The series Squid Game exploded onto Netflix's global ratings, but its actors were the real discoveries. Millions recognized their faces, but behind the scenes, their stories remain a mystery to many.
Before achieving resounding success, these artists had traveled a long and often challenging path. Many of them worked for years in theater and television in South Korea, honing their craft but without gaining widespread recognition outside the country.
Global fame changed their lives overnight. After the series was released, they found themselves in the spotlight in Hollywood, receiving international awards and invitations to major foreign projects. Their careers reached a whole new level.
The actors from “Squid Game” are now actively filming in new movies and series, choosing interesting and diverse roles. Their stories prove that true talent and hard work will eventually be recognized, and sometimes this happens in the most unexpected ways.
Lee Jung-jae as Player No. 456
Lee Jung-jae as Player No. 456 in the Netflix series Squid Game (2021)
Lee Jung-jae plays the lead role of Song Gi-hun, player No. 456, a pathological loser who lives with his mother and dreams of getting back his 10-year-old daughter, who lives with his ex-wife and her new husband. The South Korean actor, who turned 49 today, began his media career as a model and then made his successful debut in the drama Teacher Dinosaur (1993). His portfolio also includes the films New World (2013), Tick Tock (2016), and Thieves (2012). According to Jong-jae, in the first week after the premiere of Squid Game, he began receiving numerous calls with offers to shoot — so viewers around the world will likely soon see the actor outside of Netflix.
5 reasons for the phenomenal popularity of the series “Squid Game” Read
Park Hae-soo — Player No. 218
Park Hae-soo as Player No. 218 in the Netflix series Squid Game (2021)
The character Park Hae-su, Cho Sang-woo, or player No. 218, is the former “son of his mother's friend” and now a bankrupt businessman accused of fraud. Before Squid Game Park starred in projects such as Prison Wisdom (2017) and The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016). And soon, the South Korean actor will appear in the local version of Money Heist. In addition to his breakthrough in the new Netflix series, Park also celebrated a personal milestone as a new father. On September 29, the 39-year-old actor and his wife welcomed a son.
2021 Oscar winner Yoon Ye-jeong and other South Korean actresses to watch Read
Jeon Ho-yeon — Player No. 067
Jeon Ho-yeon as Player No. 067 in the Netflix series Squid Game (2021) Jeon Ho-yeon, who played the North Korean refugee and talented thief Kang Sae-byeok, Player No. 067, in the Netflix hit, is a well-known model. Her career began with the show “Top Model Korean Style,” where she took second place. Now 27, Ho-yeon is one of the most successful Asian models on the catwalk, with shows for Bottega Veneta, Chanel, Fendi, Jacquemus, and several glossy magazine covers in her portfolio. Filming for Squid Game marked the model's debut in cinema.
Anupam Tripathi — Player No. 199
Anupam Tripathi as Player No. 199 in the Netflix series Squid Game (2021) Anupam Tripathi's character, Abdul Ali, Player No. 199, is a migrant from Pakistan who lost his fingers in the factory where he worked. The 32-year-old actor was born in India and moved to South Korea in 2010 to attend the Korea National University of Arts. He made his film debut in Ode to My Father (2014), after which he appeared in several other films in supporting roles. In Squid Game, Tripat played his first major role and has already thanked the show's viewers for their support. “There are no words to express my gratitude to the people around the world who love and bless Ali and Squid Game,” he wrote on Instagram.
How do you pronounce Korean beauty brands correctly? Read
Ho Sung-tae — Player No. 101
Ho Sung-tae as player No. 101 in the Netflix series Squid Game (2021) Ho Sung-tae played Chan Dok-su, player No. 101, a gangster and the main villain of the game, in the Netflix series. The 37-year-old actor is relatively new to cinema; just a couple of years ago, he was working at LG's Russian office. Sung-tae graduated from the Russian language department at Pusan University and then oversaw the sale of televisions to our market. You can hear the star of Squid Game speak Russian in another recent Korean series, Monster (2021).
The actors of the Netflix series Squid Game became global stars literally overnight. Many of them had previously worked in the Korean industry for a long time, overcoming difficulties and rejections. One of them even managed to work in Russia, another built a career in Hollywood, and a third got his first leading role in this film. Now their lives have changed forever — they have millions of fans around the world, offers from major studios, and the recognition they have been waiting for for years.
Oh Yeon-su — Player No. 001
Oh Yeon-su as Player No. 001 in the Netflix series Squid Game (2021) Oh Yeon-su landed the role of one of the most touching characters in Squid Game, cancer patient Oh Il-nam, Player No. 001. The actor is 76 years old and has appeared in dozens of projects over his long career, the most successful of which are the drama Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter… and Spring (2003) and the historical series The Great Queen Seondeok (2009).
Vi Ha-joon — detective
Wi Ha-joon plays a police detective in Squid Game who travels to the island to find his missing brother. According to the actor, the Netflix series was one of the most exciting projects in his portfolio. “I couldn't put the script down and read it all in one go,” he admitted in an interview with Men's Health Korea. In addition to Squid Game, the 30-year-old South Korean actor has starred in the popular films The Wailing (2018), Midnight (2021), and 18 Again (2020).
5 good reasons to visit South Korea this summer Read
The story of the actors from “Squid Game” is a vivid example of how talent and perseverance can lead to worldwide recognition. For many of them, the road to success began with long and serious work in their homeland, South Korea, where they honed their skills in theater, film, and television.
The unexpected global breakthrough of the series became a real ticket to the Hollywood league for them. Almost overnight, their faces became recognizable to millions of viewers around the world. This opened the door to new projects, collaborations with famous directors, and participation in major international awards.
Thus, their careers are an inspiring symbol of the globalization of modern culture. They have proven that sincere acting and deep character development can overcome language barriers and win the hearts of audiences anywhere in the world. Their story continues, and new roles await them ahead.
