'Front Man' unmasked brought challenges, especially conveying the emotional depth of someone who orchestrates the entire game," Lee Byung-hun said. "Though he’s a mastermind with opposing ideals to Gi-hun, I focused on retaining his human side.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.