Actor Im Si Wan, who plays Lee Myeong Gi in the highly anticipated Netflix drama 'Squid Game Season 2,' recently shared his thoughts on working with Big Bang's T.O.P and G-Dragon during an interview on January 10. The interview was held at a café in Jongno, Seoul, ahead of the season’s release.
Reflecting on his time as an idol, Si Wan recalled his past experiences with Big Bang, describing them as the epitome of what it meant to be a celebrity. He reminisced about the days when the group was in its prime, noting that seeing them in the same waiting room felt like a rare occurrence. “Big Bang was the idol among idols. Even just a simple greeting from them felt like a momentous occasion,” said Im, adding that he remembered his fellow group member, Kwanghee, joking that he thoughtBig Bang had noticed his outfit.
Si Wan also spoke about his action scenes with T.O.P, which involved taking classes together. He shared a memorable experience during a particular shoot, where both actors were in the midst of an intense action scene. “We were both in the air during a take, and that’s when T.O.P broke his rib. I know how painful that is from my own experience, but he continued to push through. That’s when I realized that their level of professionalism was truly remarkable,” Si Wan added.
On working with G-Dragon in variety shows, Si Wan revealed that although they shared the same age, G-Dragon occupies a different place in the cultural landscape. “He is someone who has led an entire cultural movement, and to be around someone like that, it felt like I was in another world. It’s truly admirable. The weight of his position must be immense, but he has withstood it all, and I have a deep respect for him,” he said.
When asked about the mixed reviews regarding T.O.P's acting, Siwan offered a balanced perspective, acknowledging that opinions about acting are always subjective. “I think it’s natural for there to be differing opinions on his performance, but I think he brings something unique to the role,” he stated, adding that he wouldn't have been able to play certain characters like Thanos and that he definitely wouldn't attempt rap scenes.
Si Wan also spoke about his role as a cryptocurrency YouTuber in the series. “I’ve had some experience in the field, but the character is far more extreme than my own experiences. I’ve never done YouTube, but I watched many videos to get a feel for the tone and approach that I wanted to convey in my performance.”
As for 'Squid Game Season 2,' the show continues to build on its massive success, with the gripping competition between Gi Hun (Lee Jung Jae) and Frontman (Lee Byung Hun) unfolding against the backdrop of high-stakes games. According to Netflix’s Top 10 chart, 'Squid Game 2' has been a global hit, accumulating 58.2 million viewing hours from December 30 to January 5 and ranking first in both English and non-English series categories across 93 countries.
In his portrayal of Lee Myeong Gi, a character who turns to cryptocurrency and internet broadcasting in an attempt to strike it rich, Im Siwan brings depth to the complex emotional and relational dynamics, particularly with his character’s ex-girlfriend and the pressure from characters like Thanos (T.O.P) and Nam Gyu (Roh Jae Won).
With a stellar performance in the second season of 'Squid Game,' Im Si Wan proves once again why he remains one of Korea’s most respected actors.
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