Actress Jo Yu Ri (24) has firmly denied the rumor that she received 4.2 billion KRW (about $3.15 million) for her role in 'Squid Game Season 2.' During an interview on January 9th at a café in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Jo Yuri addressed the circulating speculation about her paycheck and clarified the truth.

"Thank you for bringing this up," Jo Yu Ri began, referring to the rumor. "When I first saw the claim that I received 4.2 billion KRW (about $3.15 million), I couldn't help but laugh. It was something I never imagined, and I was surprised to see that some people actually believed it." 

She emphasized, "I can't disclose the exact salary, but I can assure you that 4.2 billion KRW (about $3.15 million) is a completely false amount. I’ve never seen or even thought about such a sum."

The rumor had raised eyebrows, especially given Jo Yu Ri's rise to fame as an idol before transitioning into acting. Despite this, she made it clear that the reported figure was nothing more than baseless speculation.

Jo Yu Ri also shared her experience joining 'Squid Game Season 2,' recounting the lengthy and competitive audition process. "I went through four rounds of auditions, including video submissions and auditions with the assistant director and the director," she explained. "It took over three months, with the second round alone lasting about two months due to the high number of applicants."

She also reflected on the challenges she faced during this period, including personal struggles and the emotional rollercoaster of auditioning for such a major project. "At the time, I was going through one of the most difficult phases of my life, but the last audition I had was for Squid Game, and I felt a deep determination to make it," Jo Yu Ri shared.

Despite the attention surrounding the salary rumor, Jo Yu Ri's primary focus remains her role in the global sensation 'Squid Game Season 2.' The series has continued to break records on Netflix, securing the top spot in the platform’s global Top 10 rankings, with 'Squid Game Season 2' reaching 58.2 million watch hours between December 30 and January 5.

Jo Yu Ri concluded, "I’m thankful for the support from fans, but it’s important to separate fact from fiction. The 4.2 billion KRW (about $3.15 million) rumor is absolutely false."

SEE ALSO: Lim Si Wan and Jo Yu Ri shine in Squid Game Season 2