Lee Jung-jae Boosts Anticipation for 'Squid Game' Season 2 on 'The Tonight Show'

On December 18, actor Lee Jung-jae made a notable appearance on NBC's 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,' where he showcased his charm and wit while discussing the highly anticipated second season of the Netflix series 'Squid Game' (오징어 게임). The show, which has been a staple of late-night television since its debut in 1954, continues to draw high ratings in the U.S.

Lee, who has already gained international acclaim from the first season and other projects like Disney Plus's 'The Acolyte,' captivated the audience with his seasoned demeanor. His stylish sheer outfit further highlighted his status as a fashion icon in South Korea.

Reflecting on his Emmy win for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, Lee shared, "It was such an incredible day, and I still get butterflies thinking about it. I never imagined I would be here."

He recounted his journey in the entertainment industry, starting from a part-time job at a café to being cast as a model, which eventually led to his acting career. "I was just trying to save some money and didn’t expect to be doing this for so long. I certainly didn’t foresee being part of 'Squid Game' or appearing on 'The Tonight Show.' It feels surreal," he said, earning applause from the audience.

Lee also cleverly promoted 'Squid Game' Season 2, sharing his Christmas plans: "I’ll be catching up on sleep on the 25th after promotions in LA and New York, and I plan to binge-watch Season 2 on the 26th." He expressed his concerns about living up to the success of the first season but remained confident in the new season's diverse storytelling and clear themes. "Many characters face dire situations, and I’m just trying to survive," he joked, prompting more applause.

On December 20, Lee continued his promotional tour by appearing on ABC's 'Good Morning America' alongside director Hwang Dong-hyuk and co-star Lee Byung-hun. In an interview with Korean-American anchor Juju Chang, he discussed the shift in his character's motivations for Season 2, stating, "In Season 1, I turned a blind eye to injustice, but in Season 2, it’s about stopping the game and seeking revenge on those who created it."

Lee Jung-jae is set to appear on the 'Jennifer Hudson Show' on January 8 and the 'Kelly Clarkson Show' on January 15, further fueling excitement for 'Squid Game' Season 2, which premieres on Netflix on December 26. The new season promises intense confrontations between Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) and the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) as the real game begins anew.