Lee Jung-jae Says He’s Not Ready to Say Goodbye to ‘Squid Game’ Character Seong Gi-hun
Lee Jung-jae says he hasn't said goodbye to Seong Gi-hun as *Squid Game* Season 3 nears release, calling the audience's response part of the journey.
South Korean star Lee Jung-jae says he has yet to part ways with his iconic Squid Game character, Seong Gi-hun, despite production wrapping on the series' third and final season. The Emmy-winning actor, who catapulted to global fame after Season 1 of the Netflix hit in 2021, returns for one final chapter when Squid Game Season 3 premieres on June 27.
“We haven’t released Season 3 yet, and we still don’t know how audiences will respond,” Lee said in a virtual interview with PTI. “I haven’t said goodbye to Gi-hun yet, even though we’ve finished filming. For me, part of the journey is seeing how people react. Once that happens, I’ll be ready to let go.”
Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, Squid Game follows 456 debt-ridden contestants who compete in deadly versions of childhood games for a massive cash prize of 45.6 billion won. Gi-hun emerged as the Season 1 winner but instead of enjoying his prize, he vowed to dismantle the brutal system behind the games—a mission that takes him deeper into danger in Seasons 2 and 3.
Lee reflected on how playing Gi-hun reminded him of fundamental values often overlooked in modern life.
“One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of understanding and helping others,” Lee said. “There are things we think we’re aware of, but often forget. Squid Game gave me the opportunity to reflect on those.”
When asked how similar he is to his character, Lee noted that he and Gi-hun share many traits: “As the actor portraying him, my own interpretation helped shape Gi-hun. So yes, we are quite alike.”
The 52-year-old actor, known for acclaimed roles in An Affair, Il Mare, Hunt, and Chief of Staff, also praised the Korean entertainment industry for its willingness to tackle themes like social inequality and injustice.
“In Korea, we explore themes in a very free, in-depth way—whether they’re social, political, or romantic,” he said. “That’s the strength of Korean storytelling today.”
Squid Game Season 3 will feature an expanded cast including Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon, Im Si-wan, Park Sung-hoon, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Yang Dong-geun, Jo Yu-ri, Lee David, and Roh Jae-won.
Fans worldwide now await the series' conclusion—and Gi-hun’s final chapter.
