Lee Byung Hun on ‘Squid Game’ season 2: stepping into the spotlight as Frontman
In ‘Squid Game’ season 2, actor Lee Byung Hun takes center stage as In Ho, also known as the enigmatic Frontman. After his brief but impactful cameo in season 1, Lee’s role expands as In Ho oversees the deadly games following the death of Oh Il Nam. He monitors the players, particularly focusing on the returning Seong Gi Hun (Lee Jung Jae), who seeks vengeance in the new round of challenges.
Reflecting on the global success of ‘Squid Game’ season 2, Lee shared, “So many people worked hard on this project, and it’s incredibly rewarding for everyone involved to see such positive reactions. It’s an honor to be part of something that resonates worldwide.”
He further remarked on the surreal experience of being celebrated globally for a Korean-language production. “Even when working on English-speaking projects in Hollywood, I never received this kind of overwhelming applause. Now, with a Korean project, people everywhere are embracing it. It’s ironic yet deeply moving. When someone used to greet me in Korean abroad, it felt special. Now, wherever I go, people start conversations with ‘Annyeonghaseyo.’ It’s incredible to see how far Korean content has come, and I feel immense pride as part of this movement.”
While Lee is already a household name in Korea, the staggering global viewership numbers from Netflix add a new layer of significance. “This is a first for me,” he admitted. “Even when I began working in Hollywood, I didn’t immediately grasp what that industry could be. When season 1 succeeded, I was more of an observer, but now, as a central figure in the story, hearing people talk about Frontman feels surreal. The full impact of this phenomenon is still unfolding, and it’s both exciting and humbling.”
‘Squid Game’ season 2 explores the fierce showdown between Gi Hun and Frontman, along with the return of the harrowing games. The series is now streaming on Netflix, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.
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