Lee Byung-hun Shares Behind-the-Scenes Stories from 'Squid Game' on The Tonight Show

Actor Lee Byung-hun made a memorable appearance on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he shared amusing behind-the-scenes anecdotes related to his role in the hit series 'Squid Game' (오징어 게임). During the episode aired on June 17, 2025, Lee discussed the secrecy surrounding his character, the Front Man, during the first season.

He revealed that Netflix had requested him to keep his participation a complete secret, stating, "I didn’t even tell my closest friends or my mother." This led to a humorous moment when he recalled his mother’s reaction after the show's release. "She called me, furious, asking how I could keep such an important thing from her," he laughed, adding that he felt guilty about the situation since she had learned about it from others.

Lee also reflected on the global phenomenon that 'Squid Game' has become, noting, "After 30 years in acting and several Hollywood projects, 'Squid Game' is different. It’s a story from Korea, made by Korean directors and actors, in the Korean language." He expressed his surprise at the enthusiastic response from fans during promotional visits to Los Angeles and New York, calling it an honor and a proud moment.

When asked if he anticipated the show's success, Lee candidly shared, "When I first read the script, I found it very intriguing and unique. I thought it was a very experimental attempt, and it could either be a huge success or a complete failure."

Through this appearance, Lee Byung-hun not only showcased his charm and fluency in English but also conveyed the responsibilities and emotions he feels as a Korean actor in the global entertainment landscape, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.